Researchers at Doxy.me analyzed our customer data to determine the usage of telehealth across different states in 2023.
Specifically, those included providers by specialized practice areas, including Mental and Behavioral Health, Physical Health and Wellness, Healthcare Administration and Support, and Public Health and Community Services. Then, after looking at the numbers, we tried to figure out why the states ranked where they did.
How does your state stack up?
States with the most Telehealth Calls in 2023
1. California
California tops the list due to its robust digital infrastructure, extensive telehealth service offerings, and supportive state policies. The state's diverse population benefits from the wide range of telehealth services available, including mental health consultations, primary care, and specialist services. California's leadership in technology also contributes to innovative telehealth solutions.
2. New York
New York's telehealth usage has been propelled by its rapid response to health emergencies and its dense urban population's demand for convenient healthcare access. The state has implemented forward-thinking regulations that have made telehealth a viable alternative to traditional healthcare delivery methods.
3. Texas
Texas has made significant strides in telehealth, driven by its need to serve a large and geographically diverse population. Efforts to expand broadband access in rural areas have improved telehealth reach. Additionally, Texas has enacted favorable telehealth policies, making it easier for patients to access care remotely.
4. Florida
Florida's large aging population has spurred the growth of telehealth services, with a focus on chronic disease management and senior care. The state has actively promoted telehealth through legislative actions, ensuring that residents can easily access healthcare services from the comfort of their homes.
5. Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, telehealth has been instrumental in bridging the healthcare gap between urban and rural areas. The state has invested in telehealth infrastructure and passed legislation to enhance insurance coverage for telehealth services, significantly increasing its usage.
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6. Virginia
Virginia stands out for its telehealth regulatory framework, which promotes the use of telehealth services while ensuring patient safety and privacy. The state's healthcare providers have been quick to adopt telehealth solutions, offering services that range from primary care to specialized medical consultations.
7. Illinois
Illinois has focused on integrating telehealth into its healthcare system, with particular attention to mental health services. Statewide initiatives have aimed at expanding telehealth access to underserved communities, making Illinois a leader in telehealth adoption.
8. New Jersey
In New Jersey, telehealth has seen significant legislative support to ensure its continued use and development, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. This development indicates a strong commitment from New Jersey to integrate telehealth as a permanent fixture in its healthcare delivery system, ensuring greater access for its residents to convenient and effective medical services.
9. Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, the state's regulations stress the importance of collaboration among providers, health plans, and patients to implement telehealth into their practices. This strategic approach underscores Massachusetts' commitment to leveraging telehealth as an integral part of its healthcare system, ensuring that it complements traditional in-person care while addressing the evolving needs of patients and healthcare providers.
10. Georgia
Telehealth in Georgia is defined broadly, encompassing medical information exchange via electronic communications to improve patient health status. This development underlines Georgia's efforts to integrate telehealth into its healthcare system more seamlessly and ensure that telehealth services are provided equitably and effectively, aligning with legal and professional standards.
States with the least Telehealth Calls in 2023
According to our data, telehealth has seen significant fluctuations in usage since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, with an initial surge followed by a gradual stabilization. The adoption rates and continued utilization of telehealth services are influenced by factors such as state-specific telehealth policies, Medicare and Medicaid coverage extensions, and the technological infrastructure available to support telehealth in various regions. For instance, during the pandemic, telehealth visits among Medicare recipients soared from about 5 million to over 53 million, showcasing the dramatic shift towards virtual care.
Moreover, telehealth usage rates from April 2021 through August 2022 indicated a steady use of telehealth services, with disparities in video telehealth use persisting across different populations and insurance types. This suggests that while telehealth remains a critical component of healthcare delivery, its adoption and implementation vary widely across the country, influenced by regulatory environments, access to technology, and patient preferences.
What this all means
These states have led the charge in telehealth usage in 2023, each with its unique approach to overcoming healthcare challenges through technology. The continued expansion of telehealth services across the United States holds the promise of making healthcare more accessible, efficient, and patient-centered. But at the state level, we’ve learned that factors such as parity laws have a significant impact on the number of telehealth calls made.
That's why doxy.me offers a free version of our telehealth platform for providers. Because one of our founding principles is based on the notion that “cost shouldn’t be a barrier to telemedicine."
