Online Doctors in Kentucky
Fact checked
Written by: Caroline Treichler, RN
Updated: Jun 03, 2022
To better meet the needs of a population that’s primarily suburban or rural, Kentucky has expanded telehealth programs. Types of care that may be available via video conferencing software include appointments with a doctor, psychiatrist, speech/occupational/physical therapist, licensed counselor, therapist, or dietician.
Medicaid has expanded coverage to include a variety of specialties, and the general rule is you can opt for telehealth appointments with all providers who are licensed to practice medicine in Kentucky and can effectively and safely provide services without the need for an in-person exam. Kentucky Medicaid defines Telehealth as providing health care services to patients via a real-time platform that uses both audio and visual technology.
Medicare coverage is similar, although as with all covered services, you can typically expect to pay 20% of the total cost as a copay. Private insurance companies have also greatly expanded their networks of telehealth providers and may have remote appointments available at the same or lower out-of-pocket cost.
Before a doctor can give you a prescription via telehealth, they must first establish a professional relationship with you, which includes verifying your identity, using accepted diagnostics to determine the issue, and maintaining your electronic medical records. All of this can be done via a telehealth platform in most instances. The Board of Speech Language Pathology and Audiology specifically requires a therapist to establish the relationship with a face-to-face assessment.
Online Doctors in Kentucky
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. What Are Kentucky Telemedicine Policies?
In Kentucky, Medicaid reimbursement levels are equivalent for in-person and telehealth services, but there can be differences in costs through private insurance plans. Here’s a quick look at some of the regulations and how they may affect payments.
| Medicaid | Private payers | Parity |
| Reimbursement for: Live video and store-and-forward services are both covered by Medicaid. Remote monitoring services are typically excluded. | Reimbursement for: Telehealth services receive the same level of reimbursement as in-person consultations. | Reimbursement levels are equal, regardless of distance when providers meet quality standards unless specifically contracted at different rates. |
Parity Laws
Kentucky takes a unique approach to parity laws. Medicaid offers equal reimbursement for equivalent services unless the provider and Medicaid have directly negotiated a reduced rate. A doctor’s appointment in the office or via Telehealth costs you the same copay if you have one.
If you have private insurance, you’ll need to contact your insurance company to determine costs. Kentucky’s parity laws provide a baseline that ensures equivalent reimbursement but offers both insurance companies and health care providers the option to negotiate separate rates for in-office and remote services.
Since Kentucky considers the place of service to be where the patient is located, there’s no requirement for your doctor to be located within state limits. However, all Kentucky health care providers must be licensed to practice in Kentucky before offering ongoing care.
Eligible Health Care Providers
In Kentucky, your health care provider must be licensed in the state to offer telehealth services, but there are no special regulations limiting the types of services you can receive. As long as the provider can offer equal care via telehealth, it’s legal for them to do so. Some providers you might see via Telehealth include:
- Physicians
- Nurse practitioners
- Physician assistants
- Psychiatrists
- Therapists
- Marriage and family counselors
- Nutritionists
- Speech, occupational, and physical therapists
Online Prescriptions
If you need a prescription, you’ll need to go to your current doctor or schedule a longer telehealth visit, since your doctor must have an established relationship with you before giving you a new prescription. Establishing a relationship is possible via Telehealth. Doctors using telehealth platforms typically build your relationship by getting a verbal medical history and updating your medical records after they verify your identity. Then, before calling in a prescription for you, they may ask you to help them perform an exam remotely.
II. Find an Online Doctor in Kentucky
Your current primary care doctor may already offer telehealth options and may also be able to help you with referrals to specialists who also offer telehealth services. If you don’t have a doctor or your current doctor doesn’t offer remote appointments, take some time to perform due diligence.
- Research credentials: Make sure your remote doctor is qualified and legally able to practice in Kentucky by visiting the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure. On the site, you can use a doctor’s name or license number to look up their credentials and any pending or previous disciplinary actions.
- Determine your cost: Contact your insurance company to determine how much it may cost for an appointment with a telehealth provider. Some providers offer subscriptions that aren’t covered by insurance.
- Read online doctor reviews: Take a look at how other patients feel about a doctor by reading reviews on social media and other online platforms.
III. Research Our Kentucky Telemedicine Sources
As telehealth expands into underserved areas, it’s a good idea to keep on top of any changes to the law that may affect your ability to find a doctor. Stay up-to-date on the latest news for Telehealth in Kentucky by visiting these sites.
- Center for Connected Health Policy | Kentucky Telehealth Policy | Last accessed April 2024
- Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure | Verify a Kentucky Medical Practitioner License | Last accessed April 2024
- Kentucky Statute | Medicaid Providers Using Telehealth | Last accessed April 2024
- Kentucky Medicaid | Telehealth | Last accessed April 2024
- Boards and Commission | Speech and Language Pathology Telehealth and Telepractice | Last accessed April 2024
- Kentucky Statute | Telehealth Service Coverage and Reimbursement | Last accessed April 2024