On behalf of the health insurance industry in Virginia, we strongly oppose this petition for a change in regulation. It is wholly inappropriate to require an in-person visit to establish a patient-doctor relationship. Currently, Virginia code (54.1-3303) does not require an in-person visit to establish such a relationship between a dentist and patient. Efforts to add this requirement to the code have been rejected by the Virginia General Assembly (HB 2063, 2015) in the past. This request would further stipulate that digital scans be considered impressions and therefore required to be performed by a licensed dentist. Digital scans are one of the primary methods for diagnosis in telehealth. Requiring these scans to be conducted by licensed dentists would negate the ability of any patient to receive services through telemedicine. Telemedicine is an innovative health delivery method that provides patients with safe high-quality care more conveniently and often more cost effectively than in-person visits. It is for these reasons, the health plans oppose both elements of this request.

Doug Gray
Executive Director
Virginia Association of Health Plans
1111 E. Main Street, Suite 910
Richmond, VA 23219
Office (804) 648-8466