Telemedicine: Why and How for Doctors

GPT Conference

March 26,2015

Savannah, Ga.

Jean R. Sumner M.D.

Associate Dean of Rural Health

Mercer University

Why Physicians

Why Physicians

Pharmacy Benefit Managers

Approval Prior to Xrays

Credentialing

Affordable Care Act

Why Physicians

Patients Acceptance

Technology

Physician Extenders

Specialty Consultation

Continuity

Quality of Life

Cost saving

Why Physicians

Quality

Safety

Compliance

License

How..By the Rules

Georgia Board of Medicine

Practice Through Electronic Means

Physician Coverage

How: Practice through Electronic Means…360-3-.07

* Georgia License

* History of the Patient

* Physician

* Physician Assistant

* Advance Practice Nurse

How: By the Rules* Personally seen and examined and is

providing ongoing care OR

* Providing care at the request of a provider who has personally seen and examined thepatient OR

* Is providing care at the request of a listed agency and can examine the patient equal to or superior to that done in person OR

* Is able to examine the patient equal to or superior to an exam done in person

How : By the Rules

Must maintain records that document the evaluation and treatment

Records must identify provider

Records must be sent to the referrringprovider if the patient is referred

If care is provided by a APRN or PA:

The responsible physician must certify to the board that telemedicine is in his

scope and the extender has demonstrated competence

HOW : By the Rules

Credentials

Emergency

Contact

Information

How: By the Rules

Clear

Emergency

Plan

How: By the Rules

Annual Examination in Person

Rule does not apply to established doctor patient relationship

How: By the Rules

No Rx for Pain

Diagnostic Testing

Same standard of Care

Telemedicine: How and Why

Highest Standard of Care

Comply with Rules and Laws

Integrate care into Established Systems