Telemedicine in Rural Communities: Patterns of Use and User Characteristics
Telemedicine can increase access to healthcare in rural areas by mitigating barriers related to longer travel times, growing rural provider shortages, and childcare or job-related logistical concerns. Analysis of telehealth user characteristics and utilization data underscores opportunities to increase access for individuals residing in rural areas.
Telemedicine use in the U.S. grew during the COVID-19 pandemic from virtually nonexistent for outpatient visits in 2019 to an estimated peak of 37 percent of the population in 2020-2021. While telemedicine use has declined since then, virtual care remains an important and sometimes preferred option for many Americans. However, there is limited evidence demonstrating how telemedicine is being used in rural areas.
This analysis compares the demographic characteristics and health status of rural residents who use telemedicine with those who do not. The findings show that, compared to rural non-users of telemedicine, rural telemedicine users were older, had more chronic conditions, and were more likely to be female.
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