Disparities in the Use of Teledermatology During the COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown in a Pediatric Dermatology Practice

• DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2022.0221
• Publication Date: 2022-09-16T15:13:07Z
• Authors: Samir Kamat; Sumanth Chennareddy; Tyler D'Ovidio; Joseph Han; Maria Rosa Noliza...; Connie Yang; Nanette Silverberg
• Keywords: Teledermatology; Pandemic; 2019-20 coronavirus outbreak

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic required a rapid expansion of teledermatology services. Objective: Analyze demographic shifts in pediatric dermatology practice session with children color. Methods: A retrospective chart review patients seen the 4 weeks preceding New York lockdown and comparable visits during lockdown. Demographic differences (e.g., race, age, gender, household income) were analyzed. Results: greater proportion White (59.7%), compared pre-lockdown (43.6%), reduction Asian (6.0%) (24.5%). lower no-show (4.3%, 3/70 scheduled) noted (16%, 18/112). Preferred provider organizations (PPO) higher-income zip codes more common for Limitations: sample addresses limited short time period. Conclusions: PPO likely to access telehealth, supporting disparity These results demonstrate reduced health care lower-income