A cost-minimization analysis of orthopaedic consultations using videoconferencing in comparison with conventional consulting

We compared the costs of conventional outpatient visits to the surgical department of the University Hospital of Oulu with those of videoconferencing between the primary care centre in Pyhajarvi and the University Hospital (separated by 160 km). The cost data were obtained from a randomized controlled trial that included 145 first-admission and follow-up orthopaedic patients. In the telemedicine group the annual fixed costs were is not an element of6074 in the hospital and is not an element of3910 in the primary care centre. The additional variable costs were is not an element of2 in the hospital and is not an element of19 in primary care. At a workload of 100 patients, the total cost, including travel and indirect costs, was is not an element of87.8 per patient in the telemedicine group and is not an element of114.0 per patient in the conventional group (i.e. a total cost saving from the use of teleconsultation of is not an element of2620). A cost-minimization analysis showed that telemedicine was less costly for society than conventional care at a workload of more than 80 patients per year. If the distance to specialist care were reduced from 160 km to 80 km, the break-even point increased to about 200 patients per year. Wider utilization of the videoconferencing equipment for other purposes, or the use of less expensive videoconferencing equipment, would make services cost saving even at relatively short distances. The study showed that orthopaedic outpatient telecare can be cost minimizing.