The Impact of Increased Access to Telemedicine

We estimate the impact of increased access to telemedicine that followed widespread adoption during March-April 2020 lockdown period in Israel (due COVID-19). focus on post-lockdown period, which was characterized by a temporary return normalcy. Prior lockdown, accounted for about 5% all primary care visits. It peaked at around 40% and remained high, 20%, period. Using difference-in-differences framework, we compare episodes before after between patients with high low telemedicine, defined based their main physician’s propensity adopt lockdown. Increased results 3.5% increase visits, but lower per-episode cost, so overall resource utilization is slightly lower. find remote visits involve fewer prescriptions more follow-ups, mainly same physician, consistent prolonged diagnostic path absence physical examination. However, analyzing specific conditions, no evidence missed diagnoses or adverse outcomes. Taken together, our findings suggest convenience does not compromise quality raise costs. Institutional subscribers NBER working paper series, residents developing countries may download this without additional charge www.nber.org.