After rising in October 2024, telehealth utilization reversed course in October 2025, falling nationally and in most regions, according to a Jan. 15 news release from nonprofit organization Fair Health. The Midwest was the only region to see a slight increase, continuing a year-over-year trend of regional divergence. The data suggests a shift in virtual care demand and highlights ongoing regional differences in how telehealth is used.
Here are six things to know:
1. National telehealth use declined in October.
The percentage of patients with a telehealth claim fell from 14.7% in September to 14.5% in October.
2. Every region saw a decrease except the Midwest.
Telehealth use fell 2.2% in the Northeast and 2.5% in both the South and West. The Midwest saw a slight increase of 0.02%.
3. Claim line volume also fell overall.
Telehealth claim lines dropped from 5.0% to 4.9% of all medical claims nationally. Utilization fell 4.1% in the Northeast and 3.6% in the West but rose 2.4% in the Midwest.
4. Mental health led telehealth claims.
Mental health conditions accounted for 63.9% of telehealth claims in October, up from 62.1% in September. Psychotherapy services made up 48.0% of those claims.
5. Urban areas used more telehealth than rural.
Nationally, 14.6% of urban patients used telehealth compared to 7.4% of rural patients. The Midwest showed the widest gap, with 11.1% of urban patients using telehealth, versus 4.8% of rural patients.
6. Young adults had the highest use.
Patients ages 19-30 had the highest telehealth usage at 24.0%, followed by those ages 31-40 at 23.2%. Usage was below 10% among patients younger than 10 and older than 65.
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.
