Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Texas House Bill HB2017

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to nondiscrimination against physicians in payment for telephone consultation services.

Impact

The bill's implementation would mark a significant shift in how health insurance policies treat telephone consultations. By mandating equal payment opportunities for physicians, the legislation enhances the viability of telehealth practices, thereby potentially increasing access to care for patients who may benefit from consultations but cannot attend in-person visits. This could be particularly beneficial in rural areas where healthcare access is limited, thus broadening the support for telehealth services within the state.

Summary

House Bill 2017 aims to establish nondiscrimination provisions regarding payment for telephone consultation services provided by physicians. The bill is designed to prevent employee benefit plans or health insurance policies from discriminating against physicians when they charge for such consultations. Specifically, it prohibits these plans from denying payment to physicians if they allow other healthcare providers to charge for similar services, ensuring fair treatment across the board.

Sentiment

Discussions around HB2017 have generally been positive among healthcare providers and advocates for telehealth, who see it as a step forward in expanding access and ensuring fairness in compensation. Supporters argue that this bill acknowledges the evolving role of telehealth in modern medicine and addresses the disparities that exist in payment structures. However, there may be concerns from insurance companies about the implications of mandatory equal payments, particularly regarding overall service costs and potential changes in policy pricing.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding the bill include concerns about the financial impact on health insurance providers and the potential for increased costs being passed on to consumers. Despite supporters heralding this bill as a necessary update to insurance practices for telehealth, some stakeholders warn that it could lead to unintended consequences in the marketplace, especially if the increase in consultation requests leads to higher premiums.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB2982

Relating to the authorization of certain agreements between management services organizations and physicians.

TX HB4343

Relating to health benefit plan preauthorization requirements for certain health care services and the direction of utilization review by physicians.

TX HB593

Relating to the provision of direct patient care by physicians and health care practitioners.

TX HB4611

Relating to the nonsubstantive revision of the health and human services laws governing the Health and Human Services Commission, Medicaid, and other social services.

TX HB1726

Relating to the reimbursement and payment of claims by certain health benefit plan issuers for telemedicine medical services, teledentistry dental services, and telehealth services.

TX SB724

Relating to the reimbursement and payment of claims by certain health benefit plan issuers for telemedicine medical services, teledentistry dental services, and telehealth services.

TX SB1043

Relating to the reimbursement and payment of claims by certain health benefit plan issuers for telemedicine medical services, teledentistry dental services, and telehealth services.

TX HB3139

Relating to the enforceability of covenants not to compete against physicians.

TX HB4334

Relating to the provision and delivery of certain health, mental health, and educational services in this state, including the delivery of those services using telecommunications or information technology.

TX HB4300

Relating to expedited credentialing of certain physician assistants and advanced practice nurses by managed care plan issuers.

Similar Bills

VA SB1339

Virginia Telephone Privacy Protection Act; telephone solicitations by text message, effective date.

CA AB1231

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NC H936

Robocall Solicitation Modifications

CA SB716

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CA AB1588

Telecommunications: duties of local exchange carriers.

CA AB2808

Primary ticket sellers.

CA SB1272

Crimes: intercepting telephone communications.

CA AB2885

False campaign speech and online platform disclosures.