Telehealth Faces New Hurdles Under Medicare

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After years of rapid expansion during the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth is entering a new phase — one marked by tighter regulations and shifting reimbursement policies. As of October 2025, Medicare has reinstated several pre-pandemic requirements, including mandatory in-person visits for certain services. This change has sparked concern among healthcare providers and patients alike, particularly in rural and underserved areas where access to in-person care remains limited.

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The new rules primarily affect mental health services and chronic care management, which had seen significant uptake via telehealth platforms. Under the revised guidelines, patients must now attend an in-person appointment at least once every 12 months to remain eligible for virtual follow-ups. While the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) argue that these changes are necessary to ensure quality and continuity of care, critics worry they may create unnecessary barriers for vulnerable populations.

Healthcare providers are also grappling with the administrative burden of adapting to the updated billing codes and documentation requirements. Many smaller practices, which invested heavily in telehealth infrastructure, now face uncertainty about the sustainability of their virtual care models. Some are considering scaling back telehealth offerings, while others are exploring hybrid models that combine in-person and remote services to stay compliant.

Despite these challenges, telehealth is far from disappearing. Private insurers and large health systems continue to support virtual care, recognizing its role in improving access and reducing costs. The current policy shift may ultimately lead to a more structured and standardized telehealth ecosystem — but for now, both patients and providers are navigating a complex and evolving regulatory environment.