A study published in JAMA Network Open reveals that telemedicine visits cost five times less than in-person appointments, saving patients an average of $400. Analyzing over 160,000 visits in 2024 for 10 common conditions, the research highlights telemedicine’s cost-effectiveness, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, mental health care costs remained similar across both visit types. The study emphasizes the need for Congressional action to maintain expanded telemedicine access to preserve these cost savings crucial for patient care and innovation.
