Telemedicine may help rural hospitals limit spending and stimulate revenue, according to a report from NTCA-The Rural Broadband Association.
The Arlington, Va.-based association produced the report, titled Anticipating Economic Returns of Rural Telehealth, to quantify how virtual healthcare can address health disparities. In the United States, rural residents face health challenges related to income and access at higher rates than nonrural Americans, according to the report.
Here are four economic benefits of rural telehealth. Figures represent the annual median value.
1. Hospital cost savings: $81,300
2. Increased local revenue for blood work: $156,000
3. Increased local revenue for MRIs: $105,600
4. Increased local revenue for CT scans: $144,000
"Telemedicine holds tremendous potential for improving the overall quality of healthcare in rural America," according to the report.
Click here to view the full report.