Cost-minimization analysis of teledermatology versus conventional care in the Brazilian National Health System.
Francisco de Assis AcurcioAugusto Afonso Guerra JuniorMaria Cristina Marino CalvoDaniel Holthausen NunesMarco AkermanLigia Fonseca SpinelMarina Morgado GarciaRamon Gonçalves PereiraIgor da Costa BorysowRogério Renato SilvaPâmela Santos AzevedoPatrícia Caroline Iacabo Correia GomesJuliana Álvares TeodoroPublished in: Journal of comparative effectiveness research (2021)
Aims: Cost-minimization analysis (CMA) comparing the teledermatology service of the State of Santa Catarina, Brazil with the provision of conventional care, from the societal perspective. Patients & methods: All costs related to direct patient care were considered in calculation of outpatient costs. The evaluation was performed using the parameters avoided referrals and profile of hospitalizations. The economic analysis was developed through a decision tree. Results: Totally, 40% of 79,411 tests performed could be managed in primary care, avoiding commuting and expanding the patients' access. The CMA showed the teledermatology service had a cost per patient of US$196.04, and the conventional care of US$245.66. Conclusion: In this scenario, teledermatology proved to be a cost-saving alternative to conventional care, reducing commuting costs.