How virtual health is redefining care across America

Virtual health is reshaping healthcare, making it more accessible, efficient, and personalized. Once considered a backup to in-person visits, telemedicine now plays a vital role in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

While the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated its adoption, its potential continues to grow, transforming how patients receive care and how providers deliver it.

The rise of virtual health adoption

A Deloitte and American Telemedicine Association (ATA) survey conducted between November 2019 and January 2020 revealed the growing significance of virtual health. Healthcare executives from hospitals, health systems, technology companies, and virtual health vendors shared their insights on how telemedicine would evolve over the next two decades.

According to the survey, half of the executives believed that at least 25% of outpatient, preventive, long-term, and well-being services would shift to virtual platforms by 2040. Additionally, 75% anticipated significant industry investments, with spending increasing by more than 25% over the next decade. Nearly all respondents (94%) expected next-generation data-sharing capabilities driven by advanced interoperability solutions, while 88% predicted widespread integration of wearable devices to enable more personalized healthcare experiences.

Despite its promise, virtual health faces persistent challenges. Two-thirds of executives believed that overcoming regulatory and payment barriers would accelerate adoption. However, only 35% saw new market entrants as key drivers of growth. Nearly 75% acknowledged that addressing social determinants of health—such as access to resources and socioeconomic factors—would remain difficult, even with advancements in virtual care.

Telemedicine’s impact on today’s patient care

Virtual health has already demonstrated its ability to improve patient outcomes, reduce costs, and expand access to underserved communities. Health systems like Kaiser Permanente and Intermountain Healthcare have led the way in using telemedicine to enhance preventive care, manage chronic diseases, and improve affordability.

One significant advantage of telemedicine is its ability to reduce unnecessary emergency room visits. Kaiser Permanente’s video health centers resolve 60% of cases without ER referrals. Intermountain’s remote COVID-19 monitoring program prevented over 1,800 hospital admissions in its first year by equipping patients with Bluetooth pulse oximeters to track their oxygen levels at home. If readings fell below safe levels, healthcare providers intervened promptly, ensuring timely treatment while avoiding hospital overcrowding.

Telemedicine has also revolutionized chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente’s telehealth program achieves hypertension control rates above 90% by enabling frequent virtual check-ins and medication adjustments. This approach significantly lowers the risk of heart attacks and strokes while improving overall patient health.

Addressing health disparities and specialty care

Virtual health is closing gaps in healthcare access, particularly for underserved populations. The widespread availability of smartphones has enabled telemedicine to reach rural and low-income communities, providing easier access to mental health services and addiction programs.

Intermountain Healthcare, for example, delivered 85% of its mental and behavioral health visits virtually during the pandemic. Patients found virtual appointments more convenient, leading to higher attendance rates compared to in-person visits. Similarly, Kaiser Permanente’s virtual addiction counseling program increased participation among pregnant women battling addiction, significantly reducing the need for neonatal ICU admissions.

Telemedicine has also streamlined specialty care. Virtual consultations resolve 40% of specialist referrals, significantly reducing wait times and costs. Kaiser Permanente’s primary care physicians regularly consult dermatologists via telemedicine, allowing patients to leave appointments with a confirmed diagnosis, treatment plan, and prescription in under 10 minutes. This model not only enhances efficiency but also improves patient satisfaction.

For patients with rare or complex conditions, virtual health connects them with top specialists regardless of location. Kaiser Permanente’s virtual platform allows patients to consult leading experts, review medical information, and discuss treatment options without traveling long distances. This approach ensures faster diagnosis and treatment while minimizing disruptions to patients’ lives.

Virtual health in crisis management

The role of virtual health extends beyond routine care, proving invaluable during crises. Andy Puterbaugh, president of hospitals and health systems at Teladoc Health, emphasized the importance of virtual care in crisis management during Newsweek’s virtual panel, Crisis Management: A Crash Course for Health Care Leaders, on February 13.

Teladoc Health has been pivotal in leveraging telemedicine for disaster response. When hurricanes struck the South, the company facilitated around 25,000 remote visits, ensuring care continuity despite connectivity challenges. To address such hurdles, Teladoc utilized cellular backups and satellite systems like Starlink, ensuring uninterrupted care during California wildfires and pandemic lockdowns.

Puterbaugh stressed that well-defined activation processes and clear team roles are essential for effective crisis response. Tabletop exercises, though often viewed as burdensome, play a crucial role in preparing healthcare systems for emergencies. The COVID-19 pandemic further underscored the importance of virtual health, accelerating its integration into modern healthcare workflows. Today, Teladoc partners with 60% of the top 100 U.S. hospitals, enabling rapid scaling of remote care solutions.