ICYMI: New Study Finds Patients Increasingly Rely on Telehealth For Cancer Care, Without Increasing Duplication

Analysis Highlights Value of Telehealth as Part of Fully Integrated Approach to Health Care

In case you missed it, a recent study from researchers at the Mayo Clinic found continuous expansion in telehealth utilization for cancer care from 2019 to 2021. Research also found that these increased rates of care did not result in duplicative care.

The study, conducted in various regions and hospitals over three eight-week periods in 2019, 2020 and 2021 compared the rate of virtual care use for cancer care and found that telehealth utilization increased 14 percent over three years, from <0.01 percent in 2019 to 14 percent in 2021. These findings support the idea that telehealth can continue to be successfully integrated into cancer care, and result in increased access to care for millions.

The authors of the study concluded, “[T]elehealth can be deployed as a fully integrated aspect of care within a multisite, multiregional cancer practice, without evidence of duplicative care.” 

Despite the increasing importance of telehealth as a mode of care for patients, access could be at risk next year if Congress does not advance solutions to permanently safeguard access to virtual care.

Read the full study HERE and learn more about how Congress can act to permanently protect telehealth access HERE.

ABOUT TELEHEALTH ACCESS FOR AMERICA

Telehealth Access for America (TAFA) is a public education campaign supported by leaders in health care committed to better care, expanded patient choice, and protecting access to critical telehealth services. Learn more and take action today at www.telehealthaccessforamerica.org.