Story perspectives

Telemedicine Saves $400 Per Visit, Urges Congressional Support

3/2/2026

Summary

Story summary

A study published in JAMA Network Open finds telemedicine more cost-effective than in-person visits, saving about $400 per appointment.
Telemedicine visits cost about $96 versus $509 for in-person care and typically require fewer follow-up appointments.
Mental health care costs remain similar for telemedicine and in-person visits.
Researchers urge Congressional support to maintain expanded telemedicine access established during the COVID-19 pandemic, warning that reverting regulations could erase the cost savings.

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Story summary

A study published in JAMA Network Open finds telemedicine more cost-effective than in-person visits, saving about $400 per appointment.
Telemedicine visits cost about $96 versus $509 for in-person care and typically require fewer follow-up appointments.
Mental health care costs remain similar for telemedicine and in-person visits.
Researchers urge Congressional support to maintain expanded telemedicine access established during the COVID-19 pandemic, warning that reverting regulations could erase the cost savings.