Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated telehealth usage. This study aims to understand the impact of sociodemographic factors on telehealth usage during COVID-19 among surgical specialties. Methods: Our data contain surgical outpatient visits at an academic center from five periods between 2019 and 2020. A difference-in-differences regression model was used to examine the effect of exposure variables on virtual visit proportions between prepandemic and postpandemic time periods. Results: Compared with white patients, non-Medicare beneficiaries, and English-proficient patients, the rate of uptake in telehealth visits from prepandemic to postpandemic periods was lower for black patients, Medicare beneficiaries, and non-English-speaking patients, respectively. Surgical subspecialties saw varied usage of telehealth. A strong preference for phone visits by black patients, Medicare beneficiaries, and non-English-speaking patients existed. Conclusion: Phone visits are an important resource for marginalized communities. Understanding disparities in telemedicine usage may inform policy that could alleviate inequities in health care access.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Telemedicine journal and e-health : the official journal of the American Telemedicine Association
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
