Providing More Telehealth Options for Hoosiers

Local Sources - In this week's Messmer Column, Indiana Senator Mark Messmer focuses on telehealth options for Hoosiers.

Messmer released the following statements on telehealth options:

Telehealth has become a popular, more accessible method of health care for Hoosiers, especially since the pandemic. Virtual appointments eliminate the burden many face of finding a ride to the doctor's office or someone to watch the kids while at an appointment.

Recently, advancements in new technology revealed a higher need for telehealth services; however, eligible providers are limited.

More health care fields have use for telehealth, substantiating the need for an expansion of professionals that are able to utilize and practice such services.

Because of this, I supported Senate Enrolled Act 284 this session, which consolidates Medicaid telehealth language and extends the types of practitioners who can practice telehealth. These practitioners include specified developmental therapists, clinical fellows and school psychologists, students and graduates of certain professional programs, physical therapist assistants and certain community mental health care providers.

In addition, SEA 284 allows behavioral health analysts to temporarily perform telehealth services while the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency prepares to implement licensure for the profession.

Going to the doctor's office and sitting in the waiting room can be daunting for some. Others may not be able to drive themselves to their appointments. During the winter, road conditions can cause in-person visits to be rescheduled. While not every visit to the doctor can or should be virtual, telehealth provides a solution to these potential obstacles.  

Many patients note that a telemedicine follow-up visit was more convenient than arranging an in-person follow-up. I'm sure this is especially true for those living in rural communities where public transportation is not an option. 

The physical and mental health of our state is of the utmost importance, as it impacts all other facets of life. I encourage those in our community to look into how telemedicine can help you and your loved ones.

To read more about SEA 284 and other legislation passed this session, visit iga.in.gov.

As always, feel free to contact my office directly with your questions and concerns by email at [email protected] or by phone at 800-382-9467.