Virginia law expands access to telemedicine
Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell has signed into law a bill that will expand telemedicine coverage in the state by ensuring that health insurers cover and reimburse for healthcare services provided through telemedicine.
The bill, which was passed unanimously by both the Virginian House and Senate defines telemedicine as the “use of interactive audio, video or other electronic media for the purpose of diagnosis, consultation or treatment.”
In a signing ceremony at Virginia Commonwealth University’s Minimally Invasive Surgery Center in Richmond, McDonnell said that telemedicine “can save both dollars and lives. This growing medical field utilizes modern technology to ensure that all Virginians are properly diagnosed and treated no matter where they live and in a cost-efficient manner.”
“Telemedicine utilizes our new technologies to ensure that patients in every community have access to the best possible care,” said Karen Rheuban, MD, medical director of the University of Virginia Office of Telemedicine and president of the American Telemedicine Association.”With this legislation to expand access to telemedicine we are helping more Virginians to get the treatment they need, and to live the healthy lives we all deserve."
The bill, which was passed unanimously by both the Virginian House and Senate defines telemedicine as the “use of interactive audio, video or other electronic media for the purpose of diagnosis, consultation or treatment.”
In a signing ceremony at Virginia Commonwealth University’s Minimally Invasive Surgery Center in Richmond, McDonnell said that telemedicine “can save both dollars and lives. This growing medical field utilizes modern technology to ensure that all Virginians are properly diagnosed and treated no matter where they live and in a cost-efficient manner.”
“Telemedicine utilizes our new technologies to ensure that patients in every community have access to the best possible care,” said Karen Rheuban, MD, medical director of the University of Virginia Office of Telemedicine and president of the American Telemedicine Association.”With this legislation to expand access to telemedicine we are helping more Virginians to get the treatment they need, and to live the healthy lives we all deserve."