Cost-minimization analysis: A follow-up study of a telemedicine program.
OBJECTIVE
To present the follow-up findings to a cost-benefit analysis of telemedicine subspecialty services provided between the Powhatan Correctional Center (PCC) of the Virginia Department of Corrections and the Medical College of Virginia Campus of Virginia Commonwealth University (MCV Campus).


METHODS
Costs included those of operating the telemedicine system, transportation, litigation avoidance, and the medical care itself.


RESULTS
Over a 12-month study period, the total number of consults completed through telemedicine was 290. The cost per visit of treating inmates at the MCV Campus clinics was $401. The cost per visit of treating inmates at PCC via telemedicine was $387, a net saving of $14 per visit with the use of telemedicine.


CONCLUSIONS
As a result of implementing telemedicine, the Department of Corrections for the State of Virginia was able to achieve a cost saving of $14 per visit. Nonmonetary cost savings, such as greater security and increased access to care, should be considered a net benefit as well.
McCue
M J
MJ
Medical College of Virginia Campus, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, USA.
Mazmanian
P E
PE
Hampton
C L
CL
Marks
T K
TK
Fisher
E J
EJ
Parpart
F
F
Malloy
W N
WN
Fisk
K J
KJ
D017046:Cost Savings; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D016365:Liability, Legal / Q000191:economics; D005791:Patient Care / Q000191:economics; D011329:Prisoners; D019114:Remote Consultation / Q000191:economics; D017216:Telemedicine / Q000191:economics*; D014187:Transportation of Patients / Q000191:economics; D014768:Virginia