The One Thing Physicians Can Do to Reduce Disparities in Virtual Care

Why It Matters

Reducing virtual‑care disparities improves health outcomes and expands practice reach, making equity a competitive advantage. It also aligns with policy pushes toward inclusive digital health ecosystems.

Key Takeaways

• Trust hinges on clear, empathetic virtual communication
• Simplify tech setup to accommodate low digital literacy
• Offer multilingual support to reach non‑English speakers
• Schedule flexible appointments for transportation‑limited patients
• Monitor broadband gaps to ensure equitable access

Pulse Analysis

Telehealth’s rapid integration into everyday practice has forced clinicians to confront a paradox: technology can both obscure and amplify the physician‑patient relationship. While video platforms eliminate travel time, they also strip away many of the non‑verbal cues that signal comfort and understanding. Physicians who invest in deliberate eye contact, concise explanations, and active listening can recreate a sense of presence that reassures patients, especially those unfamiliar with digital interfaces. This human‑centered approach not only boosts satisfaction scores but also reduces the likelihood of missed diagnoses that can arise from miscommunication.

Equity‑focused physicians are turning to concrete tactics to bridge the digital divide. Simplifying the onboarding process—such as offering pre‑visit tech checks, step‑by‑step guides, and low‑bandwidth options—helps patients with limited digital literacy join appointments confidently. Providing real‑time translation services and culturally relevant educational materials removes language barriers that have historically excluded non‑English speakers. Moreover, flexible scheduling that accommodates shift workers, caregivers, and those without reliable transportation ensures that virtual visits become a genuine alternative rather than a privilege.

The broader implications extend beyond individual practices. When clinicians systematically address broadband gaps and digital skill deficits, they contribute to a more resilient health system capable of delivering consistent care across rural and underserved urban areas. Payers and policymakers are increasingly rewarding providers who demonstrate reduced disparities through telehealth metrics, making equity a measurable component of value‑based reimbursement. As the industry evolves, physicians who embed inclusive virtual‑care strategies will not only improve patient outcomes but also position themselves at the forefront of the next wave of digital health innovation.

The one thing physicians can do to reduce disparities in virtual care

By Todd Shryock

Fact‑checked by Chris Mazzolini

February 13, 2026

Virtual care is no longer a stopgap or a convenience—it’s now a core part of how many physicians deliver care. But as digital tools become more embedded in everyday practice, an important question remains: How do doctors ensure that technology enhances, rather than weakens, the physician–patient relationship?

Building trust, reading subtle cues, and creating a sense of presence can be more challenging when care is delivered through a screen. Yet many physicians are finding that, when used thoughtfully, virtual tools can actually deepen connection—by meeting patients where they are, reducing barriers to follow‑up, and creating more flexibility in how and when care happens. Small changes in communication style, workflow, and technology use can make a meaningful difference in how patients experience virtual visits.

At the same time, virtual care holds significant promise for addressing long‑standing health inequities. For patients who face transportation challenges, mobility limitations, caregiving responsibilities, or geographic isolation, virtual access can be transformative. It can also help practices reach underserved populations more consistently—if issues like digital literacy, broadband access, and language support are addressed head‑on.

Medical Economics spoke with Sarah Matt, MD, author of The Borderless Healthcare Revolution, about practical strategies for connecting with patients in virtual settings, as well as the role technology can play in narrowing—rather than widening—gaps in health outcomes.