Associations between Patient- and Provider Level Factors, and Telemedicine Use in Family Medicine Clinics

Increased telemedicine implementation may promote primary care access. However, gaps in telemedicine uptake may perpetuate existing disparities in primary care access. This study assessed provider- and patient-level factors associated with telemedicine use in community-based family practice clinics.

This retrospective study used electronic medical records data from a large Federally Qualified Health Center. A 3-level mixed-effects logistic regression model explored predictors of telemedicine use, with provider and patient as random effects.

The analytic sample included 37,428 unique patients with 106,567 primary care encounters with 42 family medicine providers. Fifty-seven percent of the sample identified as Hispanic, 28% non-Hispanic White, and 11% non-Hispanic Black. Compared to Hispanics, non-Hispanic White patients had 61% higher odds of a telemedicine visit, and non-Hispanic Black patients had 32% higher odds of a telemedicine visit. The odds of telemedicine use were lower for those who were uninsured. Those residing in metropolitan areas or medically underserved areas had greater odds of a telemedicine appointment. Commute time exhibited a dose-response relationship with telemedicine use. Provider characteristics were not significantly associated with telemedicine use.

While provider characteristics were not associated with telemedicine use, greater focus on patient characteristics specific to the population served is necessary.