December 2022
Telehealth
Kathryn M. Harmes, Robert J. Heizelman, Joel J. Heidelbaugh, Editors
Telehealth existed prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the sudden decrease in availability of face-to-face care resulted in rapid expansion of virtual technologies as patients and caregivers found alternative means to connect to each other. The expansion of telehealth was further facilitated by relaxation of billing rules under the Public Health Emergency determination. As primary care physicians, specialists, and direct-to-consumer companies expand telehealth offerings evidence on the quality, safety, cost-effectiveness, and equity of care continues to emerge but lags implementation in many areas.