The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the use of telehealth in the United States. Jennie Crews, MS, MMM, FACP, shares how the pandemic has helped break down some of the legal and restrictive barriers telehealth was facing.

The widespread adoption of telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic has shown benefits to providers, patients, insurance companies, and government entities. There is action being taken to ensure telehealth can operate in the future, but there are still many unknowns on how telehealth can be incorporated in oncology moving forward.

Telehealth has benefited patients and caregivers by offering convenient care at home that reduces costs and time spent traveling. For providers, telehealth is a unique opportunity to connect with a patient differently and is a convenient way to offer a service outside of a clinic setting.

Jennie Crews, MS, MMM, FACP explains how concerns about reimbursement have limited telehealth in the past. The future of telehealth may see challenges in providers feeling they cannot provide a comprehensive visit virtually and a barrier to access for patients in underserved communities.