Getting Beyond Parity: Telehealth As A Best Practice In Health Equity

The global pandemic has permanently changed how health care is delivered. At present, providers and insurers are grappling with how to balance telehealth and in person care, focusing discussions around reimbursement models and logistical considerations. Can telehealth be considered as good as in-person care, or better? What about equity in access to care?

Many opportunities exist with telehealth, from expanding the provider pool for patients to reducing stigma associated with presenting for in-person care. To ensure these opportunities are realized and result in meaningful improvements in eliminating health disparities, they must be approached strategically.

The authors propose several considerations to ensure equity remains at the forefront of telehealth implementation discussions and encourage providers, insurers, and advocates to be purposeful in advancing these opportunities.

Authors: Andrew C. Philip, PhD, Mary M. Ford, MPH, Jordan Goldberg, JD