Abstract
Purpose :
To investigate patterns in oculoplastic surgery telemedicine visits at our institution during the Covid-19 pandemic period.
Methods :
Retrospective chart review of all patients who had a virtual consultation with the oculoplastic surgery service at Mayo Clinic Rochester between 03/01/2020 and 03/01/2021.
Results :
There were a total of 148 patients. Mean age was 65 years (95% CI: 62-68). The mean driving distance to the medical center was 291 miles (95% CI: 219-364) and 15 (10%) patients came from states with no practicing American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery members. Out of the 205 virtual visits, 35 (17%) were new, 45 (22%) were return, and 125 (61%) were post-operative. Conversion rate to surgery was 60%. A comparison between type of virtual visits (new vs. return vs. post-operative) revealed a diagnosis of eyelid malposition was most frequent in post-operative visits (p=<0.001), skin malignancy was most frequent in new visits (p=0.009), and orbital tumors (p=0.018) and thyroid eye disease (p=<0.001) were most frequent in return visits. Most virtual encounters had supportive media attached including external photographs in 127 (62%) visits and other imaging or testing in 18 (9%) visits. The average virtual visit lasted 18 minutes (95% CI: 14-22) with technical difficulties noted in 9 (4%) visits. Unanticipated conversion to in-person visits was noted in 3 (1%) cases.
Conclusions :
Conclusions: A wide range of oculoplastic surgery conditions was managed virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic. Utilization of initial virtual visit versus follow-up care varied by diagnosis. Virtual visits may improve access to oculoplastic subspecialty care for patients from underserved areas.
This abstract was presented at the 2024 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Seattle, WA, May 5-9, 2024.