Pandemic Telemedicine Reveals Lower Imaging Use Rates, JACR Study Shows
Washington, D.C., Friday, 18 July 2025.
Telemedicine visits during the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in nearly 30% lower imaging utilization than in-person visits, highlighting potential cost reductions and effectiveness in patient evaluations.
Lower Imaging Utilization in Telemedicine
The recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology shows that during the COVID-19 pandemic, telemedicine visits resulted in nearly 30% less imaging compared to in-person consultations. This significant decrease was observed across several time periods evaluated, including imaging performed within 7, 14, and 30 days following the telemedicine visit, emphasizing its effectiveness during crisis situations [1].
Implications for Healthcare Delivery
The findings underscore telemedicine’s potential to reduce healthcare costs associated with diagnostic imaging. By matching patient, provider, and visit characteristics, researchers isolated the differences in imaging usage, highlighting that only 10% of the 23.4 million visits assessed were telemedicine, yet demonstrated consistent lower imaging utilization rates. This approach aids in understanding virtual care’s long-term impacts on medical services [1].
Technical Advancements and Accessibility
Telemedicine leverages electronic communication technologies, providing remote clinical services. Especially during the pandemic, telehealth became crucial, with an emphasis on its capability to offer timely and efficient patient care. The convenience of accessing healthcare from home or any location with Wi-Fi has been a pivotal aspect of telemedicine’s growth. Although some challenges remain, such as limited digital literacy in certain populations, telemedicine continues to offer a viable alternative to traditional healthcare models [3][4].
Future Prospects and Research
While the study reveals lower imaging utilization, further research is necessary to evaluate the appropriateness of imaging in virtual settings and its impact on patient outcomes. As health systems and policymakers consider the future of telemedicine beyond the pandemic, it is vital to examine telehealth’s integration with conventional imaging workflows to enhance patient outcomes effectively [1].