Cost Minimization Analysis of a Store-and-Forward Teledermatology Consult System

摘要

A cost minimization analysis compared store-and-forward teledermatology to a conventional dermatology referral process. In a Department of Defense (DoD) setting, subjects were randomized to either a teledermatology consult or conventional care. Utilization was recorded over 4 months along with direct and indirect costs for the two groups. Teledermatology patients incurred $103,043 in total direct costs ($294 average) while usual-care patients incurred $98,365 ($283 average). However, teledermatology patients only incurred $16,359 ($47 average) in lost productivity cost while usual-care patients incurred $30,768 ($89 average). In total, teledermatology patients incurred $119,402 ($340 average) and conventional care patients incurred $129,133 ($372 average) in costs. From the economic perspective of the DoD, store-and-forward teledermatology was a cost-saving strategy for delivering dermatology care compared to conventional consultation even when access to teledermatology and in-person consultation was equal.