This would prevent someone from just putting up a shack in a parking lot and help to limit fraud and abuse. These HPSAs are based on availability of primary care. Telemedicine serves patients who are underserved for primary and specialty care. All programs in non-MSAs and urban HPSAs should be covered. This includes all current federal demonstration projects.
Legislation is needed to recognize direct patient care in addition to professional consultations.
Payment for all current procedural terminology billing codes that are covered under the Medicare program under title XVII of the Social Security Act is allowed but the secretary is given the authority to deny payment for procedure codes that are inappropriate for reimbursement if performed via telehealth technologies. She is instructed to evaluate the procedure codes and report back to Congress after two years on which are and which are not appropriate. All providers eligible for HCFA reimbursement for services delivered in person should be eligible for reimbursement for services delivered via telemedicine. This should include clinical psychologists, and physical, occupational, and speech therapists. This list already includes everyone who is eligible to bill HCFA for services already.