Here are five insights:
1. The legislation would create, in Missouri law, a definition of telehealth services and lay out when a physician can provide services through video conferencing or by electronic transfer of a patient’s medical records and other data. It would also allow for Medicaid reimbursement for those services.
2. The bill passed the House with only one “no” vote.
3. Rep. Keith Frederick (R-Rolla), a practicing orthopedic surgeon, said telehealth makes it easier for physicians to talk to each other about a diagnosis.
4. The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Jay Barnes (R-Jefferson City) said telehealth services could cut down on re-hospitalizations.
5. Forty-one other states already have laws or rules defining when a physician can provide services through video conferencing or share medical records electronically.
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