Face to Face Appointment vs. Telemedicine in First Time Appointment Orthopedic Oncology Patients: A Cost Analysis

Abstract

Medicine has evolved considerably in recent decades in part thanks to information and communication technologies in health (ICTs). However, face-to-face consultations continue to be the predominant model, since alternatives such as telemedicine are still the subject of debate. On the other hand, in some very specific specialties, centralization is relevant, mainly due to the low frequency and prevalence of diseases, as well as the need to have highly specialized professionals, causing problems in terms of accessibility and costs for the health system. In this study we have analyzed the first consultations to an orthopedics oncology service at a tertiary institution and performed an analysis of economic costs was carried out between 2 possible scenarios: face-to-face consultations versus telemedicine. Analyzing the 2 scenarios, there would be a cost-benefit in the use of telemedicine leading to a decrease in healthcare cost between 12.2% and 72%.

Keywords: Cost Analysis; Personal Health Records; Telemedicine.