Using apps for follow-up care $35 cheaper than in-person visit, finds study

Apps offer an effective, low-cost alternative to traditional in-person follow-up care for low-risk patients, according to a study in the Journal of Medical Internet Research.

The hospital in the study, Women's College Hospital in Toronto, had already conducted a study showing an app to be a feasible alternative to in-office follow-up visits for post-mastectomy breast cancer patients who had undergone ambulatory breast reconstruction; the app detected complications well and was liked by patients. Using cost data from the hospital and the app manufacturer, researchers performed a cost-effectiveness analysis to determine the app's money-saving potential.

Assuming 1,000 patients and 1.64 follow-up appointments per patient, using the app instead would result in total cost savings of $223 per patient, shared among the patient, payer and hospital. The hospital alone would save $35 per patient from increased efficiency during the first postoperative month, according to the researchers.

"This cost-effectiveness study is an important first step in demonstrating to health care administrators and policy decision-makers the benefits of investing in mobile app follow-up care," wrote the study's authors.

More articles on apps:

A glimpse into Banner Health's telemedicine success
How Cerner will integrate with HealthKit
5 apps that integrate with HealthKit

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