Hoosiers use technology every day to access resources, work, connect with others and even see their doctor. Over the past year, there has been an increase of telehealth services, as individuals stayed home to help slow the spread of the coronavirus. Indiana cut red tape last spring to allow providers to see patients virtually for certain conditions. In an effort to give our communities access to the health care they need, especially here in rural Indiana, I am supporting legislation that would make some of the temporary changes permanent and include more health care professionals.
Having access to health care professionals virtually means more Hoosiers are showing up for their appointments. In the first half of 2020, roughly 350,000 telehealth claims were reported by the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, compared to the 76,000 claims seen in all of 2019. For some, getting to a doctor's appointment is difficult, whether they can't take time off work or they don't have transportation. By expanding telehealth services, these hurdles could be removed since Hoosiers would have the choice to attend a visit in-person or virtually. This expansion would keep our most vulnerable populations safe and healthy by giving them the opportunity to continue receiving the health care they need from the comfort of their home.
Senate Enrolled Act 3 would allow telehealth appointments to continue while adding more providers to the list of those who can use this resource. In addition to doctors who already utilize online services, veterinarians and dentists would also be able to use this tool.
Receiving health assessments, diagnoses, intervention, consultations, supervision, clinical services, rehabilitations services and information are just a few services Hoosiers can obtain through virtual appointments. It is important that individuals know the quality of their telehealth visits would remain the same as an in-person one.
Over the last year, Hoosiers were able to see their health care providers via telehealth in the midst of the pandemic, and I want to cut red tape, so individuals can continue accessing these options. As I continue working to remove barriers for Hoosiers, I am always happy to hear from constituents with input on how to better serve our community. Please contact me at h74@iga.in.gov or 317-232-9802.
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State Rep. Stephen Bartels (R-Eckerty) represents House District 74,
which includes portions of Spencer, Dubois, Perry, Crawford and Orange counties.
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