Managing Editor
@ShahidNShah
@ShahidNShah
First Large-Scale Study of Telemedicine’s Carbon Impact Uncovers Big Climate Benefits
Remote health care appointments in the United States prevented carbon dioxide emissions equivalent to that of 130,000 gasoline-powered cars in 2023, according to a new study. The study is the first large-scale effort to look at the impact of the shift towards telemedicine, which accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic, on carbon emissions.Telemedicine could mean less driving to and from appointments and thus reduced greenhouse gas emissions associated with health care. The effect could be especially pronounced for people in rural areas who may need to travel long distances for doctor visits.In the new study, Fendrick and his colleagues mined an insurance claims database of de-identified medical information covering 19% of insured adults in the U.S. for details about telemedicine visits from April through June 2023.
Medigy Insights
Policymakers should consider the carbon-cutting potential of telemedicine when deciding how to regulate and in what circumstances to permit telehealth, the researchers argue. Climate impact could also become a factor for clinicians and patients to consider. “They are hopeful that research such as ours that quantifies emissions resulting from various options will be used to assist in the clinical decision-making process and ultimately reduce the climate impact of medical care delivery,” says Fendrick.
Continue reading at anthropocenemagazine.org
