Skip to main content
Log in

Telemedicine effects: Cost, quality, and access

  • Position Papers
  • Published:
Journal of Medical Systems Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Following a brief review of lessons learned from first generation telemedicine projects, an analytical framework for assessing the potential effects of telemedicine on cost, quality, and accessibility of health care is provided. It is proposed that the effects of telemedicine on cost, quality, and accessibility are interconnected, and a comprehensive assessment should incorporate all three aspects, each considered from the perspectives of clients, providers, and society.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Bureau of National Affairs.Health Care Pol. Rep. 2:26 (June 27), 1148–49, 1994.

    Google Scholar 

  2. Wittson C.L., and Benschoter, R.A., Two-way television: helping the medical center reach out.Am. J. Psychiatry 129:136–139, 1972.

    Google Scholar 

  3. Dwyer, T.F.: Telepsychiatry: psychiatric consultation by interactive television.Am. J. Psychiatry 130: 865–869, 1973.

    Google Scholar 

  4. Dongier, M., Tempier, R., Lalinec-Michaud, M. and Meunier, D., Telepsychiatry: psychiatric consultation through two-way television.Can. J. Psychiatry 31:32–34, 1986.

    Google Scholar 

  5. Murphy, R.L.H., Fitzpatrick, T.B., Haynes, H.A., Bird, K.T., and Sheridan, T.B., Accuracy of dermatologic diagnosis by television.Arch. Derm. 105:833–835, 1972.

    Google Scholar 

  6. Rinde, E., Nordrum, I., and Nymo, B.J., Telemedicine in rural Norway,World Health Forum, 14:71–77, 1993.

    Google Scholar 

  7. Murphy, R.L.H., Block, P., and Bird, K.T., and Yurchak, P., Accuracy of cardiac auscultation by microwave.Chest 63:578–581, 1973.

    Google Scholar 

  8. Gravenstein, J.S., Berzima-Moettus, L., Regan, A., and Yoh-Han, B., Laser mediated telemedicine anesthesia.Anesth. Analg. 53:605–608, 1974.

    Google Scholar 

  9. Cox, G.G., Cook, L.T., McMillan, J.H., Rosenthal, S.J., Dwyer, S.J., III, Chest radiography: comparison of high-resolution digital displays with conventional and digital film.Radiology 176:771–776, 1990.

    Google Scholar 

  10. Murphy, R.L.H., and Bird, K.T., Telediagnosis: A new community health resource. Observations and feasibility of telediagnosis based on 1000 patient transactions.Am. J. Public Health 64:113–119, 1974.

    Google Scholar 

  11. Bashshur, R.L., On the evaluation of telemedicine.Proceedings of the Office of Rural Health Policy Conference on Telemedicine, November 3–5, 1993, forthcoming.

  12. Bashshur, R.L., Smith, D.G., and Stiles, R.A., Defining underinsurance: A conceptual framework for policy and empirical analysis.Med. Care Rev. 50:2 (Summer), 199–218, 1993.

    Google Scholar 

  13. Acton, J., Non-monetary factors in the demand for medical services: some empirical evidence.J. Polit. Econ. 83:595–614, 1975.

    Google Scholar 

  14. Moore, G.T., Willemain, T.R., Bonanno, R., Clark, W.D., Martin, A.R., and Mogielnicki, R.P., Comparison of television and telephone for remote medical consultation.N. Engl. J. Med. 292:729–732, 1975.

    Google Scholar 

  15. Berki, S.E., Telemedicine: some economic implications.Telemedicine: Explorations in the Use of Telecommunications in Health Care (R. L. Bashshur,et al., eds.), Charles C. Thomas, Springfield, III, 1975.

    Google Scholar 

  16. Warner, K.E., and Luce, B.R.,Cost-benefit and Cost-effectiveness Analysis in Health Care. Health Administration Press, Ann Arbor, 1982.

    Google Scholar 

  17. Donabedian, A.,Explorations in Quality Assessment and Monitoring, Volume 1: The Definition of Quality and Approaches to its Assessment, Health Administration Press, Ann Arbor, MI, 1982.

    Google Scholar 

  18. Wennberg, J., and Gittelsohn, A., Small area variations in health care delivery.Science 182:1102–1108 1973.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Bashshur, R.L. Telemedicine effects: Cost, quality, and access. J Med Syst 19, 81–91 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02257059

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02257059

Keywords

Navigation