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Does telemedicine technology affect prescribing quality in primary care? The case of antibiotics

Author

Listed:
  • Avdic, Daniel
  • Kunz, Johannes S.
  • Méndez, Susan J.
  • Wiśniewska, Maria

Abstract

We study the impact of telemedicine technology on antibiotic prescription rates using linked administrative data from Australia on physicians and their patients. We classify physicians by their relative use of virtual consultations after the introduction of government-subsidised telemedicine services and compare their antibiotic prescribing rates before and after telemedicine services became available. We find that more intense telemedicine adopters prescribe less antibiotics while keeping prescribing quality unchanged. Our results are not explained by patient sorting, doctor shopping, or changes in the intensity of consultations.

Suggested Citation

  • Avdic, Daniel & Kunz, Johannes S. & Méndez, Susan J. & Wiśniewska, Maria, 2026. "Does telemedicine technology affect prescribing quality in primary care? The case of antibiotics," Journal of Health Economics, Elsevier, vol. 105(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jhecon:v:105:y:2026:i:c:s0167629625001316
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jhealeco.2025.103096
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • H44 - Public Economics - - Publicly Provided Goods - - - Publicly Provided Goods: Mixed Markets
    • H51 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Government Expenditures and Health
    • I11 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Analysis of Health Care Markets
    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes

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