TELEMEDICINE

Numerous states have enacted laws regarding coverage of health care services delivered through telemedicine for either private insurers, the state Medicaid plan, or both. States have defined «telemedicine» generally as the delivery of health care services such as diagnosis, consultation, or treatment through the use of interactive audio, video, or other electronic media and do not include the sole use of an audio-only telephone, a video-only system, a facsimile machine, instant messages, or electronic mail. Communication consisting of emails, sole telephone conversations and facsimile transmission do not constitute as telemedicine consultation services.  Correct codes for place of services (2) must be used. Prior contracting must have been negotiated with provider.