Reevaluating Value-Based Care in Telemedicine: Clinical Opportunities in the Postpandemic Era.

Abstract

Telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic became one of the main means for patients to access the health care system. Rules, regulations, and reimbursement policies were loosened, allowing for its expansion into the clinical arena. Since the end of the pandemic, virtual care models have expanded. With a larger emphasis on value-based care, there is a need to understand how telehealth can be utilized to increase value, improve access, enhance the patient experience, improve outcomes, and decrease health inequalities. The article explores the use of telehealth as it relates to a value-based care model, which includes the patient experience, quality of care (access and health equity), provider/clinical practice, and health system/financial. Recommendations for strengthening the use of telehealth to ensure value-based care are provided.