The study examined 63.5 million primary care and 3.6 million mental health integration visits across 138 Veterans Affairs healthcare systems from March 16, 2019, to December 15, 2021. Here’s what it found:
- The rural-urban digital divide is still persistent even after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in mental health integration services.
- The pandemic increased the rural-urban telemedicine divide.
- Rural patients are increasing their telemedicine visits and are substituting them for previous in-person services.
- Telemedicine expansion for rural VA healthcare systems lagged behind urban ones.
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.
