Abstract
Objective
The global issue of greenhouse gas emissions has significant implications for the
environment and human health. Telemedicine provides a valuable tool for delivering
health care while reducing gas emissions by limiting the need for patient travel.
However, the environmental effects of telemedicine in high-risk pregnancy populations
remain unassessed. The aim of this study was to estimate the economic and environmental
impact of an outpatient teleMFM program.
Study Design
This retrospective cohort study examined all visits at three teleMFM clinics more
than 90 miles away from the nearest in-person MFM office between October 1, 2021,
and May 1, 2022. Travel distances and times were calculated for each appointment between
the patient's home, telemedicine clinic, and nearest in-person clinics, using zip
code data and Google Maps web-based map calculator tools. Travel cost savings and
environmental impact were calculated by determining differences in mileage reimbursement
rate and emissions between those incurred in attending telemedicine appointments and
those that would have been incurred if in-person using inflation-adjusted Internal
Revenue Service annual standard mileage reimbursement rate ($0.58 per mile), and the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Transportation and Air Quality's average
annual emissions and fuel consumption for gasoline-fueled passenger vehicles.
Results
During the study period, a total number of 2,712 appointments were scheduled, of which
2,454 were kept (cancellations removed) and analyzed. Visiting a teleMFM clinic resulted
in 204 miles, 200 minutes, and $118.32 saved per patient visit compared with visiting
the nearest in-person clinic. Over a 7-month period, a total of 96.6 metric tons of
emissions were saved.
Conclusion
This study demonstrates the positive economic and environmental impact of teleMFM
utilization in communities remote from in-person care. Given the contribution of greenhouse
gas emissions to climate change, such findings may provide strategies for our specialty
to make informed policy, advocacy, and business decisions.
Key Points
-
Telemedicine is a growing and accessible healthcare option; however, current research
on this topic primarily focuses on clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction, overlooking
the its environmental impacts.
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Visiting a teleMFM clinic resulted in 204 miles, 200 minutes and 118.32 dollars saved
per patient during their pregnancy compared to visiting the nearest in-person clinic.
Over the study period a total of 94.6 metric tons of emissions were saved.
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We demonstrate that the widespread deployment of teleMFM programs can not only address
the current MFM supply-demand mismatch, but also save families valuable windshield
time (travel time and cost) while having a positive impact on the environment.
Keywords
telemedicine - maternal–fetal medicine - climate change - environmental impact
