The rapid expansion of telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic has given way to a period of stabilization, with virtual care now representing a consistent, though diminished, share of primary care visits. Recent analysis from Epic Research indicates that after a surge in usage, telehealth has settled into a pattern of approximately 6-7% of all primary care appointments since mid-2023. This shift reflects a broader trend across healthcare specialties, as the initial urgency of virtual care subsides and in-person visits resume. However, the data also reveals significant variations in telehealth adoption based on geographic location, age and language preference, suggesting that virtual care continues to play a crucial role for specific patient populations.
The dramatic rise in telehealth during 2020 and 2021 was largely driven by the need to maintain access to care while minimizing the risk of infection. Temporary policy changes, including expanded Medicare and commercial insurance coverage for telehealth services, facilitated this rapid adoption. These changes even extended to allowing virtual prescriptions for controlled substances, further increasing accessibility. However, as the public health emergency has eased, telehealth utilization has naturally declined from its peak, though it remains significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels. Epic’s research, covering over 400 million primary care visits between July 2022 and October 2025, provides a detailed look at this evolving landscape.
Telehealth’s Current Standing in Primary Care
The Epic Research study found that telehealth accounted for just under 6% of primary care visits in October 2025, a decrease from over 8% in July 2022. This represents roughly a 30% decline in overall utilization. Despite this decrease, the stabilization around the 6-7% mark suggests that telehealth is no longer a temporary fix but rather an integrated component of the primary care delivery system. While mental healthcare continues to be the dominant area for virtual care, comprising more than 26% of visits as of October 2025, primary care telehealth remains a significant offering for many patients.
Interestingly, the study highlights disparities in telehealth access and utilization. Patients in metropolitan areas consistently utilize telehealth at roughly twice the rate of those in rural communities. This difference underscores the existing challenges in rural healthcare access, where long travel times to in-person appointments are common. However, barriers to telehealth adoption in rural areas also exist, including limited access to reliable high-speed internet and financial constraints for local hospitals seeking to implement telehealth programs. A 2025 literature review highlighted the impact of telehealth on rural hospitals, noting that while promising, successful implementation requires addressing these infrastructural and financial hurdles. Rural Health Information Hub
Demographic Trends in Telehealth Use
Age is another significant factor influencing telehealth adoption. The research indicates that adults aged 25-39 are the most frequent users of telehealth in primary care, accounting for approximately 10% of their encounters. Utilization rates decrease with age, falling to below 2% for children aged 0-2. This pattern likely reflects the comfort and familiarity of younger adults with technology, as well as their often-busy schedules that make virtual appointments more convenient.
Perhaps surprisingly, patients whose preferred language is not English demonstrate a higher propensity for telehealth utilization. The study found that individuals who speak Chinese, Portuguese, Persian, Russian, and Spanish consistently exhibit substantially higher rates of telehealth use compared to English speakers. This trend challenges earlier research suggesting that language barriers might hinder telehealth adoption. Caleb Cox, head of research at Epic, suggests that factors such as the availability of translation services, convenience, and reduced travel times may contribute to this increased utilization among non-English speakers.
Policy and Future Outlook
The recent extension of Medicare telehealth coverage flexibilities through 2027, signed into law by President Donald Trump earlier this month, provides a degree of policy stability for telehealth providers. Healthcare Dive This extension is crucial for maintaining access to virtual care, particularly for vulnerable populations and those in underserved areas. However, the long-term future of telehealth reimbursement remains a subject of ongoing debate and policy development.
The stabilization of telehealth in primary care doesn’t signal a decline in its importance, but rather a transition towards a more sustainable and integrated model. As healthcare systems continue to grapple with issues of access, cost, and quality, telehealth is likely to remain a valuable tool for delivering care, particularly when tailored to meet the specific needs of diverse patient populations. The continued availability of translation services, coupled with efforts to bridge the digital divide in rural communities, will be essential for ensuring equitable access to this increasingly important modality of care.
Key Takeaways
- Telehealth has stabilized at approximately 6-7% of primary care visits after a surge during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Utilization rates vary significantly based on geographic location, with metropolitan areas showing higher adoption than rural communities.
- Adults aged 25-39 are the most frequent users of telehealth, while non-English speakers demonstrate a higher propensity for virtual care.
- Recent policy changes, including the extension of Medicare telehealth flexibilities, provide stability for telehealth providers.
Looking ahead, continued monitoring of telehealth trends and ongoing research into the factors influencing adoption will be crucial for optimizing its effectiveness and ensuring equitable access for all patients. The next key development to watch will be the implementation of the extended Medicare telehealth flexibilities and the assessment of their impact on patient outcomes and healthcare costs.
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