Efficiency of direct-to-patient telemedicine consultations: status praesens

Abstract

There is an analytical review of information on medical and management efficiency of direct-to-patient telemedicine consultations. The main metrics of quality are antibiotic prescribing rate, rate of follow-up consultation, timing, adherence of doctors to evidence-based clinical recommendations, some metrics from HEDIS methodology. The most often reasons for patient-initiated virtual visits are upper respiratory tract infections, skin diseases, urinary tract symptoms, also for children – fever, gastrointestinal issues. Virtual and office visits for an upper respiratory tract infections diagnostics and treatment are identical (based on diagnostic accuracy, character and effectiveness of prescriptions, needs for follow-up consultations). Evidence base for an efficiency and safety of di-rect-to-patient telemedicine consultations are still weak.