Cost analysis supports Virtual Urgent Care program

A costing analysis led by CHEPA Director Jean-Éric Tarride of a virtual urgent care (VUC) pilot program supports the use of virtual urgent care to provide alternative access to urgent care services and reduce the need for in-person emergency department (ED) visits for patients with low acuity health concerns.

The Ontario Ministry of Health, (MoH), introduced the pilot program in 2020. The cost analysis compared the 30-day costs associated with VUC and in-person ED encounters from an MoH perspective.

The analysis found that most patient concerns were addressed without an in-person referral to the emergency department. However, it also concluded that additional research should evaluate alternative models of VUC to inform future resource allocation and policy decisions.

 Read the journal article HERE.

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