DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/K6KV-HC35
Defense Date
2022
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Department
Public Policy & Administration
First Advisor
Richard Huff
Second Advisor
Nancy Morris
Third Advisor
Robyn McDougle
Fourth Advisor
Rebecca Etz
Fifth Advisor
Michael Bleich
Abstract
The enactment of Waiver 1135, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, enabled healthcare systems to deliver care via telehealth. A descriptive analysis of the impact of the implementation of Waiver 1135 on increasing access to care in Virginia was conducted. Guided by Andersen’s Behavioral Model of Health Service Use (BMHSU) theory, this study used a longitudinal, monthly-level data from the Virginia’s All Payers Claim Database to examine telehealth utilization rates between January 2019 and December 2020. Observations in insurance coverage, healthcare clinicians role and specialty and geographic location were all examined. Results suggest that while Virginia’s overall volume of telehealth services increased post Waiver 1135, contextual factors outside of payment parity negatively impacted its use for rural Virginians. This macro-level study provides a population level examination of Virginia’s telehealth utilization which can inform post pandemic policy agendas.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
2-22-2023