Economic and Environmental Pollutant Impact of Maternal–Fetal Telemedicine

• DOI: 10.1055/a-2447-0069
• Publication Date: 2024-10-23T22:50:13Z
• Authors: Valeria M. Li Val...; Elizabeth Althaus; Lauren Horton; Mauricio F. La Rosa; Sina Haeri
• Keywords: Reimbursement; Calculator; Last mile (transportation)

Background: The global issue of greenhouse gas emissions has significant implications for the environment and human health. Telemedicine provides a valuable tool delivering healthcare while reducing by limiting need patient travel. However, environmental effects telemedicine in high-risk pregnancy populations remain unassessed. Objective: aim this study was to estimate economic impact an outpatient teleMFM program. Study Design: This retrospective cohort examined all visits at 3 clinics more than 90 miles away from nearest in-person MFM office between 10/1/2021 6/1/2022. Travel distances times were calculated each appointment patient’s home, clinic, clinics, using zip code data Google Maps web-based map calculator tools. cost savings determining differences mileage reimbursement rate those incurred attending appointments that would have been if inflation-adjusted Internal Revenue Service annual standard ($0.58 per mile), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office Transportation Air Quality’s average fuel consumption gasoline-fueled passenger vehicles. Results: During period total number 2,712 scheduled, which 2,454 kept (cancellations removed) analyzed. Visiting clinic resulted 204 miles, 200 minutes 118.32 dollars saved visit compared visiting clinic. Over 7 month 96.6 metric tons saved. Conclusion: demonstrates positive utilization communities remote care. Given contribution climate change, such findings may provide strategies our specialty make informed policy, advocacy, business decisions.