Table of Contents
Online Doctors in Kansas

TABLE OF CONTENTS

https://www.onlinedoctor.com

I. What Are Kansas Telemedicine Policies?

Kansas telemedicine policies support the use of interactive video consultations together with approved home-based remote patient monitoring. A prior provider-patient relationship isn’t required, although if one exists with another practitioner, the online doctor must forward a report following treatment. Medicaid and insurers must reimburse telehealth consultations.

Medicaid Private payers Parity
Reimbursement for: All medically necessary telehealth services Reimbursement for: Medically necessary telehealth services subject to individual health benefits Not reimbursed at the same rate as in-person services

Parity Laws  

While parity laws exist, health insurers have discretion regarding how they reimburse you. In practice, this means you may not be reimbursed at the same rate for a telehealth treatment as you would be for a face-to-face consultation. An exception was during the Covid-19 emergency when Kansas passed temporary legislation requiring full parity.

Kansas Medicaid reimburses providers for medically necessary telehealth services and remote patient monitoring. There’s a requirement that you must be at an approved originating location, although it’s not clear how these are defined. Kansas Medicaid reimburses providers of originating sites based on a percentage of the fee applicable to the service. These only apply to real-time video consultations and approved remote patient monitoring; other forms of telemedicine aren’t covered.

Physicians and other medical specialties offering telehealth in Kansas must be licensed by the Kansas Board of Healing Arts. Kansas is a member of the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, which means an out-of-state physician in a member state can apply for a license to practice in Kansas. 

Eligible Health Care Providers  

Kansas doesn’t limit who’s eligible to provide telehealth services other than to require they’re licensed to practice by the appropriate board, such as the Kansas Board of Healing Arts or the Kansas Board of Nursing. A limitation is that the telehealth service provided must be medically necessary. All consultations must be done via real-time, interactive video. Private payers’ reimbursement of telemedicine is subject to individual health plan conditions, which usually don’t equate to what would be paid for face-to-face consultations. Medicaid covers the following providers:

  • Medical doctors and specialties included under this heading
  • Physicians
  • Licensed physician assistants
  • Licensed advanced practice registered nurses
  • Speech-language pathologists
  • Audiologists
  • Physical therapists
  • Physical therapy assistants
  • Occupational therapists

Online Prescriptions  

Kansas legislation regarding prescribing drugs online is the same as for prescribing drugs during a face-to-face consultation. The primary requirement is there must be a valid provider-patient relationship, which may be established through a live video consultation. In Kansas, online doctors may prescribe controlled substances. Doctors may not dispense prescriptions based on an internet or telephonic consultation. 

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II. Find an Online Doctor in Kansas

Whether you live in a rural area or a busy city, using an online doctor can let you save time and avoid delays waiting for an appointment. But before you start, it’s wise to do research to establish whether the doctor or medical practice you’re interested in meets your needs. Questions to ask include do they have the right specialties, are they licensed to practice in Kansas, what will they charge, and what other patients think.

  • Research credentials: As a first step, check that the doctor or other health care provider is licensed to practice by the Kansas Board of Healing Arts. In Kansas, many specialist physicians like psychiatrists, gynecologists, dermatologists, and others are listed as medical doctors. You can search for nurse practitioners through the Kansas Board of Nursing.
  • Determine your cost: Kansas parity laws allow insurers discretion regarding what they will reimburse and at what rate. Before making an appointment, check with your insurer to find out what they will pay for a telehealth consultation. Speak to the telehealth provider and find out what they charge. Some online doctors charge a subscription fee over and above the consultation fee.
  • Read online doctors reviews: Find out what other patients think. Use social media and the internet to see if you can find reviews and patient star ratings. There are a number of review sites where you can look up doctors’ specialties and qualifications.
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III. Research Our Kansas Telemedicine Sources

Telemedicine is a rapidly evolving field as doctors and patients are discovering its benefits. Keep up to date with telemedicine in Kansas by visiting these websites.

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