Texas House Bill HB2017

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

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.