State Report Cites Benefits of Telehealth

CEO Report - MDH’s Health Economics Program (HEP) released a final report recommending the “broad availability and use of telehealth as a tool to deliver health care services” in Minnesota. The report is in response to the Legislature’s directive in 2021.

Overall, the study concluded that

“…telehealth has expanded access to health care without appearing to increase health care spending or compromising quality of care or patient satisfaction.”

Overall telehealth use increased sharply during 2020 and has declined slightly, but still signifcantly above pre-pandemic levels.

The report cites FQHC’s use of telehealth:

“Some providers from federally qualified health centers (FQHC) have come to rely on telehealth for first visits with patients who have complex health needs, language barriers, or other challenges. In these instances, telehealth is used to provide a first conversation, understand the mix of needs, and map out a care plan. These telehealth visits also help build rapport and trust, which results in patients being more willing to come in person for follow-up care.”

Audio-only telehealth emerged as an important tool for accessing care, including behavioral health care, particularly among those with significant access to care challenges.

The report also surveyed specific populations’ preferences for receiving care. Older adults and BIPOC Minnesotans express more preferences for in-person care than the statewide averages.

Lastly, MDH makes nine recommendations to support the continued availability of telehealth. Two of the recommendations support the continuation of audio-only telehealth.