Top 10 benefits of telehealth for private practices

Telehealth has come a long way from its origins as a healthcare delivery solution for rural and underserved areas. In 2025 and beyond, the benefits of telehealth extend across the healthcare ecosystem from patient to provider to practice. 

Below we examine the telehealth benefits for private practices today and in the future. 

Telehealth has revolutionized healthcare access by breaking down geographical barriers and creating more viable care options with remote healthcare. Online doctor visits enable providers to reach patients regardless of location, while also reducing administrative burden and creating more efficient practice workflows. Additionally, according to Tebra’s 2024 Patient Perspectives Report, patients increasingly value convenience alongside quality care — and telehealth delivers both.

The benefits of telehealth go beyond convenience, offering:

One of the most significant telehealth benefits is expanded patient access. Virtual care removes transportation barriers, making healthcare available to patients in rural areas while also serving those with mobility challenges, or individuals with busy schedules. 

“I practice in a rural area, and as a result, some patients need to travel quite far to see certain specialties,” Jesse P. Houghton, MD, Senior Medical Director of Gastroenterology at Southern Ohio Medical Center, says. “Giving patients the option of making their visit via a telehealth appointment makes it much more likely that those patients traveling long distances will be able to maintain their continuity of care.”

By increasing remote healthcare opportunities with telehealth access, your practice supports communities and populations with limited access to healthcare resources. 

No-shows cost private practices thousands in lost revenue annually. Telehealth can reduce these costly gaps by eliminating common barriers to appointment attendance, like taking time off work, arranging transportation, or finding time in one's busy schedule to attend doctors' appointments. 

A key benefit of telehealth is that its remote healthcare delivery offers unprecedented scheduling flexibility. For one, practices can extend hours beyond traditional office times without keeping the entire staff on-site, which allows you to offer appointment times that better serve working patients or those who work nontraditional hours. 

Offering virtual care also makes it easier for physicians to fill gaps between appointments with other visits, especially for routine check-ups or care-management visits. 

One powerful way of boosting patient engagement is meeting patients where they are, and increasingly, that means online. Incorporating virtual care through digital health platforms creates new opportunities for patient engagement, as it reduces scheduling barriers and creates access for communication through integrated patient portals. 

Operating a physical practice location comes with substantial overhead costs. Telehealth reduces these expenses by decreasing the need for exam room space, lowering utility and supply costs, and optimizing provider and staff time.

“The majority of my telehealth visits with patients are done after normal office hours, which works better with my busy schedule, while also allowing office staff to leave at their normally scheduled time. It’s a win/win,” Houghton says.

Offering virtual care also allows providers to extend practice hours without having to keep the practice fully staffed, further improving cost efficiency. 

Not every patient concern requires a comprehensive in-person exam. Another major telehealth benefit is its capacity to streamline follow-up care, like managing medication, monitoring chronic disease, and reviewing test results.

What’s more, by designating appropriate follow-up visits for telehealth, practices create more in-office availability for new patients and cases requiring physical, in-person care.

Today’s healthcare industry is a consumer-driven market, meaning patients expect convenience alongside high-quality care. Increasingly, this means offering virtual care in the form of online doctor visits via digital health platforms. Practices offering telehealth services gain a significant competitive advantage over those that don’t, as Tebra’s 2024 Patient Perspective Survey found that 53% of patients prefer virtual appointments for follow-ups and check-ins that don't need physical examination. 

When patients know they can connect with their preferred provider without the hassle of an in-person visit, they’re less likely to seek care from competitors or urgent care facilities.

Life is less location-dependent than in previous generations, which can make continuity of care for patients challenging. Relocations, regular travel, and other life changes often disrupt the patient-provider relationship and can lead to decreased patient engagement. Conversely, telehealth can preserve this valuable connection by allowing care to continue outside of just a provider's office.

However, the ability to deliver healthcare services across state lines varies based on state regulations. Check out this resource from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) for more information about licensing details by state.

Virtual visits typically take less time than in-person appointments, allowing providers to see more patients without extending their workday. The efficiency comes from reduced administrative time and streamlined clinical workflows.

It’s no secret that today’s patients value convenience alongside quality care, and telehealth delivers both, leading to higher satisfaction rates and improved retention. Our 2024 Patient Perspectives Report found that patient preference for virtual appointments remains steady — with almost one-third engaging in telehealth consultations in the past year. 

The benefits of telehealth support thriving practices, patients, and communities. By implementing virtual care options, practices can improve accessibility, operational efficiency, and patient satisfaction while maintaining high clinical standards and better service. 

For practices ready to enhance their care delivery model, the right telehealth solution should integrate seamlessly with existing practice management systems and EHR platforms. This integration ensures a cohesive experience for both providers and patients.

Ready to explore how telehealth can transform your practice? Discover Tebra’s integrated telehealth solutions today.