From the December 2016 issue of HealthCare Business News magazine


Previous studies that investigated the cost-effectiveness of tele-ICUs had inconclusive results. That was because different studies reported conflicting results and none of the studies conducted a standard cost-effectiveness analysis with an established criterion that defines “cost-worthy.” “Our study was the first to develop a mathematical simulation model, accounting for the diverse results of past studies examining diverse tele-ICU settings,” says Yoo. “This model enabled us to perform a standard cost-effectiveness study to conclude that the tele-ICU is costworthy in 67 percent of 1,000 hypothetical ICU patients.”

He thinks most hospitals in the U.S. will have a tele-ICU at some point in the future, but that depends on several factors. Reimbursement for tele-ICUs is limited. More hospitals would make the investment if reimbursement was increased. “As models of payment move from volume- based to value-based, hospitals and physicians could realize greater payments or lower expenses if quality is improved, mortality is lowered and ICU stays are shortened,” says Yoo.


The cost savings vary among hospitals. The study provided a set of benchmarks, including the maximum cost for physician staffing to achieve tele-ICU cost savings, and each hospital can use that to judge if it’s worth the expense. “[Tele-ICUs] are growing rapidly right now,” says Laskaris. “It depends on [the hospital’s] patient mix. If you’re dealing with orthopedic patients and you have a younger population, then it may not be cost-effective. But if you’re dealing with a lot of high-risk patients, then it would be.”

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