Telehealth Claims Surge: A Closer Look at Patient Trends
Overall Increase in Telehealth Claims
In recent months, telehealth services have experienced a notable rise, with data indicating that the percentage of patients submitting telehealth claims increased across all US regions. This trend underscores a gradual shift in how healthcare is being accessed and delivered. From the latest analysis, the national percentage of patients with telehealth claims rose from 14.2% in April to 14.3% in May, revealing a growing acceptance and utilization of digital health services.
Regional Breakdown of Telehealth Utilization
The West has reported the highest proportion of patients using telehealth, recorded at 18.7%, while the Midwest presented lower rates at 10.8%. The data reflected here represents the commercially insured population, excluding government-affiliated Medicare and Medicaid programs, emphasizing the expansion of telehealth services within the private insurance sector.
Shifts in Diagnostic Categories
Interestingly, diabetes mellitus emerged as one of the top five diagnostic categories impacting telehealth claims for the first time in 2025, particularly in the Midwest and West regions. In the Midwest, diabetes displaced overweight and obesity, while in the West, it outpaced acute respiratory diseases, which now occupies the fifth position. This shift suggests a changing landscape in telehealth diagnostics, highlighting the emphasis on chronic disease management via virtual care.
Impact on Mental Health Conditions
Data shows that mental health conditions continued to dominate as the leading diagnostic category nationally, although there was a slight reduction in claims for these services. The percentage of telehealth claims for mental health care decreased from 63.0% in April to 62.1% in May, signaling a need for ongoing attention to mental health diagnosis and treatment accessibility.
Telehealth Utilization in Urban vs. Rural Areas
Regional analysis indicated a fascinating divide between urban and rural telehealth service utilization. National statistics reflect that 14.5% of urban patients accessed telehealth, in contrast to only 7.5% of rural patients. This disparity was most pronounced in the West, where urban usage was significantly higher at 18.8%, compared to 7.9% in rural areas.
Age Demographics of Telehealth Users
Age demographics reveal that the age groups of 19-30 and 31-40 are the most active in utilizing telehealth services. Interestingly, in May, those aged 31-40 made up 22.8% of telehealth claims, surpassing the 22.4% from the younger age group of 19-30. This trend may point to an evolving understanding and acceptance of telehealth among various age segments.
Procedure Categories and Telehealth
The leading procedure categories utilizing telehealth have shown consistency, with psychotherapy services and outpatient services being the most common nationally and regionally. In April, outpatient services ranked second, while psychotherapy services led the statistics. However, in May, this order shifted, reflecting ongoing adaptation and growth within telehealth services and their application in patient care.
Monthly Telehealth Regional Tracker Overview
The Monthly Telehealth Regional Tracker, launched in early 2020, plays a crucial role in providing insights into the growth of telehealth services. It utilizes comprehensive data to trace evolving trends and patient behaviors in telehealth service usage across different regions. The tracker highlights not just percentage changes but also demographic changes, diagnostic and procedural categories – offering a rich snapshot of how telehealth is reshaping healthcare delivery.
About FAIR Health
FAIR Health operates as a national nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing transparency in healthcare costs and insurance information. With an extensive database of commercial healthcare claims, FAIR Health provides vital insights and analytics to healthcare providers, insurers, and consumers. Their commitment to supporting informed decisions in health-related services is evident through their extensive resources available to the public.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has telehealth usage increased?
The increase in telehealth usage can be attributed to greater accessibility, convenience, and the ongoing adjustment of healthcare services to meet patient needs without requiring in-person visits.
What diagnostic categories are trending in telehealth?
Emerging trends show that diabetes and mental health conditions are among the leading diagnostic categories in telehealth claims, emphasizing chronic health management.
How does urban telehealth usage compare to rural?
Urban areas demonstrate significantly higher telehealth usage compared to rural areas, indicating a gap in access and familiarity with telehealth services.
Which age groups benefit most from telehealth services?
Age groups between 19-40 are the most frequent users of telehealth services, reflecting a shift in comfort levels with virtual healthcare solutions.
What is the purpose of the Monthly Telehealth Regional Tracker?
The Monthly Telehealth Regional Tracker aims to track and analyze telehealth trends across various regions, providing insights into diagnosis and procedural shifts within telehealth services.
About The Author
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