Telehealth Consumers 45% Less Likely To Complete Timely Follow-Up Diagnostic Tests

Primary care consumers who were given recommendations for follow-up diagnostic tests were 45% less likely to obtain the testing when the test was ordered during a telehealth visit. About 42.6% of telehealth consumers completed recommended diagnostic testing within the designated time frame, compared to 58.4% of consumers with an in-person visit.

The follow-up tests ranged from colonoscopy referrals (for screening and diagnosis), dermatology referrals for suspicious skin lesions, and cardiac stress tests. The rate of completion was between 40% and 65% for all test types, regardless of whether the referral was issued during a telehealth . . .