Part 2: How Does the New Telemedicine Law Address Medical Visits Conducted Over the Telephone?

September 24, 2021

What physicians need to know

Governor Pritzker recently signed House Bill 3308 into law, expanding access to telemedicine services for patients in Illinois. The new law makes permanent many of the emergency telemedicine rules that were authorized during COVID-19.

Physician Advocate is taking a deep dive into the various components of this important ISMS-backed legislation. This week’s installment will cover medical visits conducted over the telephone.

Before the new telemedicine law: Most insurers required telemedicine visits to have a video and audio component in order to qualify for coverage.

How the new law helps: Insurers regulated by the Illinois Department of Insurance are required to cover telemedicine visits conducted using audio-only telephone systems (including both cellular and landline phones). The audio-only encounters must be rendered by healthcare professionals when clinically appropriate and medically necessary in the same manner as any other benefits covered under health insurers’ policies.

September 24, 2021

If you missed Part 1, access Part 1: How Does the New Telemedicine Law Impact Health Insurance Coverage?

For a comprehensive overview of the new telemedicine legislation, access ISMS’ new Issue Brief, Telemedicine in Illinois: Emergency Measures Made Permanent.

If you have questions, please contact ISMS Senior Vice President of State Legislative Affairs Erin O’Brien by email.