Physician disengagement from telemedicine remains a critical yet underexplored challenge to the long-term viability of digital health systems. While adoption has been widely promoted, the reasons clinicians reduce or discontinue its use after initial uptake are less understood. This study explores the sociotechnological factors influencing Filipino physicians’ decisions to scale back telemedicine use in post-adoption settings. Using a qualitative design, in-depth interviews were conducted with physicians across various specialties and practice locations. Thematic analysis revealed that discontinuance is shaped by a combination of diagnostic limitations, poor system usability, lack of interoperability, medico-legal concerns, emotional exhaustion, and financial burden. Physicians reported that virtual consultations often hindered accurate assessments, strained communication, and disrupted professional boundaries. This research offers a novel contribution by reframing telemedicine disengagement as a professional and clinical recalibration rather than a mere reaction to technical issues. It extends discontinuance models by integrating clinical judgment, ethical accountability, and work-life balance considerations. The study provides practical insights for designing telemedicine systems that are not only technologically reliable but also aligned with physicians’ workflow realities and care standards. These findings are particularly relevant for health systems in low- and middle-income countries seeking sustainable digital health integration.