Driving distances and loss to follow-up after hematopoietic cell transplantation

In a recent multicenter analysis, long geographic distances predicted loss to follow-up (LTF) among allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) survivors. We hypothesized that lower frequencies of patient interactions (including in-person appointments and telemedicine encounters) would predict LTF rather than long driving distances. However, in our retrospective single-center analysis of 263 HCT survivors, the only predictors of LTF were residence in the furthest driving-distance quartile and Medicaid insurance (but not annualized frequencies of patient interactions). Our findings suggest that telemedicine may not necessarily "rescue" long-distance HCT survivors from LTF. Other solutions, for example patient-specific partnerships with local providers, may be helpful.