Telehealth on the Rise
providers also understand that like other digital communications [such as video calling and social media] telemedicine and digital health are becoming essential tools of healthcare delivery.” Many healthcare providers are finding that telemedicine is a great tool to supplement in-person visits and as a means to check in with patients and track their progress. For certain situations, in-person visits are not needed and a virtual appointment saves time for the patient and doctor. More healthcare providers have been receptive to using telemedicine as its benefits are becoming more apparent. “There had been hesitancy in the past, however it is becoming quite popular with both physicians and patients alike,” says Dr. Ahmed. “Improved access and convenience with flexibility are the key factors of this drive, and now with reimbursements, it would be adopted more and more.” Amidst the current global pandemic, many hospitals and medical practices have begun using telemedicine to offer their patients virtual appointments in order to stop the spread of COVID-19. “Social distancing is the key preventive strategy to flatten the curve and as patients are being advised to stay at home except for emergency cases, however it has also posed unique challenges to the healthcare systems as most of the outpatient clinics have closed down, at least partially, to avoid risks of exposure to healthcare workers and other patients, yet this also has put patients with chronic care disease at risk of not having close follow-up,” says Dr. Ahmed. “Telemedicine has proven to be very effective in providing continuation of care to such patients as well as COVID-19 positive patients who are not very symptomatic and have been advised to stay at home. Telemedicine is also proving to be very beneficial in inpatient settings to avoid exposure to healthcare providers. Moreover, telemedicine is also allowing families to be involved in the care of their loved ones despite being away from them physically.”
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Telehealth Legislation in Florida In 2019, the Florida legislature passed new telehealth legislation that establishes standards of practice for telehealth services. House Bill 23 was signed by the governor on June 25, 2019 and became effective on July 1, 2019. According to the bill, a telehealth provider in Florida is anyone delivering healthcare and other related services using telecommunication technology. Telehealth services can include the evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of patients who need care. The bill also states that out-of-state telehealth providers need to be licensed by another state, register with the Florida Department of Health, maintain professional liability coverage, and pay an initial registration fee of $150. The bill also lays out certain restrictions for telehealth providers. Telehealth providers are prohibited from opening an office or providing in-person services. Telehealth
providers cannot use telehealth to prescribe controlled substances, except for treatment of a psychiatric disorder, as part of an inpatient treatment at a hospital licensed under Chapter 395 Florida Statutes, or for a patient receiving treatment in a hospice or nursing home. With this new telehealth legislation in Florida, access to healthcare for those living in rural or urban areas where physician availability is problematic will significantly increase. On January 1, 2020, the bill created a new section, which states that a contract between a health insurer providing coverage through an individual or group insurance policy as well as a telehealth provider must be voluntary. This includes establishing acceptable payment rates or payment plans for services that are provided by use of telehealth. The telehealth provider must also initial contracts that recognize payment for services provided by telehealth versus services without the use of telehealth.
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