Impact of Internet Hospital Consultations on Outpatient Visits and Expenses: Quasi-Experimental Study

This study extends the research scope of telehealth technologies by investigating internet hospitals, which are characterized by the integration of online and offline services. Our findings suggest that patients' adoption of internet hospital consultations is associated with an increase in both the frequency and expenses of outpatient visits. In addition, these effects vary based on patients' urban-rural status and local health care quality. These insights offer valuable guidance for policy makers and health care providers in promoting and optimizing the development and operation of internet hospitals.