Use of Telehealth Early and Late in the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency: Policy Implications for Improving Health Equity

Abstract

Introduction: Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, primary care adopted telehealth rapidly to preserve access. Although policy flexibilities persist, but with in-person access restored, insight regarding long-term policy reform is needed for equitable access, especially for underserved, low income, and rural populations. Methods: We used electronic health record data to compare primary care telehealth use in practices serving primarily commercially insured patients versus clinics serving low-income uninsured patients, in March-June 2020 ("early COVID") and March-June 2022 ("late COVID"). Results: Primary care visit mode differed significantly (P