Open AccessCost savings associated with an outpatient otolaryngology telemedicine clinic
Author(s) -
Philips Ramez,
Seim Nolan,
Matrka Laura,
Locklear Brittany,
Moberly Aaron C.,
Inman Mark,
Essig Garth
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
laryngoscope investigative otolaryngology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2378-8038
DOI - 10.1002/lio2.244
Subject(s) - telemedicine , medicine , otorhinolaryngology , referral , telehealth , revenue , medical emergency , health care , outpatient clinic , cost effectiveness , staffing , patient satisfaction , emergency medicine , family medicine , nursing , surgery , risk analysis (engineering) , business , accounting , economics , economic growth
Objective To test the null hypothesis that there is no difference in patient cost savings between the telemedicine and traditional face‐to‐face approach. The second objective was to assess the financial impact on the peripheral healthcare system, as compared with staffing a conventional clinic with “on‐site” otolaryngologist. Methods Twenty‐one patients were enrolled. To assess “patient‐benefit” cost savings, a model was formulated that would utilize a certified nurse practitioner (CNP) to conduct a general otolaryngology clinic at the peripheral site, as compared with having to travel to the tertiary referral center. A “peripheral site‐benefit” cost analysis was performed to assess costs of initiating and operating a telemedicine clinic at the peripheral site, compared with having an on‐site otolaryngologist. Results The total patient‐benefit cost savings would be $182.09 per patient per encounter and $333.22 per patient annually. The fixed cost to the peripheral site to initiate the telemedicine system was $9,895. Two hundred sixty telemedicine encounters would be needed to offset the initial cost, and 537 encounters would be needed to surpass revenue of the conventional clinic. Conclusion A real‐time telemedicine otolaryngology clinic provides significant cost savings for both patients and the peripheral healthcare system. This pilot study supports telemedicine as a cost‐effective approach to providing general otolaryngology care to rural patients. Level of Evidence 4