Telehealth Use and Web-Based Patient Portal Activation Among Rural-Dwelling Patients: Retrospective Review and Policy Implications

Telehealth may redress rural health care shortages in the United States and improve related rural health disparities. However, following the expansion of telehealth related to the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth use has been lower among rural populations compared to urban populations. Certain populations are also more likely to use audio-only telehealth, with implications for care quality.