Here are some of the study's top findings:
- Telehealth access disparities were found among patients who were Black, Hispanic, older, and/or enrolled in Medicare or Medicaid, across rural and urban lines.
- Only 53 percent of rural cancer survivors covered by Medicare reported that their medical provider had telehealth service available, compared to 63% of their urban peers.
- Those who were enrolled in Medicare and Medicaid were even less likely to be offered telehealth services, the study found.
- 67% of the rural respondents owned a desktop, laptop, smartphone or tablet, compared to 82% of urban respondents.
- 58% of rural respondents had internet access, compared to 79% of urban respondents.
- Only 28% of rural respondents were likely to participate in voice calls or conferencing, compared to 46% of urban respondents.
The researchers suggested that the health-care industry and lawmakers work on increasing broadband access and find ways to help patients increase their telehealth literacy.
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