Cost Minimization Analysis of Digital-first Healthcare Pathways in Primary Care

A retrospective, registry-based cost-minimization analysis assessed whether initiating acute primary care episodes via a digital-first pathway reduces costs compared to traditional care in a Finnish setting (Harjun Terveys). Of 637,923 encounters, 64,969 eligible acute episodes were identified. After propensity score matching (19,697 pairs), mean episode costs were significantly lower in the digital pathway (€170.74) than in traditional care (€220.91), reflecting a 22.7% reduction ( P <.001). Savings varied by clinical presentation, from 10.3% for respiratory infections to 52.5% for gastroenteritis (all P <.001). Digital care was associated with lower use of laboratory tests and imaging. Follow-up visits were generally fewer in the digital group, except for respiratory infections, which showed a slight increase. Sensitivity analyses with 7- and 30-day follow-up windows confirmed the findings. Overall, this study supports digital-first models as a cost-effective strategy for managing acute conditions in primary care, with potential to reduce unnecessary resource use without compromising continuity of care.