RB5-13 Telemedicine and the Carbon Footprint of Healthcare: An Empirical Analysis of Metro versus Nonmetro Illinois

The US healthcare sector is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas generation and thus climate change. This study explores the
role of telemedicine in reducing environmental emissions; Illinois counties are the geographical unit of analysis. Results of data
analysis indicate that Illinoisans had 14.9mil telemedicine visits in 2021 and these visits resulted in carbon savings of approximately
70mil to 91mil kilograms.