Study of Telehealth Expansion
Related Sites
Minnesota Study of Telehealth Expansion and Payment Parity: Our Approach
Qualitative study
The qualitative aspect to the study was conducted through collaboration with Wilder Research (Wilder). Wilder conducted interviews with Minnesota residents, health care providers, and payer organizations.
A summary of the key findings of the Wilder study may be found on the Publications page. Wilder's full report can be found in Appendix B of the Study of Telehealth Expansion and Payment Parity: Preliminary Report to the Minnesota Legislature 2023.
Quantitative study
MDH is working with national and local experts to support the quantitative analysis for the final report. Mathematica is conducting an analysis of the Minnesota All Payer Claims Database (MN APCD) to understand the impact of telehealth using claims data. The Minnesota Electronic Health Records Consortium is analyzing data from electronic health records to study quality, outcomes, and equity. Oliver Wyman is conducting an actuarial analysis of the MN APCD to study the impact of telehealth on health insurance premiums.
Focused literature review
The Center for Evidence-Based Policy is providing MDH an environmental scan and summary of the available evidence related to the use and effectiveness of audio-only telehealth.
Technical Advisory Group
A Technical Advisory Group (TAG) is being convened to support study design and analysis. Refer to our TAG webpage for more information.
Study partner and facilitator
SDK Communications, a public affairs firm, is facilitating the Technical Advisory Group, overseeing community outreach and engagement, and leading the preparation of the legislative reports and supporting materials.
When can we expect results?
The preliminary report to the Minnesota Legislature was released June 1, 2023, which included recommendations to continue to include audio-only telehealth as a type of telehealth service in statute and to extent payment parity for audio-only telehealth beyond the original June 30, 2023, sunset until more complete evidence becomes available. The preliminary report and related materials may be found on the Publications page.
A final report—sharing all findings and recommendations—will be shared during the 2024 Minnesota legislative session.