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 sub-specialty services provided between the Powhatan Correctio nal 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, transpo rtation, litigation avoidance, and the medical care itself. Results. Over a 12-month study. period, the total number of consults comple ted 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. Conclusion. As a result of implementing telemedicine, the Department of Cor rections for the State of Virginia was able to achieve a cost saving of $14 per visit. Nonmonetary cost savings, such as greater security and increase d access to care, should be considered a net benefit as well.