Marisa McGinley, DO, is promoting the use of telehealth to expand access to multiple sclerosis care for underserved populations.
Broadening the reach of neurology services is critical because systemic barriers often prevent minority patients from receiving timely diagnosis and management of MS. By integrating technology into care delivery, providers can bridge the gap between specialized clinics and patients in remote or marginalized areas.
McGinley serves as an assistant professor of neurology at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio [1]. Her work focuses on the diagnosis and management of multiple sclerosis, with a specific emphasis on how technology can be leveraged to improve patient outcomes [1], [2].
The push for expanded telehealth comes amid significant disparities in how different demographic groups access neurological care. According to industry data, Black patients are 30% less likely to see outpatient neurologists [3]. Similarly, Hispanic patients are 40% less likely to access these same outpatient services [3].
These statistics highlight a systemic failure in the delivery of neurology care, one that McGinley said can be mitigated through digital health solutions. Telemedicine allows patients to bypass some of the geographic and socioeconomic hurdles that lead to these disparities [2], [3].
McGinley's advocacy focuses on addressing the specific barriers that prevent underserved populations from utilizing neurology telemedicine [3]. By streamlining the process and increasing the availability of virtual visits, the Cleveland Clinic and other institutions can work toward a more equitable healthcare model for those living with MS [1], [2].
“Black patients are 30% less likely to see outpatient neurologists”
The effort to digitize MS care represents a shift toward addressing 'healthcare deserts' in the U.S. By targeting the specific underutilization of neurology services among Black and Hispanic populations, the medical community is attempting to move beyond general telehealth adoption toward targeted equity in chronic disease management.
