In 2020, Medicare patients receiving care at health systems in the highest quartile of telemedicine use had 2.5 telemedicine visits per person, compared with 0.7 telemedicine visits per person in the lowest quartile of telemedicine use. In 2021–22, relative to those in the lowest quartile, Medicare patients of health systems in the highest quartile had a 2.2 percent increase in total outpatient visits; a 2.7 percent decrease in non-COVID-19 emergency department visits; a 1.6 percent increase in annual spending, and increased adherence for metformin and statins [maintenance drugs]. There were no clear differential changes in hospitalizations or receipt of preventive care.
Source: Edited from “Medicare Utilization, Spending, And Quality, 2019–22” in Health Affairs.
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