Cost Minimization Analysis of a Teledermatology Triage System in a Managed Care Setting.

ABSTRACT:

Importance

Teledermatology (TD) enables remote triage and management of dermatology patients. Previous analyses of TD systems have demonstrated improved access to care but an inconsistent fiscal impact.

Objective

To compare the organizationwide cost of managing newly referred dermatology patients within a TD triage system vs a conventional dermatology care model at the Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center (hereafter referred to as the ZSFG) in California.

Design, setting, and participants

A retrospective cost minimization analysis was conducted of 2098 patients referred to the dermatology department at the ZSFG between June 1 and December 31, 2017.

Intervention

Implementation of the TD triage system in January 2015.

Main outcomes and m

SUBMITTER: Zakaria A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7675221 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature