OKLAHOMA TELEMEDICINE LAW
Oklahoma’s policies have distinct advantages for telemedicine providers. The parity law has been in place for a long time, which is good news for physicians–fewer kinks to work out.
Oklahoma’s SoonerCare also reimburses a lot of different health services, including remote monitoring and mental health services. Not too shabby!
Ready to find out more about Oklahoma’s telemedicine policy? Keep on reading.
Parity Law
Oklahoma was an early adopter of telemedicine! The state has had a parity law since 1997.
Type of Telemedicine Covered
SoonerCare, Oklahoma’s Medicaid program, reimburses for live video if the health care provider determines the service to be appropriately provided via telemedicine. This applies to health care service plans, disability insurance programs, workers’ compensation programs or state Medicaid managed care program contracts.
Additionally, SoonerCare reimburses for services such as teleradiology, telepathology, and physician interpretation of ECG readings, though these are considered conventional health delivery by Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA).
Covered Health Services
Services eligible for coverage when completed via live video include:
Consultations
Office visits
Individual psychotherapy
Psychiatric diagnostic interview examinations and testing
Mental health assessments
Pharmacologic management
Billing Codes
Don’t forget your GT modifier! Providers should use the GT modifier with the relevant code to note telemedicine.
Eligible Healthcare Providers
Eligible distant-site providers include:
Physicians
Advanced registered nurse practitioners
Physician assistants
Genetic counselors
Licensed behavioral health professionals
Dieticians
An Indian Health Service facility, a Tribal health facility or an Urban Indian (I/T/U) clinic with specialty service providers as listed here.
Coverage of all telemedicine services is at the discretion of the Oklahoma Health Care Authority.
Online Prescriptions
Medications can be prescribed based on a full exam conducted via telemedicine visit.
Informed Patient Consent
Written patient consent is required prior to the delivery of any telemedicine services. The provider who is in physical contact with the patient shall obtain this consent.
Interstate Telemedicine Licensing
Practicing medicine in Oklahoma requires a full Oklahoma medical license, except in cases of P2P (physician to physician) consultation. That could change soon–legislation regarding the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact has been introduced in Oklahoma, but the bill has not been enacted. Follow along with the policy’s progress here!
Restrictions on Locations
Coverage is limited to rural or geographic areas where there is a lack of local medical/psychiatric/mental health expertise.
Rural areas are defined as counties with fewer than 50,000 people.
Other Reimbursable Fees
A facility fee may be paid to the originating site for synchronous services only.
Reimbursement Rates
Thanks to Oklahoma’s telemedicine policies, reimbursement rates for telemedicine are equal to those for in-person care.
Helpful Resources
Center for Connected Health Policy – Oklahoma Page