“The Boom in Out-of-State Telehealth Threatens In-State Providers,” by Matt Volz, Kaiser Health News

“A year into the pandemic, telehealth has become widely accepted. Some states are now looking to make permanent the measures that have fueled its growth. But with it have come some unintended consequences, such as a rise in fraud, potential access problems for vulnerable groups and conflicts between out-of-state and in-state health providers. … Before covid, remote doctor visits by computer or phone were rare: Just 2.4% of enrollees in large-employer health plans used a telehealth service in 2018, according to KFF. That was due in part to different policies among states and federal rules that limited where and to whom telehealth services could be offered. But now, states are waiving patient copays and coinsurance, reimbursing telehealth services at the same rate as in-person services, waiving licensure requirements and allowing audio-only visits, among other measures.”

LTC Comment, Stephen A. Moses, President, Center for Long-Term Care Reform:

Interesting development. Why wait to see your undistinguished local physician when Marcus Welby is waiting for you online?