Texans may soon be able to have easier access to physician care via their smartphones, tablets, and computers.
Last week, the Legislature passed Senate Bill 1107, which eases restrictions on telemedicine services allowing for patients to receive virtual care from physicians without having an initial in-person visit. The bill is awaiting a signature from Gov. Greg Abbott.
The legislation would help Teladoc Inc., a leading telehealth provider, expand its services in Dallas-Fort Worth and the rest of the state. Teladoc currently has 2,500 clients in Texas, D CEO Healthcare’s reported.
“Now, whether they are in a remote part of the state or in the DFW area, Texans can count on innovation and access to care for a growing range of medical conditions.”
Jason Gorevic
The Lewisville-founded telehealth company, which has since moved its headquarters to Purchase, New York, has been in operation in North Texas since 2005. The state made up 10 percent of the company’s revenue for three months ending March 31, according to The Dallas Morning News’ Sabriya Rice.
In Teladoc’s quarterly earnings, the company reported approximately $42.9 million in total revenue from the first quarter this year with a projection of exceeding $44 million by the end of June.
The telemedicine bill makes it legal for physicians to provide patients with care through the screen of a smartphone, computer, or other digital communication devices.
Teladoc, along with other telehealth experts, helped design regulations for the bill’s passage that will aid the continuation of the industry’s rise in the state.
“Now, whether they are in a remote part of the state or in the DFW area, Texans can count on innovation and access to care for a growing range of medical conditions,” Teladoc CEO Jason Gorevic told D CEO Healthcare.
With the exception of the bill’s insurance code in Section 13b, which will go into effect starting January 1, 2018, the bill will become law at the time of the governer’s signature.
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