Unlocking the Full Power of Telehealth in Rural America

Telehealth has emerged as a critical tool in bridging the healthcare gap for rural America. As we look back over the past few years, it’s clear that the expansion of telehealth services has had a profound impact on rural communities, where access to healthcare has long been a significant challenge.

A Look at Telehealth Trends

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth was already gaining traction in rural areas. A study published in JAMA found that telemedicine visits for rural Medicare beneficiaries increased at an annual growth rate of 28% from 2004 to 2013, with the majority of these visits addressing mental health needs. By 2017, 76% of hospitals had integrated telehealth services, up from just 35% in 2010, according to the American Hospital Association.

The pandemic further accelerated this trend. With restrictions on in-person visits and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) relaxing telehealth regulations, the use of telehealth soared. A 2022 analysis revealed that telehealth accounted for 13% of all outpatient visits between March and August 2020. During this period, 44% of Medicare beneficiaries in rural areas utilized telemedicine services—a significant jump, though still trailing behind their urban counterparts.

Despite this growth, the use of telehealth in rural areas has declined since its peak in 2020, with urban beneficiaries continuing to outpace rural users in telehealth adoption. However, the potential of telehealth to transform rural healthcare remains immense.

The Impact on Rural Healthcare Providers and Communities

Telehealth has not only improved access to care but also alleviated some of the unique challenges faced by rural healthcare providers. Telehealth creates a virtual professional network that helps reduce feelings of isolation among rural providers, improves retention, and enhances the quality of care. Providers gain access to team-based care, real-time consults with specialists, and virtual networks with peers, all of which are crucial for delivering comprehensive care in rural settings.

Financially, telehealth can also be a boon for rural healthcare systems. A report by NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association highlighted several economic benefits, including decreased patient transportation costs, reduced hospital staffing expenses, and increased local lab and pharmacy revenues. Telehealth can also enhance patient outcomes, providing timely care and increasing access to specialists without the need for travel.

Reaching Patients at Home

Telehealth’s versatility extends beyond traditional healthcare settings. E-visits and virtual consultations allow patients to initiate care from their homes, making healthcare more accessible and convenient. Remote patient monitoring (RPM) enables healthcare providers to track patients' health data in real-time, offering a proactive approach to managing chronic conditions and recovering from illnesses such as COVID-19.

Moreover, mHealth, or mobile health, leverages mobile devices to provide health-related information and communication, expanding the reach of healthcare to even the most remote areas. Telecare, a subset of telehealth, supports elderly and disabled patients in living independently, using technology like fitness trackers, medication reminders, and fall detection devices.

Telebehavioral health is another vital service, particularly for rural areas with limited access to mental health care. By offering mental and behavioral health services remotely, telehealth has filled a critical gap, ensuring that rural residents receive the support they need.

Actionable Steps for Rural Community Leaders

The benefits of telehealth for rural communities are clear, but to fully realize its potential, we need the collaboration and support of local leaders, cooperatives, and organizations. Electric Membership Corporations (EMCs), associations, and other rural cooperatives can play a pivotal role in expanding telehealth services by partnering with platforms designed to meet the unique needs of rural Americans.

Access For Health is committed to eliminating barriers to care and making healthcare more accessible and affordable for rural populations. With 24/7 virtual care, zero-copay lab testing, and innovative solutions like the hospital bill eraser, Access for Health is tailored to address the challenges faced by rural communities.

If you’re a leader of an EMC, association, or rural cooperative and want to explore how we can work together to bring these essential services to your community, I invite you to reach out to me at [email protected]. Let’s collaborate to ensure that every rural resident has access to the healthcare they need.

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