Doctors like telemedicine, too. According to the AMA survey, a majority of physicians believe telehealth allows them to provide more comprehensive quality care. More than 80% of doctors feel telehealth gives patients better access to care. Take rural patients.of those living in rural areas say access to good doctors and hospitals is a"major problem" in their community. Telehealth allows these patients to receive care from doctors miles away — from the comfort of their own homes.
Virtual care also saves patients money. An analysis of data from insurer Cigna found that a nonurgent telehealth appointment canFinally, telemedicine empowers patients. They can choose which doctor they see and decide when and where their appointment takes place. That should be appealing to Republicans and Democrats alike. Deregulating telehealth permanently would put us on the path toward a more affordable, patient-centered healthcare system.
Sally C. Pipes is president, CEO, and Thomas W. Smith fellow in Health Care Policy at the Pacific Research Institute. Her latest book is