Navigating Telemedicine Requirements for Licensing, Scope of Practice and Reimbursement

One of the biggest regulatory challenges of telemedicine is licensure. Both physicians and non-physician practitioners must meet the differing requirements of each state in which they are consulting, diagnosing or treating patients. The process for obtaining the appropriate licenses is costly and burdensome.

Further, most providers must comply with state scope-of-practice laws. For example, how does the state classify where a consult or treatment takes place? If the provider is providing a second opinion, does this fall under the same requirements? When is an in-person exam required? What are the exceptions to telemedicine licensure?

Reimbursement rules add another layer of complexity to telemedicine. Medicare is expanding its coverage for telemedicine services and regions that will be reimbursed. While most states’ Medicaid programs reimburse some telemedicine services, the rules differ from state to state. Also, some states have reimbursement laws that impact private payers.

Counsel for practitioners must understand what each state calls for to meet licensing, scope of practice and reimbursement requirements. In addition, they must also be aware of the myriad rules governing fee arrangements, anti-kickback and self-referral, and the corporate practice of medicine.

The panel will examine the regulatory requirements and challenges for health care providers and facilities related to licensing, scope of practice and reimbursement. The panel will offer best practices for overcoming these regulatory hurdles.

For more information and to register, click here.