The language policymakers use in telehealth legislation may deter hospitals from offering remote services, according to a Center for Connected Health Policy report.
CCHP evaluated the content and language used in state telehealth legislation to gauge how these laws impact provider adoption and payer reimbursement of telehealth services.
The center determined laws lacking clear language on reimbursement offer private payers discretion to set their own reimbursement policies. Licensing issues and a lack of billing codes also hinder providers from adopting telehealth services.
CCHP recommends policymakers consider explicit language in telehealth laws, with a focus on payment parity and inclusion in state Medicaid programs.
"More careful crafting of the language for these laws and a more comprehensive implementation plan that includes the voice of payers, providers and consumers will be needed to achieve greater adoption of telehealth-delivered care in the future," the report reads.
Click here to read the full report.
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