Telemedicine is the technology allowing doctors to visit patients virtually using the internet. This technology is already being used widely across the country. Telemedicine platform permits two-way, real time interactive communication between the patient and the physician or practitioner at a different site.

More payers are embracing telemedicine for its ability to increase quality of care and reduce costs by reducing readmissions and unnecessary emergency department visits. Several insurance companies including WellPoint, BCBS, Cigna, Aetna and others have established specific services for patients that utilize these tools instead of going into a clinic. Several states have legislation pending that would create statewide insurance standards for telemedicine.