The Department of Defense has modified rules and requirements for telemedicine care for veterans, making it easier for beneficiaries in the Military Health System to receive care via telemedicine.
A Feb. 3 memorandum issued by Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs Jonathan Woodson, MD, declared patients no longer need to be present in a military treatment facility or other designated facility to receive telemedicine services. Now, a patient's home — or another location deemed appropriate by the provider — will suffice as an appropriate site to receive telemedicine services.
"Telemedicine visits to a patient's location outside of [a military treatment facility] are another means by which we can greatly expand options for accessing care and advice," according to the memorandum.
The amended rules to originating site for telemedicine services was effective immediately.
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