U.Va. Health Telehealth Nears 1 Million Total Visits

The Charlottesville-based program continues to expand access to care across more than 60 different clinical specialties.

Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Stroke

Bold vector editorial illustration showing headphones and a medical vial, representing the bridge between clinical expertise and remote patient care. — U.Va. Health has reached nearly 1 million telehealth visits, expanding access to specialized medical care for patients throughout the region. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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U.Va. Health is approaching a milestone of 1 million total telehealth visits since the program launched in 1995. The system currently provides remote care options across 60 clinical disciplines to reach patients far from Charlottesville.

Why it matters

The program was established to provide timely medical access to patients in distant communities, utilizing video and phone appointments to deliver specialized care. This infrastructure has become essential for bridging the distance between rural patients and regional experts.

In fiscal year 2026, the program logged approximately 150,000 visits with a 96 percent patient satisfaction rate. The center has secured over $40 million in competitive grants and philanthropic funding.

The players

U.Va. Health

This Charlottesville-based academic health system provides a wide range of medical services and operates the Center for Telehealth.

Virginia General Assembly

This is the state legislative body of Virginia that passed laws requiring insurers to cover telehealth services.

The details

Patients connect with healthcare providers through video or phone calls via the MyChart patient portal, while specialists at remote sites use specific tools to ensure care meets in-person standards. The system has supported various services, including a telestroke network that has been active for more than 12 years.

1995: The U.Va. Health telehealth program was established.
2003: Virginia Medicaid began expanding telehealth coverage.
2010: The General Assembly required insurers to cover telehealth.
March 2022: 75 percent of Virginia providers used telehealth.
December 2027: Medicare coverage extension for certain telehealth services expires.

Health Landscape

This program reflects the broader transition toward digital health services following the 2010 Virginia General Assembly mandate for telehealth insurance coverage. The initiative continues to evolve as healthcare systems adapt to the shifting regulatory environment regarding remote care.

Patients can utilize the MyChart portal to access specialists across 60 disciplines, potentially reducing the need for travel to Charlottesville for routine or specialized consultations. Users should remain aware that Medicare coverage changes in 2027 could impact the future availability of some remote care options.

The takeaway

Telehealth has evolved from a rural-only tool into a standard component of modern patient care that offers high satisfaction rates. Patients should consult with their providers to understand how upcoming changes to federal coverage policies may affect their long-term access to remote services.

What happens next

The U.Va. Health telehealth program is expected to surpass 1 million total visits in 2026. Additionally, Medicare coverage for specific telehealth services in non-rural and non-facility settings is set to expire in December 2027.