Disparities Identified in Telemedicine Use for Neurologic Conditions

Follow Drugslib on

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com.

By Elana Gotkine HealthDay Reporter

WEDNESDAY, Nov. 20, 2024 -- Disparities exist in telemedicine utilization for neurologic conditions, according to a study published online Nov. 20 in Neurology: Clinical Practice.

Marisa Patryce McGinley, D.O., from the Cleveland Clinic, and colleagues characterized outpatient telemedicine utilization for neurologic conditions and identified potential disparities at an academic medical health care system. Patients completing in-person visits were compared to those completing telemedicine visits. Telemedicine utilization was compared prepandemic (before March 2020), early pandemic (March to June 2020), and late pandemic (July 2020 to July 2022).

During the study time frame, 242,273 patients completed 752,174 visits. The researchers found that telemedicine utilization differed significantly between time frames, with the highest utilization early in the pandemic. The odds of a telemedicine visit were significantly lower for individuals who were older (odds ratio, 0.97), were Black or Hispanic (odds ratios, 0.84 and 0.70, respectively), had a higher Area Deprivation Index (odds ratios, 0.85, 0.80, 0.78, and 0.65 for 20 to 40, 40 to 60, 60 to 80, and ≥80 percent, respectively), had nonprivate insurance (odds ratios, 0.78, 0.84, and 0.60 for Medicaid, Medicare, and self-pay, respectively), and had non-English preferred language (odds ratio, 0.61) in the late pandemic time frame. Significantly higher odds of a telemedicine visit were seen for individuals who were female (odds ratio, 1.25) and lived outside of the greater Cleveland area (odds ratios, 2.33 and 3.32 for other Ohio and out of state, respectively). No difference was seen for visits completed by rural patients versus metropolitan patients.

"Telemedicine has the potential to improve access to neurologic care and the disparities in utilization identified in this study may aid researchers and institutions in creating strategies to ensure equitable implementation," the authors write.

Several authors disclosed ties to biopharmaceutical companies, including Genentech, which partially funded the study.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Disclaimer: Statistical data in medical articles provide general trends and do not pertain to individuals. Individual factors can vary greatly. Always seek personalized medical advice for individual healthcare decisions.

Source: HealthDay

Posted : 2024-11-22 00:00

Read more

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Drugslib.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Drugslib.com provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Popular Keywords