Could telemedicine help support those in Black communities battling blood cancers like multiple myeloma? New research says yes, but time is running out to protect this vital resource. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many patients living with blood cancers like leukemia, lymphoma, or multiple myeloma saw their access to care disrupted but also expanded. A new paper published in the Journal of Medical Economics revealed that virtual doctor’s visits and consultations, otherwise known as telemedicine or telehealth, have become vital, especially for patients in rural or underserved communities.
The temporary policies that allowed broad telehealth access and coverage across state lines were set to expire in 2024, with an extension of some services through March of this year. The purpose of this paper is to advocate for the expanded use of telehealth beyond 2025 in the management of blood cancer. Advocates warn that this critical resource may soon disappear unless action is taken.
Why This Matters
“Telehealth wasn’t just about convenience. It lifted real burdens for people who couldn’t easily get to a doctor’s office,” said study co-author Deanna Darlington, a health equity expert and advocate. “It became a lifeline. Taking it away now would only further restrict access to care.” Blood cancers like leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma disproportionately affect Black communities. Black Americans are twice as likely to develop and experience poorer outcomes from multiple myeloma specifically. Telemedicine removes two big barriers: travel distance and time out of work or caregiving.
The benefits of telehealth are clear, but the stakes are high for Black Americans. Multiple myeloma, a cancer of plasma cells, disproportionately affects individuals of African ancestry, who face a significantly higher risk of developing the disease compared to those of European descent.
“This increased risk is thought to be influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors,” explained co-author Mimi Choon Quinones. “Research suggests that genetic differences, particularly in white blood cell traits, and the prevalence of conditions like MGUS, may play a role. Obesity and chronic infections, which are more common in some African populations, may also contribute to the higher incidence and mortality rates.”
While the science is still evolving, Choon-Quinones emphasized that telemedicine offers a critical path forward, not just for treatment, but also for early detection. “We see telehealth as a tool to help identify who may be at risk, even before a diagnosis, and especially for those who don’t live near a specialist,” she said.
How Telehealth Works
The study team conducted a combination of scientific review and direct engagement with blood cancer advocates, reflecting real-world experiences.
They found that telemedicine:
- Helped patients stick to their treatment plans
- Improved quality of life and emotional well-being
- Reduced time and financial burdens from traveling long distances
- Allowed earlier access to expert consultations, which sometimes occurred across state lines
- Was well accepted by clinicians, especially for follow-up visits and care management
Darlington points out that many of the patients most impacted by blood cancers, especially Black patients, are also the most likely to face access barriers. “You might live in Kansas, and the expert is in New York. Before COVID, state laws prevented you from doing a virtual consultation across state lines, but during the pandemic, those barriers came down. People were finally able to talk to the experts they needed,” she said. “Think about how many people don’t have access to specialists. This gave everyday people that access.”
Times Are Changing
“Right now, there’s no permanent provision to keep telehealth reimbursed,” said Darlington. “If we lose this, we lose the progress we’ve made. This is especially damaging to communities that are already underserved.”
Choon-Quinones agrees and emphasizes that this issue should be a community-wide call to action. “The focus needs to be on how we, as a community, can leverage the regulations that still exist. If they expire, we need to rally, go to Capitol Hill, and raise a strong voice,” she said. “We’ve already engaged with the chairman of the health committee once to extend coverage and succeeded. But I don’t know that we’ll be able to count on this administration to do it again.”
The Passion Behind the Paper
Choon-Quinones joined this project while working on her systematic review of blood cancers, as other co-authors had already spent much time collaborating prior. But she quickly realized that science alone wasn’t enough. By collaborating with advocates, she created a combined evidence base that is both scientifically informed and community-driven.
“I’m passionate about this because it could make an enormous difference to the families and communities that blood cancers like multiple myeloma impact,” she said. “This is a real chance to reduce disparities.”
Darlington echoes that sentiment and urges people to think about the daily realities patients face. “When people are working full-time, caring for family, and managing other chronic conditions, the ability to have a telehealth visit can mean the difference between getting care and going without,” she said. “This is especially true in communities of color, where people are often further away from specialized care, less aware of available resources, and facing more barriers to better health.”
What’s Next?
Telehealth expansion was born out of a nationwide pandemic. It has opened doors that have long been shut for many people.
Telemedicine shouldn’t just be a pandemic-era convenience. It’s a chance to redefine equity in blood cancer care. Initial evidence suggests promise in improving outcomes, reducing costs, and overcoming longstanding racial disparities. For Black Americans, who face higher disease rates and access challenges, virtual care opens a path toward more timely and patient-centered care.
Telemedicine is more than a temporary fix. It’s a vital tool for closing healthcare gaps. For Black Americans living with blood cancers, it can mean earlier diagnoses, easier access to experts, and fewer financial and logistical hurdles. The question now is not whether telehealth works, but what we can do to protect our access to it.
References
Mikhael, J., Darlington, D., Howell, B., Hydren, J., Hernandez, T., Werner, S., … Choon-Quinones, M. (2025). The benefits of telehealth in promoting equity in blood cancer care – results of a multi-stakeholder forum and systematic literature review. Journal of Medical Economics, 28(1), 788–802.
American Cancer Society. What Is Multiple Myeloma?
