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Cost-Effectiveness of Virtual Emergency Care Models: Systematic Review
Ravi Shankar1, Linda Wang2, Soon Hoe Ho2
1Clinical Research & Innovation Office, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, National Healthcare Group, Singapore, Singapore.
JMIR Mhealth and Uhealth
|August 5, 2026
Summary
Virtual emergency care is cost-effective, reducing patient transfers and costs across various settings. This technology offers a proven strategy for improving access and quality while lowering healthcare expenses.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Health Economics
- Telehealth
Background:
- Virtual care adoption surged in emergency medicine post-COVID-19.
- Economic evaluations of virtual emergency care are fragmented, causing implementation uncertainty.
Purpose of the Study:
- Systematically review cost-effectiveness of virtual vs. in-person emergency care.
- Synthesize evidence across diverse clinical conditions, populations, and settings.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review following PRISMA guidelines, searching 8 databases.
- Included full economic evaluations comparing virtual and usual emergency care.
- Narrative synthesis by virtual care modality and clinical application.
Main Results:
- 13 studies showed favorable economic outcomes for virtual emergency care.
- Video consultations reduced transfers (31-73%) and saved costs (US $73-5118/encounter).
- High methodological rigor; high certainty for cost-effectiveness.
Conclusions:
- Virtual emergency care is consistently cost-effective, especially for stroke, pediatrics, and rural populations.
- Supports expanding virtual emergency care access and removing regulatory barriers.
- Offers a strategy to improve access and quality while reducing costs.
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