Financial Factors That Influenced Telemedicine Delivery During the COVID-19 Pandemic

ABSTRACT

Objectives: Studies report that finances are a barrier to providing telemedicine. However, few studies have explored how finances are a barrier to providing and using telemedicine for providers and patients. This study aims to describe reimbursement issues that influenced telemedicine provision and use for patients with chronic conditions and their providers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Study Design: Semistructured interviews were conducted asking about participants’ experiences with telemedicine during the pandemic. All interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim.

Methods: We recruited adult patients (n = 65) and primary care providers (n = 21) across 4 medical centers that were part...