1. Disparities in the Use of Teledermatology During the COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown in a Pediatric Dermatology Practice.
- Author
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Kamat, Samir, Chennareddy, Sumanth, D'Ovidio, Tyler, Han, Joseph, Encarnacion, Maria Rosa Noliza F., Yang, Connie, and Silverberg, Nanette
- Subjects
COVID-19 pandemic ,PEDIATRIC dermatology ,PREFERRED provider organizations (Medical care) ,HEALTH services accessibility ,STAY-at-home orders - Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic required a rapid expansion of teledermatology services. Objective: Analyze demographic shifts in a pediatric dermatology practice session with children of color. Methods: A retrospective chart review of pediatric dermatology patients seen in the 4 practice weeks preceding the New York COVID-19 lockdown and comparable teledermatology visits during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. Demographic differences (e.g., race, age, gender, and household income) were analyzed. Results: A greater proportion of patients seen were White during lockdown (59.7%), compared with pre-lockdown (43.6%), with a reduction in Asian patients seen in lockdown (6.0%) compared with pre-lockdown (24.5%). A lower proportion of no-show patients (4.3%, 3/70 scheduled) were noted in lockdown compared with pre-lockdown (16%, 18/112). Preferred provider organizations (PPO) and higher-income zip codes were more common for children seen during lockdown. Limitations: The sample addresses a limited New York pediatric dermatology practice during a short time period. Conclusions: White patients and patients with PPO were more likely to access telehealth, supporting disparity in teledermatology services. These results demonstrate reduced health care access for lower-income and Asian children during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
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