National Trends in Telehealth Utilization, 2020-2023: Post-Pandemic Trends from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey

Background/Objectives: U.S. telehealth utilization increased substantially during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, post-pandemic utilization patterns and associated characteristics remain unclear. This study examined national trends in telehealth use and identified factors associated with its utilization from 2020 to 2023. Methods: Data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (2020-2023) Office-Based Medical Provider Visits and Outpatient Visits files were used to identify national telehealth use. Descriptive statistics and generalized linear regression were used to examine telehealth utilization, visit type, service type, and potential predictors of utilization. Results: The proportion of U.S. health care visits made via telehealth increased sharply from 2020 (1.84%; 95% CI, 1.67-2.01) to 2021 (4.53%; 95% CI, 4.11-4.94) and then stabilized through 2023. The proportion of the U.S. population with at least one telehealth visit followed a similar trend (7.15% in 2020; 12.09% in 2021; 12.05% in 2022; 12.12% in 2023). Telehealth visits were primarily for outpatient care and were most commonly used for mental health services (4.20% in 2021; 4.13% in 2022; and 4.18% in 2023). Sex, health insurance status, age, and family income were significant predictors of telehealth utilization. Conclusions: Pandemic-related increases in telehealth use have persisted beyond the COVID-19 period. Continued support from health care systems and policymakers is necessary to sustain and expand access to telehealth services.