Telehealth gains new momentum as AMA approves new principles

Telehealth has just gotten a boost from the American Medical Association (AMA).

At its annual meeting this week, the association endorsed a list of guiding principles to ensure the appropriate coverage of and payment for telemedicine services, and to promote innovation in telemedicine.  They include protecting the patient-physician relationship and supporting improved care coordination and communication with medical homes.

The guiding principles derive from a report published by the AMA’s Council on Medical Service, which addresses coverage and payment for telemedicine and outlines current coverage and telemedicine payment rules, a summary of specialty society practice guidelines and position statements on telemedicine, and case studies.

“Whether a patient is seeing his or her physician in person or via telemedicine, the same standards of care for the patient must be maintained. Telemedicine can strengthen the patient-physician relationship and improve access to receive care remotely, as medically appropriate, including treatment for chronic conditions, which are proven ways to improve health outcomes and reduce healthcare costs,” said Robert Wah, MD, chair of the AMA board of trustees, in a statement.