Differential Uptake of Telehealth for Prenatal Care in a Large New York City Academic Obstetrical Practice during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in New York City, telehealth was rapidly implemented for obstetric patients. Though telehealth for prenatal care is safe and effective, significant concerns exist regarding equity in access among low-income populations. We performed a retrospective cohort study evaluating utilization of telehealth for prenatal care in a large academic practice in New York City, comparing women with public and private insurance. We found that patients with public insurance were less likely to have at least one telehealth visit than women with private insurance (60.9 vs. 87.3%, p < 0.001). After stratifying by borough, this difference remained significant in Brooklyn, one of the boroughs hardest hit by the pandemic. As COVID-19 continues to spread around the country, obstetric providers must work to ensure that all patients, particularly those with public insurance, have equal access to telehealth.

Key Points

• Telehealth for prenatal care is frequently utilized during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Significant concerns exist regarding equity in access among lower-income populations.

• Women with public insurance in New York City were less likely to access telehealth for prenatal care.

Keywords

prenatal care - COVID-19 - telehealth - telemedicine - health care disparities

Publication History

Received: 09 July 2020

Accepted: 04 November 2020

Article published online:
10 December 2020

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