The use of telemedicine in emergency departments operated by rural critical access hospitals is not only saving healthcare costs for these facilities but is helping them to recruit and retain physicians.
That’s the finding of a new study from the University of Iowa published in the December issue of the journal Health Affairs.
“In a sample of 19 hospitals, coverage schedules in 2016 showed that seven had begun the use of tele-ED physician backup for advanced practice providers, decreasing local physician coverage in their EDs,” state the authors.
