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[Will the use of still image electronic referrals save costs?]
T S Bergmo1, E Breivik, S Pedersen
1Nasjonalt senter for telemedisin Regionsykehuset i Tromsø.
Background:
The use of still images in an electronic referral makes it possible for patients with uncomplicated skin disorders to receive treatment at their local health clinic by their own physician. The aim of this study was to analyse whether investing in technology to forward still images via telemedicine is cost-effective and to assess how many municipalities in the counties of Troms and Finnmark that have a sufficient workload to reach this requirement.
Material And Methods:
The additional costs of using still images were compared to patient travel costs to the University Hospital of Tromsø.
Results:
The results showed that whether the use of still image telemedicine is cost-effective or not, depends on distance and annual workload. Given the assumption in this study, 18 out of 44 municipalities have a sufficient number of patients with a dermatological problem to make telemedicine cost-effective.
Interpretation:
Less than half of the municipalities in the two northernmost counties have an efficiency potential in using still images. However, telemedicine may be justified because it save time for patients and it increases equal access to care.