Sociodemographic Predictors of Telehealth Physical Therapy Utilization in the United States: Analysis of the 2023 MEPS Data

BackgroundTelehealth physical therapy (PT) expanded rapidly during the COVID-19 pandemic, but patterns of utilization across populations remain poorly understood. ObjectiveTo examine sociodemographic predictors of telehealth PT use in a nationally representative U.S. sample. MethodsData from the 2023 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) were analyzed. Adults with physical therapy visits were included. Weighted descriptive statistics and logistic regression models were used to estimate associations between TelePT use and age, education, sex, race/ethnicity, and income. ResultsAmong 13,800 adults with PT visits, 1,590 (11.5%) used TelePT. Weighted analyses showed TelePT users were more likely to be female (62% vs 53%), White (80% vs 76%), and middle/high income (81% vs 76%). Logistic regression indicated higher odds of TelePT use with increased education (OR 1.17, 95% CI 1.15-1.19), female sex (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.21-1.51), and White race (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.08-1.41). Age (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.98-0.98) was associated with reduced odds. Income was not statistically significant after adjustment. ConclusionsTelePT adoption is uneven across sociodemographic groups, with higher use among more educated, female, and White patients. These findings help identify those most likely to adopt TelePT services and these disparities highlight the need for targeted strategies to ensure equitable access to telehealth physical therapy.