Identifying telemedicine reimbursement trends and barriers in California

This presentation will provide the results of a meta-analysis of available literature on telemedicine and telehealth reimbursement, telemedicine incentives, and results of studies related to clinical and cost effectiveness. This presentation will summarize current trends and results of a variety of qualitative and quantitative studies. In February 2008, the California Telemedicine & eHealth Center (CTEC), California's federally designated Telehealth Resource Center, undertook an innovative and precedent setting project to develop a reimbursement policy on telemedicine and telehealth that considered a full spectrum of services. CTEC's Telehealth Optimization Initiative was developed to help respond to California's growing need for expanded telehealth programs and the need for adequate and appropriate support structures. The collaborative brought together major stakeholders to develop recommendations on policy for appropriate payment and supporting structures. This presentation will also provide the results of a statewide data collection effort on perceptions and trends on optimizing telemedicine. Through the data that has been collected, CTEC's Telehealth Optimization Initiative has gained insight into what works programmatically and fiscally in deploying telehealth; the challenges and barriers to further deployment or initial start up of telehealth programs/activities; and recommendations for optimal deployment of telehealth to appropriately and efficiently meet the health care needs of Californians.