Objective
To evaluate the feasibility and describe the utilization patterns of an otolaryngology telehealth clinic at an urban safety-net hospital after an institution-mandated transition to telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Study Design
A cross-sectional analysis.

Methods
Authors conducted a retrospective chart review of all Otolaryngology telehealth visits in 2020 and collected data on patient demographics, visit characteristics, and visit outcomes. Univariate regression analysis was utilized to assess associations with telehealth use.

Results
We identified 318 total telehealth encounters in a cohort of 254 patients, of whom 46% were female-identifying and had an overall median age of 53 years old. The clinic served a diverse and socioeconomically disadvantaged population: 74% were minorities per the United States Census Bureau; 76% had low-income, need-based insurances; 37% required a language interpreter. 23% of telehealth visits were initial presentations for a new chief complaint. Race, insurance status, primary language, or interpreter usage were not associated with telehealth utilization for initial evaluation (p>0.05). 83% of telehealth visits resulted in the diagnosis of a condition, medication change, counseling, lab/imaging review, and/or referral placement. 32% of telehealth visits for a new chief complaint did not necessitate further follow-up.

Conclusions
Telehealth in Otolaryngology is a feasible and an effective modality for advancing care for patients from low-income communities, language discordance, and marginalized backgrounds, who traditionally face barriers in accessing healthcare.