Richmond, VA (PRWEB) November 26, 2013
Although there are many benefits to the use of telemedicine, various disadvantages and regulatory limits accompany the use of this technology, according to Experient Health in its latest health education Blog series focused on telemedicine. The series helps explain trends in telemedine, advantages and disadvantages.
"The primary disadvantage for telemedicine is that the patient and doctor are not sharing the same physical space," Experient Health wrote. "Adjustments in examination and treatment do have to be made because the doctor cannot actually touch the patient during an examination."
To replace physical touch, the doctor may, for example, ask the patient to touch his or her own throat and describe it to the doctor; however, the doctor must rely on the patient’s descriptive abilities instead of the doctor’s own expert touch.
Another major limit to telemedicine is the issue of licensing.
"Depending on the state, doctors are subject to different regulations regarding patient care," Experient Health, the health insurance arm of Virginia Farm Bureau, wrote. "For example, a doctor may be required to be licensed in the state in which the patient is physically located, as well as in the state where the doctor physically practices. In addition, doctors may be limited in whether they can see a new or existing patient, what conditions they can treat and under what circumstances they are allowed to provide care."
Payment for telemedicine services is another issue that doctors and patients must contend with.
Although some states require Medicaid and private insurance plans to cover telemedicine services, not all states do, leaving many patients without coverage for telemedicine.
Some states that do not typically cover telemedicine under Medicaid may allow reimbursement in cases of crisis care.
ABOUT EXPERIENT HEALTH:
For years, Experient Health, a Virginia Farm Bureau company, has helped people find the right insurance coverage and get the most for their health care dollars. The Richmond, Va.-based group is dedicated to providing high quality health insurance options to customers in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC. As a result, its consultants, with an average of more than 20 years experience, are intimately familiar with the states’ provider networks, products and regulations.
Representing the top national insurance carriers, Experient Health provides customers with multiple policy options designed to meet wellness needs and financial requirements.
Experient Health grew out of Virginia Farm Bureau and is a “hometown agency” in that it operates a network of more than 100 offices. However, it boasts the resources and technology of larger firms.
Consultants are available online, via phone and through their offices.
Learn more at http://www.experienthealth.com, utilize the online health insurance quote calculator or contact a consultant directly at 855.677.6580.