Telehealth Myths and Realities
Plain-language answers to common concerns about telehealth.
Myth 1: Telehealth is just for minor problems
Reality: Telehealth is widely used for chronic conditions, mental health, medication management, and post-hospital follow-ups.
What the evidence shows:
- Health systems across the U.S. use telehealth for ongoing primary and behavioral health care, often alongside in-person visits.
- For people with mobility, transportation, or caregiving challenges, telehealth can make it easier to stay on track with complex care plans.
Sources:
- Priority Care Clinics:
https://prioritycareclinics.com/telehealth-myths-debunked/ - University of Rochester Medical Center:
https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/news/story/myths-busted-new-studies-show-telemedicine-is-effective-doesnt-reduce-access-to-care - Zivian Health:
https://zivianhealth.com/blog/the-role-of-apps-and-telehealth-in-underserved-communities/
Myth 2: Everyone already has what they need for telehealth
Reality: Millions of people in the U.S. still lack broadband, devices, private space, or the skills needed to use telehealth.
What the evidence shows:
- Over 21 million people in the U.S. lack broadband internet.
- Barriers are more common among people with lower incomes, rural residents, older adults, and people with limited English proficiency.
- Libraries and community organizations are increasingly filling these gaps.
Sources:
- Network of the National Library of Medicine (NNLM):
https://www.nnlm.gov/initiatives/digital-divide - National Library of Medicine (PMC):
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10186294/ - Public Libraries Online:
https://publiclibrariesonline.org/2023/08/libraries-address-the-digital-divide-with-telehealth/
Myth 3: Telehealth isn’t covered by insurance
Reality: Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurers now cover many telehealth services, though details vary by state and plan.
What the evidence shows:
- Coverage rules vary, but telehealth is now a standard part of care.
Sources:
- National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC):
https://www.nachc.org/telehealth-myths-and-facts/ - Priority Care Clinics:
https://prioritycareclinics.com/telehealth-myths-debunked/
Myth 4: Telehealth requires a video call
Reality: Many U.S. programs allow audio-only phone visits, especially when video is not possible.
What the evidence shows:
- Medicare and Medicaid permit certain services by phone, particularly for behavioral health and primary care.
- Phone visits are critical for people without smartphones, data plans, or private spaces.
Sources:
- NACHC:
https://www.nachc.org/telehealth-myths-and-facts/ - National Library of Medicine (PMC):
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7816740/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11963783/
Myth 5: Telehealth isn’t for older adults or people with disabilities
Reality: Older adults and people with disabilities successfully use telehealth when accessibility and support are built in.
What the evidence shows:
- Studies show successful use when platforms include captioning, screen readers, large text, and caregiver support.
- Researchers urge health systems to design telehealth with accessibility from the start.
Sources:
- National Library of Medicine (PMC):
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10186294/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7816740/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11963783/
Myth 6: Telehealth means we don’t need local clinics anymore
Reality: Telehealth works best as a partner to in-person care, not a replacement.
What the evidence shows:
- Hands-on exams, procedures, labs, and vaccines still require local clinics.
- The strongest systems combine local providers, digital tools, broadband, and community spaces like libraries.
Sources:
- National Library of Medicine (PMC):
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11963783/
Key takeaways
Telehealth should not replace in-person care, but it must be available as a real, accessible choice.
Digital health inclusion succeeds when systems are:
- Accessible by design
- Supported by reliable and affordable connectivity
- Flexible and person-centred
- Backed by infrastructure and policy, not assumptions
What communities and partners can do
- Help neighbors get connected through affordable internet options, community Wi-Fi, shared devices, and hotspot lending programs.
- Offer safe, private telehealth spaces in libraries, community centers, and other trusted local locations.
- Provide digital skills coaching and accessibility support, especially for older adults and disabled people.
- Partner with local clinics and health centers to share clear information about telehealth options and insurance coverage.
- Advocate for accessible telehealth platforms — including captioning, screen-reader compatibility, and multiple language options — so disabled and multilingual patients are not left behind.
Funding matters
Closing the digital divide requires sustained funding for connectivity, devices, accessibility, and community-based support.
👉 Click here to explore digital health and digital inclusion funding opportunities: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1PDQntnWFnmHEoPt492rj–75NejY5bbzOGZlKt1Mlew/edit?usp=sharing
