Will Telehealth Save Patients Money or Drive Up Costs?

Whether telehealth saves patients money or drives up costs is a complex question with no easy answer. There are many factors to consider, including the type of telehealth service, the patient's insurance coverage, and the patient's location.

Potential benefits of telehealth that could save patients money:

* Reduced transportation costs: Telehealth eliminates the need for patients to travel to a doctor's office or hospital, which can save them time and money on gas, parking, and public transportation.

* Lower copayments: Some insurance companies offer lower copayments for telehealth visits than for in-person visits.

*Convenience: Telehealth can be more convenient for patients who have difficulty traveling, such as those who live in rural areas or who have disabilities.

*Time savings: Telehealth can save patients time by eliminating the need to wait in a doctor's office or hospital.

Potential costs of telehealth that could drive up costs:

* Lack of insurance coverage: Some insurance companies do not cover telehealth services, or they may only cover them under certain circumstances.

*Technology costs: Patients may need to purchase a computer or smartphone in order to access telehealth services.

*Internet access: Patients need access to a reliable internet connection in order to use telehealth services.

*Data charges: Patients may incur data charges if they use telehealth services over a cellular network.

Additional factors that could affect the cost of telehealth

The type of telehealth service: Some telehealth services, such as video visits, are more expensive than others, such as phone calls.

The patient's location: Telehealth services may be more expensive in rural areas, where there is less competition among providers.

It is important for patients to weigh the potential benefits and costs of telehealth before deciding whether or not to use these services.

Overall, telehealth has the potential to save patients money, but there are also some potential costs to consider.