Economic evaluation of interactive teledermatology compared with conventional care
April W Armstrong1, David J Dorer, Nancy E Lugn
1Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA. awarmstrong@partners.org
Summary
Interactive teledermatology provides specialist care to remote areas, proving cost-effective compared to traditional clinics. This technology is economically viable for healthcare providers in the northeastern US.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Health Economics
- Telemedicine
Background:
- Teledermatology enables specialist access for underserved populations.
- Evaluating the economic viability of teledermatology is crucial for its adoption.
Purpose of the Study:
- Compare costs of interactive teledermatology versus conventional care.
- Assess the economic viability of teledermatology from a healthcare provider perspective in the northeastern US.
Main Methods:
- Cost-minimization analysis comparing teledermatology and face-to-face clinics.
- One-way sensitivity analyses on technology, compensation, and space costs.
- Economic viability assessed by comparing operating costs with reimbursements.
Main Results:
- Hourly operating costs: $274 for teledermatology vs. $346 for conventional care.
- Teledermatology costs could increase significantly (technology 9.3x, physician pay $197/hr, space $57/hr) and remain cost-equivalent.
- Hourly reimbursement ($487) exceeded teledermatology operating costs ($274).
Conclusions:
- Interactive teledermatology can be less expensive than conventional care in remote areas.
- Teledermatology presents an economically viable solution for delivering dermatological services to remote regions.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Health Information Technology and Healthcare Information System
Health Information Technology (HIT)
Health Information Technology, commonly called HIT, integrates advanced information systems and technology in healthcare settings. Its primary functions include:
Health Information Technology, commonly called HIT, integrates advanced information systems and technology in healthcare settings. Its primary functions include:
01:26Methods Of Healthcare Delivery System
At the different levels of the healthcare system, we see varying methods of healthcare used. These methods include managed care systems, case management, and primary healthcare.
Managed Care System:
The managed care system is designed to control the cost while maintaining the quality of care. The patient's care from admission to discharge is planned by the primary care provider or the case manager, also known as the gatekeeper. In a managed care system, the number of care providers is limited...
Managed Care System:
The managed care system is designed to control the cost while maintaining the quality of care. The patient's care from admission to discharge is planned by the primary care provider or the case manager, also known as the gatekeeper. In a managed care system, the number of care providers is limited...
01:30Current Trends in Nursing II
Trends in nursing are multifactorial and associated with changes in society, within the nursing profession, and in other professions. Notably, telehealth and remote nursing contribute to successful healthcare delivery for numerous patients and help reduce stress for nurses due to nursing shortages. Nurses can reach patients, monitor their conditions, and interact with them using computers, audio, visual accessories, and telephones—for example, remote patient monitoring systems. Likewise,...
01:29Issues And Trends In Healthcare Delivery System
The issues and trends in healthcare delivery are constantly changing. The COVID-19 pandemic is one recent issue that wreaked havoc on healthcare systems, causing a shortage of healthcare workers, high demand for medicines and supplies, and increased medical expenditure due to a lack of insurance. Other issues include rising healthcare costs and care fragmentation.
Cost Containment
Payment for healthcare services has historically promoted adoption of costly and often unnecessary or inefficient...
Cost Containment
Payment for healthcare services has historically promoted adoption of costly and often unnecessary or inefficient...
01:20Integrated Healthcare System
An integrated healthcare system (IHS) is a set of organizations that provides for or arranges to provide coordinated and continuous service to a defined population. The IHS takes responsibility for that particular population's health status and outcome, both clinically and fiscally. An integrated healthcare system is a well-organized, well-coordinated, and collaborative network. The integrated delivery system is a network that connects different healthcare providers to deliver organized,...
01:15Methods of Documentation VI: Case Management Model
The case management model is a multidisciplinary approach that involves healthcare professionals from diverse disciplines, such as physicians, nurses, therapists, social workers, and pharmacists, working collaboratively to address the various needs of patients. Each healthcare professional brings unique expertise and perspectives, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of the patient's condition and tailoring treatment plans accordingly.
For example, a patient with a chronic illness...
For example, a patient with a chronic illness...