Patients with diabetes are as satisfied with telehealth as with in-person care

A University of Florida study finds that people with diabetes who participate in telehealth doctor visits report the same level of quality of care, trust in the health care system, and patient-centered communication as patients who receive care through in-person visits.

The study suggests that telehealth, which exploded in popularity during the early phases of the COVID-19 pandemic, should continue to be integrated into diabetes care, says the study’s lead author Young-Rock Hong, Ph.D., M.P.H., an assistant professor in the UF College of Public Health and Health Professions’ Department of Health Services Research, Management and Policy.

“Many patients and providers have experienced the convenience and effectiveness of telehealth, not only for diabetes management,” Hong said. “The COVID-19 emergency period greatly expanded telehealth access and reimbursement, however, many of these flexibilities are set to expire after the public health emergency ends on Dec. 31, 2024, which could limit telehealth availability without further action.”