Telemedicine  offerings as part of comprehensive health care plans grew over the last decade, as advisors worked with employers to keep health care costs down while meeting the varied and changing needs of employees. However, by 2018, only 2% of the employee population covered by telemedicine actually utilized the service. The widespread underuse of telemed offerings seemed like wasted health care dollars that could have been better utilized elsewhere.

The explosion of COVID-19 in the United States has changed the health care landscape as we know it — and telemedicine is no exception. There has been an unprecedented rise in telemedicine utilization throughout 2020. Innovu tracked a 2,100% increase in telemed use through May of 2020. While that number dipped recently as in-person visits rose over the summer, due to ongoing waves of COVID-19 and flu, advisors and employers should continue to encourage employees to use telemedicine services whenever possible.‍

Why telemedicine matters

With a lower cost per visit than traditional office visits and more comfort and safety for patients and providers alike, using telemedicine for common colds, ailments, dermatology, and therapy, can save employers and employees time and money.