Telehealth Use in Pediatric Care Peaks and Plummets Post-COVID

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open reveals significant fluctuations in the use of telehealth services for pediatric primary care during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The research, led by Dr. Chloe Teasdale, an associate professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the CUNY Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health (ISPH), analyzed data from over 680,000 pediatric visits in the Bronx from 2020 to 2023.

The study found that telehealth appointments peaked at an astonishing 70.5% of all pediatric visits in April 2020. During the early months of the pandemic, particularly in March and August of that year, approximately 34.7% of all pediatric primary care visits were conducted virtually. However, by 2023, this number had dramatically decreased to just 1.9%, reflecting an annual decline of 11%.

Changing Demographics and Usage Patterns

The research highlights notable demographic shifts in telehealth usage. Initially, Hispanic children and those from lower-income neighborhoods were more likely to access telehealth services during the peak of the pandemic, challenging anticipated equity concerns. In particular, adolescents aged 15 to 18 accounted for 46.0% of telehealth visits in 2020.

Contrastingly, by 2023, the trend had shifted, with non-Hispanic white children and those from higher-income areas increasingly utilizing telehealth services. This reversal raises important questions about access and equity in healthcare delivery.

The authors of the study underscore the need for further investigation into the preferences of both children and healthcare providers regarding telehealth. They also call for research into the long-term impacts of telehealth on health outcomes in the pediatric population following the pandemic.

As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, understanding these trends is crucial for improving access and addressing disparities in pediatric care. The findings of this study serve as a reminder of the dynamic nature of telehealth and its implications for future healthcare delivery.

For more details, refer to the full study: Chloe A. Teasdale et al, Telehealth Use in Primary Care Pediatrics During and After the COVID-19 Pandemic, JAMA Network Open (2025). DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.44421.