Andrea Westby, MD, FAAFP; Tanner Nissly, DO; Rebecca Gieseker, MD, PGY-1; Kaleigh Timmins, MD, PGY-1; Kathryn Justesen, MD
Corresponding Author: Andrea Westby, MD, FAAFP; University of Minnesota Medical School. Email: westby@umn.edu
Section: Commentary
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The SARS-CoV2 epidemic has led to rapid transformation of healthcare delivery and access with increased provision of telehealth services despite previously identified barriers and limitations to this care. While telehealth was initially envisioned to increase equitable access to care for under-resourced populations, the way in which telehealth provision is designed and implemented may result in worsening disparities if not thoughtfully done. This commentary seeks to demonstrate the opportunities for telehealth equity based on past research, recent developments, and a recent patient experience case example highlighting benefits of telehealth care in underserved patient populations. Recommendations to improve equity in telehealth provision include improved virtual visit technology with a focus on patient ease of use, strategies to increase access to video visit equipment, universal broadband wireless, and inclusion of telephone visits in CMS reimbursement criteria for telehealth.