The health care experience has changed significantly in the past decade. One of the biggest shifts, the rise of telemedicine. Fifteen years ago, it barely made a ripple. In 2010, it generated just $500 million in revenue, a sliver of the $2.5 trillion U.S. health care industry.
Then COVID-19 hit, and everything changed. Telehealth use surged by more than 800% in just a few months. What used to be a niche option suddenly became a go-to solution, with virtual visits jumping from a small fraction of all appointments in 2019 to nearly a quarter by 2020. Patients got care without added health risks, and regulatory changes helped accelerate the trend even more.
Rising In-Person Costs Drive Telemedicine Growth
The cost increase for in-person care is also fueling the shift. Telehealth and virtual care can help:
- Make better use of staff and resources
- Reduce “no-show” losses
- Increase appointment availability
- Boost patient engagement and outcomes
- Cut unnecessary office visits, urgent care trips, ER visits, and hospital admissions
Telemedicine Becomes a Long-Term Part of Group Health Insurance
Because of these advantages, experts say telemedicine is poised to keep growing. That’s especially true in rural areas, big cities, and specialty care. Global telemedicine spending is projected to jump from $160 billion in 2025 to as much as $710 billion by 2034.
And the feedback? Overwhelmingly positive. More than 86% of patients report good telehealth experiences, and providers say it improves efficiency and access. Virtual care is also expected to play an even bigger role in behavioral health, chronic disease management, remote monitoring, and clinical training. New technology, including AI, will continue to personalize and enhance care.
Talk With Your Broker
Telemedicine, virtual care, and digital health tools are changing fast. More than that, they’re reshaping what employees expect from their health coverage. Your broker can walk you through what’s new, what’s coming, and how it could impact your business and your team. If you don’t have a broker, we make it easy to connect with one.
