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9 barriers for patients accessing telehealth

The lack of access to technology and broadband internet are the most frequently cited barriers that physicians perceive as preventing their patients from participating in telehealth, according to the COVID-19 Healthcare Coalition.

For its Telehealth Impact Study, the COVID-19 Healthcare Coalition surveyed 1,594 physicians and other healthcare professionals across the U.S. about their virtual care adoption practices, challenges and patient satisfaction. The coalition, which comprises more than 1,000 private health systems, universities and research organizations, distributed the survey from July 13 to Aug. 15.

Here’s what the physician survey participants said when asked what the barriers are to their patients accessing telehealth:

  • Lack of access to technology: 69.8 percent
  • Lack of digital literacy: 61.3 percent
  • Lack of access to broadband/internet: 58.2 percent
  • Preference for in-person visits: 55 percent
  • Lack of access to data access: 36 percent
  • Lack of awareness and understanding of telehealth offerings: 35.6 percent
  • Lack of awareness and understanding of insurance coverage for telehealth: 33.7 percent
  • Lack of health insurance: 24.5 percent
  • Lack of access to community-based resources: 13.5 percent
  • All of the above: 8.8 percent
  • Other: 3.2 percent
  • No barriers known: 2.7 percent