Distribution of a Remote Medical Exam Device Associated with an Increase in Telehealth Use

Background:The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated telehealth adoption, but its effects on care quality and costs remain unclear. This study evaluates a remote patient monitoring device’s impact on utilization and spending.

Methods:A large insurer launched a pilot program involving 2,880 households, representing 6,731 members in three states. Administrative claims data compared participant households to a matched group lacking necessary contact information for participation.

Results:Participants had a 0.19 per member (p = 0.03) increase in telehealth visits and a 0.19 per member (p = 0.08) decrease in outpatient in-person visits relative to nonparticipants during the post 6-month period. No significant differences were observed in total outpatient and emergency department visits or total spending. Subgroup analyses revealed a significant reduction in telehealth visits followed by in-person outpatient visits in households with younger children (−9.1%; p < 0.05).

Conclusion:This evaluation suggests that remote devices may boost telehealth utilization without increasing costs.