The Virginia Telehealth Network’s (VTN) Benchmarking Telehealth Usage in Virginia survey helps track how virtual care is impacting patients and providers across the Commonwealth. The fourth iteration was conducted between December 20, 2025, and January 30, 2026.
Recently published survey results included thousands of open-ended responses from Virginia health care providers. Their feedback revealed overwhelming support for preserving and strengthening telehealth, with many emphasizing that telehealth is no longer an emergency-era solution but a core component of modern health care delivery.
Across the responses, ten major themes emerged, with strong alignment around the need for permanent telehealth policies, reimbursement stability, and equitable access.
- Make Telehealth Permanent
The most common theme across responses was a desire for long-term certainty around telehealth policy. Providers repeatedly expressed concern that temporary extensions and sunset provisions create uncertainty for patients, health systems, and workforce planning. Many argued that telehealth has become a standard part of care delivery and should be reflected as such in state and federal policy.
As one respondent noted, “Make telehealth permanently available and not subject to rolling sunset provisions that create uncertainty for providers and patients.”
Another shared, “Stop treating telehealth like a pandemic experiment and make it a standard, permanent part of care delivery.”
- Ensure Reimbursement & Payment Parity
Providers emphasized that continued reimbursement, particularly payment parity with in-person care, is essential to maintaining telehealth services. Many respondents indicated that without sustainable reimbursement models, providers may be forced to reduce or eliminate virtual care offerings.
One provider stated, “Ensure telehealth visits are reimbursed at the same rate as in-person visits to maintain access.”
- Expand Access for Rural & Underserved Communities
Many respondents highlighted telehealth’s role in addressing provider shortages and transportation barriers, particularly in rural and underserved areas of Virginia. For these communities, virtual care often serves as a critical connection to specialty and primary care services.
Providers described telehealth as a lifeline for patients who would otherwise face significant challenges accessing care, stating telehealth is “often the only way our patients in remote areas can access specialty care” and for many patients, “telehealth eliminates hours of travel and lost wages.”
- Allow Audio-Only Telehealth
Respondents stressed that audio-only telehealth remains an important option for patients who lack reliable internet access, appropriate devices, or the ability to navigate video platforms. Providers noted that removing audio-only services could create additional barriers for vulnerable populations.
Several comments underscored this concern:
“Audio-only telehealth must remain an option for patients without broadband or smartphones.”
“Many elderly patients cannot navigate video platforms, but they can manage a phone call.”
- Increase Cross-State Licensure Flexibility
Providers expressed support for policies that reduce barriers to practicing across state lines. Many respondents believe greater licensure flexibility would improve access to specialty care and help address workforce shortages, particularly in underserved areas.
As one provider explained, “Licensure compacts and cross-state flexibility would dramatically improve access to specialty care.”
- Invest in Broadband & Technology Infrastructure
While telehealth has expanded access to care, respondents pointed out that technology limitations continue to affect many patients. Reliable broadband access and digital literacy were frequently cited as necessary investments to ensure telehealth benefits are available to all Virginians.
Providers repeatedly connected telehealth access with broader infrastructure needs, stating that the Commonwealth “must prioritize broadband access as a health equity issue.”
- Protect Patient Choice
A recurring theme throughout the responses was the importance of maintaining flexibility for patients and providers. Respondents emphasized that telehealth should complement in-person care and that decisions about care delivery should be based on patient needs and clinical judgment.
- Reduce Regulatory & Administrative Burdens
Many providers indicated that regulatory complexity and administrative requirements can discourage telehealth adoption. Respondents called for clearer guidance and streamlined processes that allow clinicians to focus more time on patient care.
Their feedback included observations like:
“Streamline telehealth regulations so providers can focus on patient care rather than paperwork.”
“Reduce red tape that slows innovation and access.”
- Protect & Expand Medicaid Telehealth Coverage
Respondents frequently highlighted the importance of Medicaid telehealth coverage in supporting access to care for low-income Virginians. Many noted that telehealth has become particularly valuable for behavioral health and primary care services within Medicaid populations.
- Support Providers & Workforce Sustainability
Beyond patient access, respondents also pointed to telehealth’s role in supporting the health care workforce. Providers described benefits related to recruitment, retention, scheduling flexibility, and burnout reduction, while emphasizing the need for stable policies that support long-term investment.
As one respondent shared, “Telehealth flexibility improves provider recruitment and retention.”
Another noted, “Telehealth allows clinicians to manage their schedules more effectively and reduce burnout.”
Download the Full Report
These themes reflect a clear message from Virginia providers: telehealth has become an essential part of health care delivery and should remain a sustainable, accessible option for patients across the Commonwealth.
To learn more, download the 2026 Benchmarking Telehealth Usage in Virginia summary report. The report highlights key findings, trends, and data comparisons across the 2021, 2023, 2024, and 2026 iterations of this benchmarking effort, providing a comprehensive look at how telehealth adoption, utilization, and perceptions have evolved over time.
This research was supported by the Virginia Department of Health Professions and the Virginia Department of Health, whose partnership continues to advance understanding of telehealth’s role in improving health care access throughout Virginia.