Telehealth in Radiation Oncology: Time to Refine, Not Just Expand

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of telehealth in radiation oncology, transforming on-treatment management visits (OTVs) into virtual encounters and expanding access, particularly in rural settings. A Medicare-based analysis by Patel et al. found that telehealth OTVs were associated with higher rates of ED visits, hospitalizations, and Medicare spending, raising concerns about unintended consequences of widespread telehealth use without adequate safeguards. While telehealth offers convenience and broader access, it may also compromise real-time clinical assessment and symptom management. These findings underscore the need for a risk-stratified, evidence-informed approach to telehealth policy in radiation oncology, one that prioritizes refinement and appropriate integration rather than unchecked expansion.