ATA: State telehealth measures vary widely

Licensed providers in New York State can now be reimbursed for telemedicine services from private insurers. New York joined 21 other states that have made the move thus far. And many states that have yet to adopt telemedicine reimbursement bills are following suit, according to the American Telemedicine Association (ATA). In Missouri, for example, two bills have been introduced that would allow distant site physical, speech, and occupational therapists to provide telemedicine services that would be reimbursed under the Medicaid program. Other states that have scheduled hearings this month over potential telemedicine bills include Indiana, Iowa, and Tennessee.

The ATA also examined 13 key indicators relating to telemedicine coverage and reimbursement—including Medicaid coverage, availability of eligible providers, and private insurance coverage—to determine which states have comprehensive coverage and policies that promote the adoption of telemedicine. The ATA lauded Maine, Maryland, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Tennessee, and Virginia for their efforts. On the other hand, the association gave a failing grade to Connecticut, Iowa, and Rhode Island, citing “many barriers and little opportunity for telemedicine advancement.”

Source: Healthcare IT News