Virtual vs traditional care settings for low-acuity urgent conditions: An economic analysis of cost and utilization using claims data.
Tim LovellJordan A AlbrittonJoe DaltoCheryl LedwardWilliam DainesPublished in: Journal of telemedicine and telecare (2019)
This study affirmed lower cost for virtual care without an associated increase in overall follow-up rates or antibiotic use when compared with urgent or primary care. This suggests that virtual visits are can be used to lower the total cost of care for applicable conditions. The implications are that virtual visits help lower operational costs of providing care, particularly in integrated systems with capitated reimbursement. Under the right circumstances, the increased adoption of virtual care should lead to greater savings.