Mandates for the provision of telemedicine have driven insurance companies and employers to jump into arrangements with pre-smartphone era companies like Teladoc, MD Live, and American Well.
The availability of low-risk arrangements for the payer make these deals attractive because they’re light on out-of-pocket expenses, often only charging when a visit occurs or requiring a co-pay to discourage use. But offering care in a lower-cost venue only saves money if people use it.
