Executive Order Issued to Expand Telemedicine; Tips on Telehealth

KAFP/AAFP

Under the new executive orders issued by Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, the Kansas Board of Healing Arts is blocked from enforcing any law, rule or regulation that requires in-person examinations in order to issue a prescription or administer medication.

Out-of-state doctors may provide telemedicine services in Kansas if they are licensed in another state. All physicians are encouraged to utilize telemedicine, including those under self-quarantine.

This expansion of telemedicine is to deliver relief for COVID-19. As of March 22, 66 Kansas residents have tested positive for COVID-19, and two have died. See detailed map.

 The AAFP recently updated its guidance on using telehealth to specifically address caring for patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tips included in that guidance address how to quickly implement telemedicine in a practice, how to get reimbursed for virtual visits and what codes to use for COVID-19. Additionally, there is specific guidance on Medicare payment requirements for these telehealth sessions.

Read more on how family physicians are using telehealth as a tool to care for patients.