<b>Objective: </b>We
compared the uptake of telemedicine for diabetes care across multiple
demographic groups during the COVID-19 pandemic to understand the impact of
telemedicine adoption on access to care.
<p><b>Research Design and
Methods:</b> The study analyzed demographic information of
patients with type 1 diabetes seen between 1/1/2018 and 6/30/2020 at a single
center. We compared the odds of completing a visit via telemedicine across
multiple demographic characteristics.</p>
<p><b>Results: </b>Among
28,977 patient-visits, the odds of completing a visit via telemedicine were
lower among non-English-speaking (1.7% vs. 2.7%, aOR:0.45, 95% CI:0.26-0.79)
and Medicaid-insured (32.0% vs. 35.9%, aOR:0.83, 95% CI:0.72-0.95) pediatric patients.
No clinically significant differences were observed for other demographic factors.</p>
<p><b>Conclusions: </b>Rapid
transition to telemedicine did not significantly impact access to diabetes care
for most demographic groups. However, disparities in access to care for
historically marginalized groups merit close attention to ensure use of telemedicine
does not exacerbate these inequities.</p>
The Rapid Transition to Telemedicine and Its Effect on Access to Care for Patients With Type 1 Diabetes During the COVID-19 Pandemic
