Health Equity Gains Hinge on Whether Telehealth Reaches Everyone

Telehealth usage among physicians has surged from 25% before the pandemic to 71% in 2024, offering convenient healthcare access to millions of Americans. However, significant barriers prevent equitable access, including inadequate internet connectivity, outdated devices, unaffordable data plans, and language or technical literacy challenges. While telehealth can dramatically benefit underserved communities—particularly rural residents, those with mobility issues, and people living far from specialists—having the technology available doesn't guarantee patients can successfully use it.