Trends in Telehealth Utilization and Cost of Office-Based Care in the United States: Evidence from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, 2018–2023

Background The COVID-19 pandemic catalyzed rapid growth in telehealth services across the United States. However, questions remain about whether this expansion is sustainable and impact on healthcare costs. Objective To analyze trends in telehealth utilization and its relationship to office-based care expenses in the U.S. from 2018 to 2023. Methods Data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) Office-Based Medical Provider Visits files (2018–2022), supplemented with provider-level telehealth reports from 2023, were analyzed. Descriptive statistics, trend analysis, and multivariable linear regressions were used to examine telehealth adoption by provider specialty and visit type, as well as its association with total visit charges and payments. Results Telehealth visits surged in 2020, then continued at a slower but steady rate through 2023. Usage varied by provider specialty, with the highest levels among psychiatry and behavioral health. Regression analyses showed no statistically significant link between telehealth use and lower visit charges or payments. Conclusions Telehealth continues to be a vital part of office-based care. Policymakers and providers need to address specialty-specific adoption and cost issues when creating sustainable telehealth policies after the pandemic.