If you work in healthcare, you may benefit from helping patients remotely. Consultations, regular follow-ups and prescription adjustments are just a few things that modern technology has made easier.
However, you should pay attention to Texas Medicaid policies for remote medical work to avoid issues down the line. Understanding the difference between telemedicine and telehealth can help clarify these policies.
Telemedicine
You are providing a telemedicine medical service if you use advanced telecommunication to evaluate or treat a patient, or to transfer medical data. No matter what platform you use, Medicaid must reimburse your patient if you are a licensed physician. If your patient has a primary care provider, you must notify the provider about the service. If you see your patient in a school and he or she does not have a primary care provider, you should reach out to the parent or guardian.
Telehealth
A telehealth service involves any nonclinical work through advanced telecommunication, so long as you are operating under your license as a healthcare professional. Your patient must attend an in-person or telemedicine appointment before you provide him or her with a telehealth service. The patient also must sign up for annual evaluations to ensure that you should continue providing the telehealth service. The only exception to this rule is if your patient is getting mental health treatment. Texas Medicaid reimburses patients for some telehealth appointments, depending on the TX Medicaid Provider Procedures Manual.
Most remote healthcare services are just as legitimate as in-person visits in the eyes of Texas Medicaid. Before proceeding with your patients, it helps to discuss the relevant policies with them and make sure they understand the underlying conditions.