Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
Agency
Department of Medical Assistance Services
 
Board
Board of Medical Assistance Services
 
Guidance Document Change: To update the Agency’s policies regarding both telemedicine and telehealth coverage.
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9/16/19  11:19 am
Commenter: Flint Engleman

Telehealth for Virginia
 

Advancing the availability of telemedicine and telehealth will help Virginians have more access to healthcare throughout the Commonwealth.

Rural areas such as Southwest Virginia will benefit in increased health services.  For instance, some patients in Southwest Va may be an hour plus from a hospital.  Telehealth will help provide remote care for these patients in the comfort of their own home.

Virginians deserve full telehealth access.  Why limit a Virginian's access to just our state border?  Patients that have specialists in other states can greatly benefit from telehealth.  Here are two examples of how allowing out of state telehealth can help Virginians. (1) A patient in Leesburg has cancer surgery in New York City.  They are recovering in Virginia they can continue to consult with their physician in NYC via telehealth.  (2) A Hampton patient has a rare immuno deficiency disease treated by a specialist in Texas.  Which makes travel difficult due to their health.  The patient can stay in touch with the Texas based physician who specializes in this disease treatment.

Let's keep Virginians healthy!  Telehealth is for preventative care as well.  Whether you are young or older.  In northern Va or Danville.  Innovation is providing more ways for patients to connect with their physicians.  And, innovation is quickly providing quality, remote diagnostic capabilities.  Vitals such as pulse, blood oximeter, blood sugar, blood pressure and EKG for heart rate are available.

Please let this technology work for Virginians without borders.  Let's put healthcare at the fingertips of patients throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.

CommentID: 76175