OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate the implementation and patient satisfaction of telemedicine visits in a physical medicine and rehabilitation spine practice during COVID-19. DESIGN: This is a prospective cohort study. RESULTS: Of 172 patients, 97.6% were very satisfied or satisfied (83.7% of the patients were very satisfied) with their telemedicine appointment. In 44.4% of the cases, the physical medicine and rehabilitation physician prescribed medication to the patient, and in 21.6% of the cases, either an injection or radiofrequency ablation was ordered. Most patients (87%) did not have any issues during their encounter. Lastly, 64.5% of the patients preferred telemedicine over in-person appointments, whereas 56.1% of the patients who are 60 yrs and older responded the same. A total of 67.4% of those who had a follow-up visit would choose telemedicine over in-person. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study show that telemedicine can provide very effective and satisfactory care in a physical medicine and rehabilitation spine practice. This was especially notable with follow-up visits where imaging and treatment plan can easily be discussed over telemedicine. Stay-at-home orders and improved reimbursement during the COVID-19 pandemic have spurred adoption of telemedicine with high patient satisfaction. We hope that physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians will be able to continue expanding patient access in the postpandemic world.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate the implementation and patient satisfaction of telemedicine visits in a physical medicine and rehabilitation spine practice during COVID-19. DESIGN: This is a prospective cohort study. RESULTS: Of 172 patients, 97.6% were very satisfied or satisfied (83.7% of the patients were very satisfied) with their telemedicine appointment. In 44.4% of the cases, the physical medicine and rehabilitation physician prescribed medication to the patient, and in 21.6% of the cases, either an injection or radiofrequency ablation was ordered. Most patients (87%) did not have any issues during their encounter. Lastly, 64.5% of the patients preferred telemedicine over in-person appointments, whereas 56.1% of the patients who are 60 yrs and older responded the same. A total of 67.4% of those who had a follow-up visit would choose telemedicine over in-person. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study show that telemedicine can provide very effective and satisfactory care in a physical medicine and rehabilitation spine practice. This was especially notable with follow-up visits where imaging and treatment plan can easily be discussed over telemedicine. Stay-at-home orders and improved reimbursement during the COVID-19 pandemic have spurred adoption of telemedicine with high patient satisfaction. We hope that physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians will be able to continue expanding patient access in the postpandemic world.