How Does Telemedicine Work? A 2025 Guide for HR Professionals

Healthcare access has become a major priority for employers—and employees—over the past few years. More than ever, HR leaders at small and midsize businesses are turning to telemedicine to offer a cost-effective, flexible healthcare benefit that meets the needs of a modern workforce.

But how does telemedicine work, and what should HR teams know when evaluating providers or promoting this benefit to employees? Here’s your 2025 guide to understanding the ins and outs of telemedicine, along with its biggest benefits—and what’s new in terms of legislation and compliance.

What Is Telemedicine?

Telemedicine refers to the remote delivery of healthcare services using digital tools—most commonly via phone, video, or secure messaging platforms. It allows patients to consult with licensed medical professionals from virtually anywhere, without having to visit a physical office.

While “telemedicine” is often used interchangeably with tele-health, the two are slightly different:

• Telemedicine focuses specifically on clinical services (like diagnosing, treating, or prescribing medication).
• Telehealth includes both clinical and non-clinical services such as administrative support, patient education, follow-up monitoring, and provider training.
  
  

How Does Telemedicine Work?

In a typical telemedicine visit, an employee logs into a secure portal or app provided by a telemedicine provider. They can then:

• Schedule an appointment (often within minutes)
• Choose between video, phone, or chat-based consultations
• Speak with a licensed healthcare professional
• Receive a diagnosis, treatment plan, or prescription electronically

Appointments are commonly available 24/7, making telemedicine an excellent resource for non-emergency care outside of traditional business hours.

What Are the Benefits of Telemedicine for Employees and Employers?

Telemedicine offers a wide range of advantages for both employees and HR teams. As of 2025, these are some of the most significant benefits:

1. Increased Convenience and Flexibility

Employees can access care from the comfort of their homes, which is especially helpful for:

• Individuals with mobility challenges or disabilities
• Working parents or caregivers
• Rural employees who live far from healthcare facilities
• Those with mild illnesses who want to avoid spreading germs

From an HR perspective, telemedicine helps support work-life balance and reduces the number of work hours lost to in-person doctor visits.

2. Cost Savings for Everyone

Telemedicine helps reduce:

• Transportation costs for employees
• Copays or out-of-pocket costs for minor health concerns
• Unnecessary trips to the ER or urgent care

For employers, offering telemedicine can lower overall claim costs and contribute to better healthcare ROI within group plans.

3. Faster Access to Care

Traditional in-person appointments can take days—or even weeks—to schedule. In contrast, telemedicine platforms often provide same-day care, improving outcomes for minor but time-sensitive conditions like:

• Cold and flu symptoms
• Allergies and skin rashes
• Mild infections (e.g. sinus, UTI, ear infections)

4. Improved Health Engagement

Employees are more likely to seek care when it’s easy to access and low-cost. This can lead to:

• Better medication adherence
• Early detection of issues before they worsen
• A more proactive approach to health and wellness

For HR professionals, it's one more way to support a culture of well-being in the workplace.

To make the most informed decisions, HR professionals and employees should also be aware of the negative impacts of telemedicine such as limited physical examinations, potential misdiagnoses, technology access issues, reduced provider-patient rapport, and privacy concerns related to digital communication. While telemedicine offers convenience and broader access, it's important to weigh these drawbacks when designing or selecting healthcare plans.

Telemedicine Compliance and Legal Updates for 2025

As telemedicine becomes a staple in employer-sponsored healthcare, legal frameworks are evolving to support its growth. HR professionals should be aware of several important updates:

1. Medicare Telehealth Flexibilities Extended

The American Relief Act passed at the end of 2024 extended several tele-health waivers through March 31, 2025, including:

• Allowing patients to receive care from home without geographic restrictions
• Expanding the list of eligible tele-health providers to include occupational and physical therapists
• Permitting audio-only visits for certain services
• Waiving in-person visit requirements for mental health services
• Allowing Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) to serve as distant site providers

Other regulatory tele-health waivers will expire on Dec. 31, 2025. For more information on these extensions, check out the American Health Association’s Fact Sheet, released this February.  

2. DEA Rule Proposals on Telemedicine Prescribing

In January 2025, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) proposed three new rules that would expand telemedicine prescribing options. If adopted, the rules would:

• Allow prescribing of Schedule III–V controlled substances without an initial in-person visit for providers who meet certain criteria
• Permit prescribing of some Schedule II drugs via telemedicine under an advanced registration, limited to board-certified specialists (e.g., psychiatry, hospice)

These rules are open for public comment and may be finalized later this year. Check out the DEA’s January Press Release for more information. 

3. State-Level Telehealth Laws Still Vary

While federal rules are expanding, tele-health laws still differ from state to state, particularly when it comes to prescribing, cross-state licensure, and reproductive health services. Employers offering multi-state benefits should confirm that their telemedicine vendor stays compliant with the most current state regulations.

Additional Resources

You can stay informed, educated, and up to date with important HR topics using BerniePortal’s comprehensive resources:

• BernieU—free online HR courses, approved for SHRM and HRCI recertification credit
• BerniePortal Blog—a one-stop shop for HR industry news
• HR Glossary—featuring the most common HR terms, acronyms, and compliance
• Resource Library—essential guides covering a comprehensive list of HR topics
• HR Party of One—our popular YouTube series and podcast, covering emerging HR trends and enduring HR topics
• Community—the HR Party of One Community forum, a place devoted to HR professionals to ask questions, learn more, and help others