#United States #New York #mental health #Telehealth #FAIR Health

Telehealth Utilization Trends in October 2024

In a significant shift during October 2024, telehealth usage witnessed a notable upsurge across the United States, with every region experiencing growth except for the Midwest, where activity dropped. The recent data published by FAIR Health’s Monthly Telehealth Regional Tracker offers an insightful overview of these trends.

National and Regional Overview

According to the report, telehealth claim lines increased from 4.80% in September to 4.89% in October, marking a 2.0% rise nationally. Breaking it down by regions:

• - Northeast: Up by 1.0%
• - South: Up by 1.2%
• - West: Up by 2.8%
• - Midwest: A decrease of 3.7%

This indicates a distinct regional divide, highlighting challenges in the Midwest compared to growth in other areas.

Changes in Telehealth Specialties

The data also reveals interesting shifts in telehealth specialties. In October, the psychiatric nursing field climbed from the fourth position to second place nationally. In contrast, family practice fell from second to fourth. Notably, the previous top contender, nurse practitioners, dropped out of the national rankings. Psychologists, however, made an entry, taking the fifth position.
In the Midwest, the rankings remained stable, while in the West region, family practice dropped to third behind psychiatric nursing.

When evaluating the top telehealth provider specialties nationwide, social workers maintained the lead, capturing the highest percentage of telehealth claim lines across all regions. In October, the figures ranged significantly, with the South recording 31.5% and the Midwest at 41.8%.

Diagnostic Trends

Examining the top telehealth diagnostic categories, there were notable movements. Hypertension slid from the fourth to fifth position while developmental disorders climbed to fourth, reflecting changing healthcare needs. The Midwest saw acute respiratory diseases and infections enter the top five for the first time since May, landing in the third spot.

Mental health conditions solidified their primary status across all territories, which continues to underscore the national focus on mental health following the lingering impacts of the pandemic.

Age-Based Telehealth Patterns

In October, the age demographic utilizing telehealth services was predominantly between 31-40 years, followed closely by individuals aged 19-30. Both groups consistently represented 20-30% of telehealth claims, suggesting ongoing adaptability and acceptance of remote services among younger populations.

Cost of Telehealth vs. Traditional Office Visits

A glance at the cost analysis revealed that nationally, the median amount allotted for therapy consultations was generally higher in a traditional office setting than during telehealth visits. Specifically, in October, the office therapy cost was $31, while it came in slightly lower at $30 for telehealth. In the Midwest, both office and telehealth maintained the same price of $34, though regional variations did occur.

Conclusion

The dynamics of telehealth utilization offer a fascinating glimpse into shifting healthcare practices in the US. While the national trend reflects growth and increased reliance on telehealth, the decline in the Midwest highlights specific regional challenges that require targeted strategies to enhance access and engagement. As the data continues to evolve, tracking these trends will be vital for understanding future healthcare delivery models and addressing the needs of diverse populations across the country.

FAIR Health remains at the forefront of delivering accurate healthcare cost and utilization data to enhance transparency and facilitate informed healthcare decisions for consumers and providers alike.