Key points are not available for this paper at this time.
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. CONCLUSION: 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 et al. (Thu,) studied this question.