One promising form of telemedicine is underutilized in the U.S., compared with countries such as England and China, according to new research from Texas McCombs: initial question-and-answer evaluations. For a fee less than the cost of a full visit, a doctor can begin the diagnosis and referral process, based on a patient’s written or recorded responses.

Ultimately, the research finds, such screenings help more patients see doctors in person and promote better health outcomes. “It turns out that it does a better match,” says Ashish Agarwal, professor of information, risk, and operations management. “You go to the right doctor, and it helps you in the long run.”

In new research from Texas McCombs, Jaime Schmidt, a professor of accounting, clarifies the benefits and risks for auditing firms. She renders a split decision, finding that dividing responsibility makes firms less likely to get sued but more likely to get fired.

“We’re trying to shed light on whether or not rule makers should allow accounting firms to disclose divided audit work, to see whether it really does change people’s perceptions and make them less accountable,” says Schmidt.

A new study from the USC Schaeffer Center for Health Policy & Economics finds that reducing prescriptions of sleep medication in older adults could provide substantial health and economic benefits.