The Case of Powhatan Correctional Center/Virginia Department of Corrections and Virginia Commonwealth University/Medical College of Virginia

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Abstract
Objective To implement a cost/benefit analysis of telemedicine subspecialty care provided between the Powhatan Correctional Center (PCC) of the Virginia Department of Corrections (Corrections) and the Medical College of Virginia campus of Virginia Commonwealth University (MCV/VCU). Methods We evaluated the costs and benefits of the implementation of telemedicine for HIV-positive inmates. Benefits included dollar savings in transportation and medical reimbursement. Costs included those of operating the telemedicine system and of medical care. Non-dollar benefits included implementing more consistent and timely treatment of inmates and reducing security risk. Results Over the 7-month study period, the total number of HIV consults by telemedicine was 165. The Department of Corrections was able to achieve transportation and medical savings of $35,640 and $21,123, respectively. The operating costs for the telemedicine services totaled $42,277. The net benefit, which is the difference between cost savings and t...