Latest Industry Report Identifies Best States for Telemedicine

American Telemedicine Association Releases Report Highlighting Critical Gaps in Coverage and Physician Practice Standards

News Release from ATA March 9, 2017

The American Telemedicine Association (ATA) today released an update to two critical state policy reports which identified gaps in coverage and reimbursement, and physician practice standards and licensure. The reports, which capture the policy landscape of each state and Washington, DC, include research methodology and state-specific grades based on a series of indicators for each report.

“As federal and state lawmakers reevaluate the current health policy environment, they cannot ignore telemedicine’s potential as a valuable and cost saving tool”, said Gary Capistrant Chief Policy Officer, ATA.

The Coverage and Reimbursement report compares telemedicine adoption for every state in the U.S. For the first time since its inception in 2014, the report shows that all Medicaid agencies cover some form of telemedicine. The report also highlights increasing state Medicaid trends for coverage of dental services and substance abuse treatment and counseling using telemedicine, as well as more coverage outside of traditional facilities and into homes and schools. In 2017, all states allow coverage of telemedicine to some degree compared to 24 states in 2005.

Seven states, including Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Rhode Island, Utah, and West Virginia, have adopted policies that improved coverage and reimbursement of telemedicine-provided services since the 2016 report, while Delaware, South Carolina and D.C. have either lowered telemedicine coverage or adopted policies further restricting telemedicine coverage.

“There is promising news overall for patients, providers, and businesses using telemedicine and other digital health platforms,” said Latoya Thomas, Director of the State Policy Resource Center, ATA. “These reports show that insurers, state lawmakers and Medicaid agencies see telemedicine, and other digital health platforms, as affordable and convenient solutions to bridge the provider shortage gap and enhance access to quality health care services.”

The Physician Standards and Licensure report reviews state laws and medical board standards. Collectively, states are removing unnecessary requirements and embracing telemedicine as an appropriate way to delivery medical services nationwide. This report is indicative of increased adoption of telemedicine, providing healthcare practitioners increased opportunities to practice across state lines. As a result of changing board guidance and regulation for telemedicine when compared to in-person practice, states like Arkansas, Florida, and Louisiana have made significant improvements for health providers, while Texas continues to earn the lowest grade in the nation.

Both reports are available for download here.

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About the American Telemedicine Association (ATA)

Established in 1993, ATA is a non-profit, membership-based association located in Washington DC. Comprised of a membership network of more than 10,000 industry leaders and healthcare professionals, ATA is the leading telehealth association helping to transform healthcare by improving the quality, equity, and affordability of healthcare throughout the world. ATA hosts the leading telehealth conference and trade show for technology innovation and networking. To learn more about the annual conference, go to: http://www.ata2017.org. To learn more about ATA, visit http://www.americantelemed.org.

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