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A new study examines the experiences of Minnesotans receiving mental health, addiction recovery, and specialty medical care through video or phone, also known as telehealth. In January, the Minnesota Department of Human Services will partner with Wilder Research on a statewide virtual meeting that includes telehealth experts to discuss the report’s finding with community members and providers.
The preliminary report from DHS found most individuals who have used telehealth services are generally satisfied with the health or behavioral health care they have gotten through a video conference or phone call. The study also found that telehealth has the potential to increase access to care by removing barriers such as transportation issues.
From noon to 1:30 p.m. on Jan. 10, 2024, DHS and Wilder Research will host a virtual meeting where telehealth experts will talk about quality and accessibility, comparisons to in-person care, and how the information may inform future planning.
The study integrated community voices through surveys, focus groups and interviews with Medical Assistance participants and providers. Two-thirds of survey respondents who received telehealth services in the past year said telehealth made it possible for them to get health care they otherwise would not have received.
The study also found that telehealth is an important tool for behavioral health care. Many of those surveyed said they would not have received mental health treatment if telehealth were not an option.
The report also highlighted several equity issues. For instance, communities facing disproportionate inequities in digital access and affordability or lower comfort levels with digital technology must overcome higher barriers to access telehealth.
Even so, compared to in-person care, telehealth provides unique opportunities to address disparities, with the potential to connect culturally or linguistically compatible providers and patients without the barrier of physical distance.
The report calls for more study of telehealth’s impact on quality, outcomes and spending, as well as how to strike the right balance between telehealth and in-person care.
Use of telehealth increased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, the Legislature requested studies exploring the role of telehealth in the future of health care for Minnesotans. This preliminary report from DHS focuses on Medical Assistance and other public health care programs. The Minnesota Department of Health Department also issued a preliminary report on telehealth earlier this year that concentrates on commercial or private insurance. Both agencies worked with Wilder Research and will issue final reports in 2024.
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