United States Telehealth Usage Rises 10 Percent as Mental Health Visits Lead Growth

Telehealth usage climbed 10.1% in the first quarter, according to Fair Health data, marking the strongest quarterly rise since the pandemic surge. Fair Health notes the surge was strongest in states with Medicaid expansion.

MentalHealth diagnoses now dominate telemedicine claims across all age groups and regions, with the highest concentration among adults aged 25‑44, reflecting growing demand for remote counseling and therapy services. Rural areas saw the steepest increase.

Spending on telehealth rose modestly, but overall medical expenditures and in‑person visit counts stayed flat, indicating that virtual care is adding services rather than replacing existing ones, according to a recent analysis. Insurers reimbursed virtual visits at parity, keeping provider revenue stable.

Policy experts cite the data as evidence for extending telehealth flexibilities, especially for mental‑health treatment, while insurers weigh the cost impact of sustained virtual visit growth. The AMA digitalHouse bill would lock in many telehealth flexibilities.