Recently, the American Medical Association (AMA) released a report on telemedicine (Report) that, among other things, (i) outlines coverage and payment rules; (ii) summarizes various specialty society practice guidelines/position statements; and (iii) presents its own position and recommendations regarding the role of telemedicine in the provision of health care. The Report provides a current overview of barriers (e.g., reimbursement and licensure) that prevent further implementation of telemedicine in the provision of health care in our society, and it also emphasizes the importance of ensuring quality of care, patient safety, and coordination of care. The AMA’s publication of this Report will hopefully continue the important dialogue regarding the promise of telemedicine.

Look for an upcoming more detailed client alert analyzing this Report, other updates concerning telemedicine, and the general role of telemedicine in our healthcare system.