Association of Tele-Critical Care Capability With Interhospital Transfers and Potentially Low-Value Transfers Among Critically Ill Medicare Beneficiaries: A Nationwide Evidence Synthesis
Tele-critical care (TCC) capability modestly increases interhospital transfer odds while improving transfer selection among critically ill Medicare beneficiaries.
TCC presence corresponds with fewer potentially low-value transfers, evidenced by lower early post-transfer mortality and hospice discharges.
Post-transfer outcomes from TCC hospitals show increased likelihood of early discharge home, suggesting enhanced triage and management.
Nationwide cohort data from 2021-2023 provide robust real-world evidence supporting the integration of TCC programs to optimize ICU resource utilization.
