Are Underserved Patients Interested in Telemedicine Orthopaedic Appointments? A Survey Study

This study sought to characterize patient interest in utilizing telemedicine for orthopaedic surgery clinic visits in a primarily Medicaid population. The authors hypothesized that interest in telemedicine would be associated with higher education level, lower age, private insurance, and internet access. Patients who called the clinic between October 2020 and February 2021 were asked to participate in a 5-question phone survey. The association between willingness to use telemedicine and other variables was determined using statistical analysis. Two hundred and fifty-six patients participated; they were predominantly female (50.8%), Black (57.6%), 50 – 60 years old (33.6%), with public insurance (83.2%). In total, 76.6% were interested in telemedicine. No significant association was observed between interest in telemedicine and education level or insurance. Patients who were younger and had internet access were significantly more interested in utilizing telemedicine services. Contrary to our hypothesis, no association was noted between interest in telemedicine and education level or insurance. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 35(1):027 – 030, 2026)

Key words: telemedicine, health disparities, access to care, COVID19, technology