MDH study finds telehealth continues to benefit Minnesotans

A new report released by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) recommends continued support for the broad availability and use of telehealth as a tool to deliver health care services. The recommendation is part of MDH’s final report to the Minnesota Legislature on the impact of the 2021 Minnesota Telehealth Act on private sector health insurance. The report builds on a preliminary study of telehealth expansion and payment parity issued in June of 2023.

The report makes nine recommendations to support the availability and use of telehealth. These recommendations include support for reimbursing the same amount (known as payment parity) for audio-visual and audio-only (phone) telehealth services and the continued inclusion of audio-only care in the definition of telehealth. According to the study, audio-only telehealth fills an important gap in health care availability and access, particularly for people seeking behavioral health care, older Minnesotans, those with complex chronic conditions and those residing in areas with low broadband access.

The report summarizes findings from two years of research and stakeholder engagement led by MDH to address questions from the Legislature about the impact of telehealth expansion and payment parity on health care access, quality and outcomes, satisfaction, costs and equity.

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, patients and health care providers have increasingly found value in the convenience and flexibility of telehealth. MDH’s study of telehealth identified wide agreement among Minnesota providers, patients, health plans and public health professionals that telehealth expands access to care, makes getting care faster and easier and reduces barriers for patients.

The final report also concluded that telehealth expanded access to health care without appearing to compromise quality of care or patient satisfaction or increasing heath care spending.

Most Minnesotans who used telehealth were satisfied with their experience and both patients and providers appreciate the option of telehealth. However, preferences for telehealth versus in-person care varied, and the availability of in-person care is needed to ensure telehealth is one choice but not the only choice.

The increased access to health care offered by telehealth also has the potential to strengthen health equity, according to the study’s findings. Though it cannot solve systemic issues, telehealth could help to reduce some of the inequities in health care access that exacerbate health disparities. However, the study found that the gateways to telehealth itself are not equitable. This is especially true for people with limited digital access or digital literacy. Further investments in telecommunications technology, including broadband, and actions to help people build their knowledge, skills and comfort to use telehealth effectively are needed to improve and ensure equitable access to health care via telehealth.

MDH’s final report on telehealth is available on the MDH Health Economics Program website at health.state.mn.us/data/economics/telehealth/publications.html.