Telemedicine association shares which states make the grade

The American Telemedicine Association has released two state policy reports that serve as report cards to how states are faring at telemedicine coverage and reimbursement, as well as physician practice standards and licensure.

The first report, “50 State Telemedicine Gaps Analysis-Coverage & Reimbursement,” reviews coverage and reimbursement standards for every state in the U.S. based on 13 indicators related to coverage and reimbursement. Seven states—Maryland, Maine, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Tennessee and Virginia—received the highest composite score, while Connecticut, Iowa and Rhode Island performed the worst, according to ATA.

The second report, “50 State Telemedicine Gaps Analysis-Physician Practice Standards & Licensure,” reviewed and compared physician practice standards and licensure for telemedicine for every U.S. state. Twenty-three states and D.C. received the highest possible composite score; these states include Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota,  Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee,  Utah, West Virginia and Wisconsin. Alabama, on the other hand, received the lowest composite score.

“We hope these reports serve a dual purpose: to showcase the states that are doing an excellent job when it comes to telemedicine, and to serve as a wake-up call to those who are failing to extend quality and affordable care to the residents of their state,” said Jonathan Linkous, CEO of ATA, in a statement. “We hope that states will respond by streamlining policies to improve medical practice rules, licensure, healthcare quality and reduce costs through accelerated telemedicine adoption.”

Access the reports here.