5 Key Telehealth Insights

In the wake of the extension of many Medicare telehealth flexibilities through Dec. 31, 2027, researchers have shared findings that shed light on the popularity and cost of this care delivery method compared to in-person care. Following its sharp increase in usage borne out of necessity during the pandemic, it has become an integral part of the health care ecosystem and a tool for expanding access to care while conserving financial resources.

Here are a few notable insights into telehealth utilization rates from a recent Epic Research analysis

1 | Telehealth utilization seems to have stabilized at 6-7% in primary care.

After skyrocketing during the pandemic, the telehealth utilization rate in the realm of primary care declined from mid-2022 to mid-2023 and has since seemed to stabilize at 6-7%, indicating “a new steady state in the balance between virtual and in-person care,” according to Epic Research. The analysis found that telehealth declined from slightly more than 8% of primary care encounters in July 2022 to a bit less than 6% in October 2025, constituting a 30% decrease.

2 | Patients with a preferred language other than English are more likely to use telehealth services.

During the study period, Epic Research found that the 12-month rolling average percentage of primary care visits conducted via telehealth was significantly higher for patients who preferred a language other than English. As of October 2025, compared to individuals with a preference for English, utilization rates were greater for individuals who spoke Chinese, Portuguese, Russian, Persian or Spanish.

3 | Telehealth use varies by specialty and is highest for mental health.

Outside of the realm of primary care, telemedicine prevalence compared to in-person care varies considerably across medical specialties, as shown by the Epic Research telehealth utilization tracker. As of December 2025, mental health had the highest utilization rate at 28.2%, followed by endocrinology (11.4%) and obstetrics (9.4%). Urgent care had the lowest rate at 2.3%.

4 | People in metropolitan areas favor telemedicine for primary care more than those in rural regions.

Patients in metro areas use telehealth services at approximately twice the rate of individuals in more rural areas. In October 2025, metropolitan patients demonstrated a telehealth utilization rate greater than 6%, compared to less than 4% for people in small towns.