Pediatric Telehealth Usage Surges, Then Plummets Post-Pandemic

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open reveals significant fluctuations in telehealth usage for pediatric primary care before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research, led by Dr. Chloe Teasdale, an associate professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, highlights data collected from over 680,000 pediatric visits in the Bronx from 2020 to 2023.

Telehealth visits peaked in April 2020, making up 70.5% of all appointments during that month. Early pandemic months such as March and August 2020 saw virtual visits account for 34.7% of all pediatric primary care consultations. However, by 2023, this figure had dramatically declined to just 1.9%, reflecting an 11% annual decrease in telehealth usage.

Disparities in Telehealth Utilization

The study identified notable disparities in telehealth access among different demographic groups. Notably, Hispanic children and those from lower-income neighborhoods were the most likely to utilize telehealth services at the pandemic’s height. This trend persisted despite expectations of exacerbated equity issues.

Interestingly, adolescents aged 15 to 18 showed the highest rates of telehealth engagement in 2020, with 46.0% attending at least one virtual visit. By 2023, the demographic landscape shifted, with non-Hispanic white children and those from higher-income areas becoming more prevalent among telehealth users, signifying a reversal from earlier pandemic patterns.

The authors emphasize the need for further research into the preferences of both children and healthcare providers regarding telehealth. They also highlight the importance of examining the long-term impact of telehealth on health outcomes, particularly as the world transitions further away from pandemic-era practices.

This study serves as a crucial insight into the evolving landscape of pediatric healthcare, demonstrating the potential and challenges of telehealth implementation during a global health crisis. The findings underscore the necessity for ongoing evaluation and adaptation of telehealth strategies to ensure equitable access and improved health outcomes for all children.

For more information, see the study by Chloe A. Teasdale et al, titled “Telehealth Use in Primary Care Pediatrics During and After the COVID-19 Pandemic,” available in JAMA Network Open (2025). The DOI for the study is 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.44421.