5 Important Telehealth Lessons Learned During COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges to healthcare systems around the globe. As lockdowns and social distancing measures became the new norm, traditional in-person healthcare delivery was disrupted, forcing providers and patients alike to explore alternative methods of care. According to a McKinsey report, telehealth utilization increased by 38 times compared to pre-pandemic levels during the height of the crisis, marking a rapid evolution in healthcare delivery. Telehealth emerged as a critical tool in maintaining healthcare access, transforming the way medical services were delivered almost overnight.

What started as a necessity during the pandemic quickly revealed the potential of telehealth to reshape the healthcare landscape for the better. Reports from the CDC indicate that over 37% of adults used telehealth services during the pandemic, with usage remaining steady even after many restrictions were lifted. This demonstrates that the shift towards virtual care wasn’t just a temporary fix but rather a sustainable transformation. While the initial adoption of telehealth was spurred by the immediate crisis, it has since become evident that many of the lessons learned during this period have lasting implications for the future of healthcare delivery.

In this article, we explore five key lessons telehealth taught us during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how they continue to inform the evolution of digital healthcare in a post-pandemic world.

1. Rapid Adoption and Scalability

During COVID-19, healthcare systems faced an urgent need to pivot towards telehealth solutions to maintain patient care without risking exposure to the virus. Data from the American Medical Association (AMA) shows that over 75% of healthcare organizations implemented or expanded telehealth offerings in response to the pandemic. The speed at which these services were rolled out demonstrated the importance of having systems that can rapidly scale up during times of crisis. For instance, many healthcare organizations shifted to using video consultations and remote monitoring for chronic conditions almost instantly.

Moving forward, healthcare providers are investing in more scalable and flexible telehealth infrastructures, ensuring preparedness for future crises. Healthcare startups and established companies alike are developing telehealth platforms with modular capabilities, allowing them to adjust services as needed based on demand. The lesson learned is clear: the agility of telehealth systems must be a core component of modern healthcare to ensure they can be mobilized when necessary.

2. Patient-Centered Care

COVID-19 forced healthcare to be more patient-centric than ever before, as in-person care became difficult to access. A study published in JAMA Network found that 72% of patients reported higher satisfaction with telehealth than with in-person visits, citing convenience and reduced travel times as primary factors. This shift highlighted the importance of tailoring healthcare services to meet patient needs, rather than expecting patients to conform to traditional models of care.

Telehealth services proved particularly effective for follow-up appointments, behavioral health consultations, and routine check-ups. By removing geographic barriers, telehealth has made healthcare more accessible for rural populations, seniors, and individuals with mobility issues. Furthermore, the expansion of remote monitoring tools and wearable devices has enabled continuous patient care, reducing the need for frequent in-person visits. As telehealth continues to evolve, the focus will remain on delivering patient-centered care that prioritizes convenience, accessibility, and flexibility.

3. Technology Accessibility and the Digital Divide

The rapid expansion of telehealth during the pandemic also highlighted the deep-seated disparities in access to technology. According to a report from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), over 18 million Americans still lack access to high-speed internet, with rural areas being disproportionately affected. This digital divide became an obstacle for many who needed telehealth services but couldn’t access them due to insufficient technology or internet connectivity.

The lesson learned here is that telehealth cannot reach its full potential without addressing these inequities. Government programs like the FCC’s Emergency Broadband Benefit have started to address this issue by providing subsidies for internet services to low-income households. Tech companies are also partnering with healthcare providers to distribute low-cost devices and improve digital literacy, helping bridge the gap for those in underserved communities. In the future, continued efforts to expand broadband access and ensure that everyone can benefit from telehealth will be critical for equitable healthcare delivery.

4. Regulatory Flexibility

One of the most impactful changes during the pandemic was the relaxation of many regulatory barriers surrounding telehealth. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) temporarily expanded reimbursement policies to cover a wider range of telehealth services, and cross-state licensing restrictions for healthcare providers were eased to allow more flexible care. These changes allowed telehealth to flourish and demonstrated how regulatory flexibility could be an enabler of innovation.

As we move into a post-pandemic world, the challenge will be maintaining this momentum. Lawmakers and industry stakeholders are now debating how to balance innovation with patient safety, privacy, and care quality, as they look to solidify the role of telehealth in healthcare. The lesson learned here is that regulatory frameworks must evolve in a way that promotes innovation while ensuring equitable and safe access to care.

5. Healthcare Provider Adaptation

For healthcare providers, the shift to telehealth was a significant adjustment. Surveys from the American Telemedicine Association indicate that nearly 85% of physicians believe telehealth is now a standard part of their practice, with many continuing to offer teleservices after the pandemic. However, this transition was not without challenges. Providers needed to quickly learn how to navigate new technology platforms, communicate effectively with patients through screens, and maintain the quality of care remotely.

The lesson learned is that successful telehealth adoption isn’t just about implementing technology — it’s about providing the necessary training and support for healthcare professionals. Organizations are investing in telehealth education and certification programs to ensure providers are equipped to deliver high-quality virtual care. Additionally, more integrated platforms are being developed to streamline provider workflows and improve patient-provider communication. Ensuring that healthcare professionals have the tools and knowledge to succeed in a telehealth environment will be key to the long-term success of virtual care.

As a Conclusion

These lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrate the vital role telehealth can play in modern healthcare systems, not just in times of crisis but as a permanent fixture in the delivery of care. By learning from these experiences, the future of telehealth can be more efficient, equitable, and patient-centered.