Maryland laws define telehealth as the use of telecommunications technologies between a physician and a patient in different physical locations to engage in health care services. Synchronous and asynchronous encounters are both included in this definition. In some instances, the interaction would require a hardwire or internet connection.
On the other hand, telemedicine involves using interactive audio and video technology by health care providers to render medical services within the scope of their practice. It allows the patient to see and interact with the medical practitioner virtually while delivering the health care service. Some fields of medicine may require the use of at least two forms of communication for the encounter to be recognized as telemedicine.
Audio-only calls, electronic mail messages, text messages, facsimile transmissions, and other forms of correspondence are not considered valid modes of telehealth and telemedicine in the state of Maryland.
State laws allow practitioner-patient relationships to be established through both synchronous and asynchronous modalities. Prior in-person or face-to-face encounter is no longer a requirement, except for some instances, as long as the standard of care required is sufficiently met.
Aside from somatic health services, teletherapy and telepsychology are generally accepted and practiced by advanced practice psychiatric nurses, certified registered nurse practitioners – psychiatric mental health, counselors, psychologists, psychologist associates, and therapists in the state.
Other health occupations boards have the liberty to implement their regulations regarding telehealth practice, but the standard of care shall remain the same as when health care services are rendered in person. It cannot be held to a lower standard!
Learn about telemedicine in Maryland and get to know the best online doctors in the state!
- Unmatched Feature of Telemedicine in Maryland
- Maryland State Telemedicine Laws and Policies
- Out-of-State Providers
- Interstate Medical Licensure Compact
- Nurse Licensure Compact
- Physical Therapy Compact
- Standard of Care
- Informed Consent
- Confidentiality
- E-prescription
- Telemental Health
- State Reimbursement Policy
- Store-and-Forward
- Remote Patient Monitoring
- Public Health Emergency (PHE)
- 10 Top-rated Online Doctors and Telemedicine Providers in Maryland
- Telemedicine Resources in Maryland
Unmatched Feature of Telemedicine in Maryland
The State of Maryland has been consistent in its efforts to improve and innovate telehealth practice. Different departments and agencies have come up with various means to contribute to their residents’ fast-changing health care needs.
The Maryland Department of Health, in collaboration with the Maryland Medical Assistance Program, is currently studying the plausibility of delivering substance use disorder services to a patient in a home setting through telehealth modalities.
At the end of the study, a report stating their findings and recommendations will be submitted to the General Assembly for proper action.
The Department is also implementing a pilot program that allows patients to receive telehealth service regardless of their location at the time. This includes the management of chronic condition cases. The goal of this program is to determine and evaluate its effectiveness.
Another project is the Perinatal Telemedicine and Telementoring Network in Maryland or also known as MDMOM. It is a Maryland Maternal Health Innovation program to provide obstetric care to women in peri-urban and rural areas. Telementoring between specialists and providers is in partnership with Johns Hopkins University and the University of Maryland Medical System.
These initiatives aim to expand medical practice through telehealth modalities to these specific fields by allowing virtual health care services for sensitive and complex body and mental health conditions.
Maryland State Telemedicine Laws and Policies
Who can practice telemedicine in Maryland?
Health care practitioners licensed by the Maryland Board of Physicians and other licensed allied health providers can expand their practice into telemedicine and render clinical services to individuals located within state boundaries through this modality.
Another determining factor of whether a health care provider may render telehealth services is their physical location in the United States of America and its territories. If they are physically located in Maryland, the telehealth service delivery is considered valid.
Either or both the patient and the physician must be located within state boundaries during the telehealth encounter to comply with state law.
Out-of-State Providers
The general rule is that the patient’s location determines the licensure requirement for the physician rendering the telemedicine service. This rule is observed in the state of Maryland.
However, Maryland has extended the privilege to practice medicine within its boundaries to physicians licensed by adjoining states as an exception to the general rule. This privilege is exclusive to the following states:
As conditions, these states must reciprocate the privilege, and the non-MD licensed physicians concerned must not have an office or regularly appointed place in Maryland where they meet patients.
Since an out-of-state provider is most likely located in another state when delivering telehealth services to patients in Maryland, they must also comply with that state’s requirements and regulations if applicable.
Interstate Medical Licensure Compact
The Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC) streamlines the application and licensing process for physicians interested in expanding their medical practice to other member states. Instead of submitting different applications to individual states, physicians only need to submit one to the Compact, accessible to all medical boards of member states for review. The individual states still have the discretion of whether or not to issue a license to the applicant physician.
Maryland has officially joined the Compact in 2018 upon the enactment of SB0234 by the General Assembly. As a State of Principal License, Maryland verifies applicant qualifications, issues Letters of Qualification, and notifies the Compact Commission of any ineligible applicants. It also processes Letters of Qualification of physicians from other member states seeking licensure in Maryland and issues the same. The Compact does not in any way limit the state’s authority to request additional requirements, following their own medical board’s regulations.
As for the renewal of licenses, physicians will be notified each time an individual license is set to expire, and they can renew them through the Compact’s website subject to a renewal fee.
Maryland’s membership in the Compact has further expanded the privilege to practice medicine in the state to other member states aside from its adjoining states.
Nurse Licensure Compact
The state of Maryland was the first member of the initial version of the Nurse Licensure Compact back in 1999. Today, it is known as the eNLC under which Maryland officially became a member in 2018. MD-licensed registered nurses, practical nurses, and vocational nurses who qualify under the Compact’s requirements are automatically issued a multistate license which allows them to practice, including telenursing services, in all other NLC member states. Those ineligible for a compact license are issued a single-state license instead, and their practice is limited within Maryland’s boundaries only.
These nurses must maintain Maryland as their Primary State of Residence to continue practicing under the same license. Moving to another compact state requires an application for licensure by endorsement. It must be noted that the privilege granted under the Compact is exclusive to member states only, and moving to a non-compact state forfeits that privilege. The nurse’s multistate license will be reverted to a single-state license.
Advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) are not covered under the Compact and must still obtain an individual license from the state where they intend to expand their practice. This is because APRNs have a different set of requirements than other nurses included in the NLC.
Aside from the practice of nursing itself, nurse educators may also teach and impart their knowledge to other member states through distance education.
Physical Therapy Compact
Physical therapists and physical therapist assistants can render their services outside their home state through the Physical Therapy Compact. Interested PTs and PTAs must be holders of unrestricted licenses and must not have undergone any disciplinary action within the past two years before their application. This interstate agreement has greatly improved the access of individuals within member states to physical therapy services.
The concept behind this Compact is the purchasing of Compact Privileges subject to individual state requirements. Other member states require applicants to be passers of its jurisprudence exam before they may be allowed to purchase the same. It must be noted that it is not equivalent to a multistate license. For each member state one intends to practice in, they must purchase a separate Compact Privilege. Those ineligible to purchase a Compact Privilege may still apply for a license before a state’s licensing board.
The PT Compact Commission comprises delegates from member states, a representative from the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT), and a representative from the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). This body is responsible for governing and regulating cross-state practice among member states.
Telehealth practice is included in the privilege but is still subject to each state’s rules and regulations regarding this mode of practice.
Standard of Care
Telehealth providers may establish a practitioner-patient relationship either through synchronous or asynchronous modalities. The standard of care deemed appropriate and sufficient in rendering telehealth services shall include the observation of the following:
- Verification of the patient’s identity
- Disclosure of practitioner’s name, contact details, and license information to the patient
- Obtaining the patient’s informed consent to receive health care services via telehealth modalities
- Conduct of appropriate clinical evaluation for the patient’s medical case
- Prevention of unauthorized and third-party access to patient’s health information by utilizing encryptions or other similar systems
- Immediate notifying of patients in case there has been a breach of data
- Setting up of security measures in compliance with privacy laws at both the federal and state level
- Establishment of safety protocols to be followed in emergency cases
Since the delivery of telehealth services relies strongly on technology, the Maryland state government has set forth equipment standards for providers to meet before they can render online health care services:
- A bandwidth speed and image resolution for quality video with a minimum frame rate of 15 FPS.
- A camera will allow the provider to control their view of the patient and adjust features such as focus, resolution, and zoom accordingly.
- A display monitor with a size that can satisfactorily help the provider accurately diagnose the patient’s medical condition.
- Audio equipment with echo cancellation is capable of clear communication.
- HIPAA-compliant secure telehealth communication.
- Video and audio transmission technology with no more than a 300-millisecond delay.
Answers on an online questionnaire are not considered sufficient bases for a diagnosis and corresponding treatment plan.
Informed Consent
Telemedicine providers are required to obtain the patient’s informed consent. If the patient is not capable, parents or guardians may give the same on their behalf. It may be oral or written, as both are considered valid in the state of Maryland.
The consent obtained shall be voluntarily given and documented in the patient’s medical record. If there was no consent given due to the patient’s inability or circumstances at the time of delivery of telehealth services, the reason and explanation for the lack of such consent must be indicated in writing.
The only instance when informed consent may not be required is during an emergency.
Confidentiality
Before any health care services are delivered through any recognized telehealth modalities, the provider must make sure that minimum privacy, technical, and technology requirements are met.
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) must be strictly complied with in addition to state-implemented regulations when it comes to protecting patient health information. All technical staff must be properly oriented on the Act’s provisions to ensure that the technology utilized adheres to HIPAA standards.
Storing video, audio, or screen recordings of the telehealth encounter or communication for future use by the provider at either the originating or distant site is prohibited.
E-prescription
Before any prescription can be issued by the telehealth practitioner, a proper clinical evaluation must be performed first. This can be done using synchronous audio-visual technology to ensure the accuracy of the diagnosis and identification of contraindications and underlying conditions that may affect or be affected by the medications to be prescribed.
If the need arises, a surrogate examiner or another licensed health care provider may conduct the required clinical evaluation. Assessing completed online questionnaires by patients is not equivalent to a clinical evaluation referred to by state laws.
When it comes to controlled dangerous substances (CDS), the prescribing provider must be duly registered with Maryland authorities to prescribe such substances in addition to a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registration.
Generally, controlled substances that are opiates falling under Schedule II cannot be issued via telehealth means. The only two exceptions to this rule are when:
- The patient to whom the subject prescription is being issued is admitted to a health care facility.
- An existing catastrophic health emergency warrants the state governor‘s declaration of a state of emergency.
Issuance of prescriptions under these two exceptions is subject to both federal and state laws as if the controlled substance was prescribed in person.
Telemental Health
Health care practitioners belonging to any of the following groups may render telemental health services in Maryland:
- Academic
- Community-based providers
- Hospital
- Mental health care system
- Private practitioners
State Reimbursement Policy
State and private insurance providers cannot deny coverage for health care services because they were delivered through telehealth or telemedicine when the same services are reimbursed if rendered in person. Managed care organizations are also mandated to provide reimbursement for medically necessary telemedicine services.
The required standard of care and scope of practice as determined by the respective licensing boards shall be observed by telehealth and telemedicine providers to be reimbursed. The boards also determine whether the subject health care service may be appropriately delivered via telehealth means.
Maryland Medicaid utilizes the hub-and-spoke model to implement a telehealth program. Under this model, telepresence is physically present at the originating site assisting the patient by arranging and operating telehealth equipment to facilitate communication with the provider at the distant site.
The following locations are considered valid and covered originating sites:
- Community mental health center
- Critical access hospital
- Elementary, middle, high, or technical school with a supported nursing, counseling, or medical office
- Emergency room
- End-stage renal diseases treatment facility
- Federally qualified health center (FQHC)
- Health or counseling office at a college or university
- Home or other mutually approved secure location of a deaf or hard of hearing patient
- Independent clinic
- Inpatient hospital
- Local health department
- Non-residential substance abuse treatment facility
- Nursing facility
- Opioid treatment program
- Outpatient hospital
- Outpatient mental health center
- Physician’s clinic
- Private offices of a nurse-midwife, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or psychiatric nurse practitioner
- Public health clinic
- Residential crisis services site
- Rural health clinic
Fee-for-service reimbursements are provided at an enhanced rate. Facility charges are also reimbursable as long as the use was related to the telemedicine service.
All telehealth and telemedicine services are covered as long as the encounter is between a provider and a patient. The patient must always be present and participating. Consultations and communications between two providers only are not reimbursable under state reimbursement policies.
What services are reimbursed in the state of Maryland?
By HealthChoice – MD Medicaid:
- Live Video
- Store-and-Forward
- Remote Patient Monitoring
X Stand-alone or combination of Audio-only Telephone Calls, E-mail, Instant Messaging, or Facsimile
Live Video
To be accordingly reimbursed for live video conferencing, it is not enough that the service availed of was medically necessary. The distant provider must have also rendered telehealth services that are:
- Clinically appropriate for telehealth modalities
- Deliverable through technology-assisted communication
- Different from what the provider at the originating site has rendered to the same patient
As for telemental health services, prior authorization requirements laid down by behavioral health administrative services organization (BH-ASO) and HealthChoice MCO must be complied with by the provider to ensure reimbursement. The following telemental health services are eligible for reimbursement:
- Diagnostic interview
- Emergency department services
- Family therapy
- Group therapy with a maximum of eight participants
- Individual therapy
- Initial inpatient consultation
- Outpatient evaluation and management
- Outpatient office consultation
To further be eligible, the patient or beneficiary receiving the telemental health service must be a resident of one of the designated rural areas or those whose circumstances restrict their access to a person-to-person psychiatric service. This is the only type of telehealth service that has a set geographic limit. If the State budget allows it, the patient’s home setting may be considered a reimbursable originating site for telemental health services.
Private clinical evaluation services conducted at county government offices are reimbursable as long as they are appropriately rendered.
Store-and-Forward
Store-and-forward is not explicitly stated as a covered modality under the MD Medicaid program, but reimbursement may be provided in some instances. Services rendered in dermatology, ophthalmology, and radiology are covered and reimbursed as they are not considered falling within the definition of store-and-forward.
Remote Patient Monitoring
Preauthorization requirements must be completed first before a provider can render remote patient monitoring services. Qualifying circumstances for patients include being diagnosed with any of the following chronic medical conditions:
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Congestive Heart Failure
- Type 1 or 2 Diabetes
In the immediately preceding twelve months, the patient must have also undergone any of the following concerning one of the qualifying chronic medical conditions mentioned:
- Two emergency room visits
- Two hospital admissions
- Combination of one hospital admission and one emergency room visit
The recipient of RPM services must have consented to the same, use monitoring tools, and have a stable internet connection.
The reimbursement rate for remote patient monitoring services is capped at $125 monthly. This is inclusive of installation, equipment education, and daily monitoring. The RPM equipment itself, upgrades, and internet service are not billable to insurance.
By Private Payer or other health care service plan providers:
Health insurance policies must contain a stipulation providing coverage for telehealth services. Insurance companies are authorized to conduct utilization reviews to see and determine if it is appropriate to deliver the health care service through telehealth.
Whether rural or urban, the patient’s location shall not be a factor in determining whether to cover the health care service provided via telehealth modalities. Substance use disorder counseling must be included in the list of covered services.
Although a private payer law exists in Maryland, it only explicitly provides for service parity. No mention of payment parity was made.
Who can avail of these reimbursements?
Only those health care practitioners enrolled in the Maryland Medical Assistance Program are eligible for reimbursement. The following individuals and facilities are some providers who can avail of the reimbursements provided by either Maryland Medicaid or private payers:
- Audiologists
- Clinics
- Counselors
- Federally qualified health centers
- Hearing aid dispensers
- Home health agencies
- Hospitals
- Individual psychiatrists
- Managed care organizations
- Nurses
- Outpatient mental health centers
- Perinatal and neonatal referral center
- Physician Assistants
- Physicians
- Primary care providers
- Psychiatric nurse practitioners
- Speech-language pathologists
- Therapists
This list is not exclusive, and there are providers not found on this list that may avail of reimbursement. Psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners will no longer be eligible for reimbursement come September 30, 2021.
Public Health Emergency (PHE)
Maryland is in a state of emergency due to the Covid-19 pandemic. From its declaration, the local government, medical boards, and other agencies have made issuances concerning the practice of medicine, including telehealth in the state providing temporary changes to accommodate the medical demands of Marylanders and individuals currently situated within state boundaries.
The following regulations aim to make health care more accessible and safer during these times:
- Out-of-state licensed medical professionals can render health care services to individuals located within Maryland through telehealth modalities without the need to possess a Maryland license.
- Telehealth services, whether synchronous or asynchronous are all reimbursable during the existence of the public health emergency regardless of the originating site as long as it is a covered service, rendered by a participating Medicaid provider, and authorized within their scope of practice.
- Maryland licensed practitioners, and out-of-state providers may prescribe controlled dangerous substances (CDS) even without the required registrations as both the DEA and state authorities have waived this requirement.
- Prescription for opioids may be allowed to manage pain but is still subject to the Office of Controlled Substances Administration’s temporary regulations in place during the state of emergency.
- Strict compliance with security and privacy standards has been relaxed. Good faith efforts to secure a patient’s health information and prevent unauthorized persons from having access to the same shall suffice in the meantime.
- Audio-only conversations may be used to establish a practitioner-patient relationship if the encounter happens in real-time and the following conditions have been complied with:
- The identity of the patient has been verified
- The provider has made known to the patient their name, contact details, and the type of health occupation license they possess
- Consent, oral or written, has been obtained
- The Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission (MMCC) temporarily allows written certification renewal via telehealth. It must be noted that only renewals are permitted to utilize this modality. Initial certification still requires an in-person examination and assessment.
10 Top-rated Online Doctors and Telemedicine Providers in Maryland
With the improving status of telehealth in the state and seeing the effort exerted on research and in innovating telemedicine by the local legislature, the number of health care providers expanding their practice and consumers considering it has increased.
Today, Marylanders have a wide range of available telemedicine providers to choose from. Scrutinizing all the options and finding one that provides quality health care services may be time-consuming, especially for those who can’t fit it into their schedule. To help out with this problem, check out this list of the best and top-rated online providers in the state of Maryland.
University of Maryland Medical Center
- Prescription
- HIPAA Compliant
- Board-Certified Physicians, Physician Assistants, Midwives, Nurse Practitioners
- Insurance
New and existing patients of UMMC can access select health care services via telemedicine depending on the provider and medical circumstances of the patient. UMMC accommodates both children and adults for the following telemedicine services:
- After hospitalization care
- Annual wellness visits
- Laboratory, test, and imaging results review
- Medication checks
- New patient consultations
- Prescription refills
- Routine follow-up care
- Second opinions
- Sick visits
- Transitional care management
- Treatment evaluation
Acute and chronic health conditions can be treated and managed through this platform. Some of these conditions are as follows:
- Asthma
- Back strain
- Behavioral health
- Cancer treatment symptoms
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Diabetes
- Gastrointestinal conditions
- Headache
- Heart and vascular conditions
- High blood pressure
- Minor burns
- Neurological conditions
- Pain management
- Palliative care
- Pregnancy
- Respiratory symptoms
- Seasonal allergies
- Sinus infections
- Urinary problems
To book an appointment, new patients will need to directly contact the provider’s office by phone through the contact information provided on the website, while existing patients have the option to schedule a telehealth visit through the MyPortfolio patient portal. UMMC providers often recommend video conferencing for virtual consultations, but other telehealth visits are also available as deemed appropriate.
My Virtual Physicians
- Prescription
- HIPAA Compliant
- Board-Certified Physicians, Obstetrician-Gynecologist
- Insurance
My Virtual Physicians focuses on three areas of expertise. These are:
- Gynecology: Women’s health care is accessible to both new and established patients. All women have different medical needs as they age. Virtual OB-GYNs can help with the following gynecology conditions:
- All women: initial surgical consultation and post-surgical follow up after a minor GYN surgery
- Adolescents: amenorrhea or absence of periods, dysmenorrhea, irregular periods, contraception education
- Adults: absence of periods, change type of birth control, desire for STD screening, heavy menstrual building, intimate partner violence screening, painful periods, vaginitis, varying cycle length
- Post-menopausal: bleeding, hot flashes, vaginal dryness
Other gynecology conditions they address include hormone replacement therapy, ovarian cysts, abdominal masses, and early pregnancy. Reproductive endocrinology and infertility have been made available through My Virtual Physicians’ partnership with The Fertility Center of Las Vegas:
- Primary Care: Some of the common conditions treated by their virtual doctors are allergies, cold, cough, earaches, flu, sexually transmitted diseases, sinus infections, sinus infections, and skin rashes.
- Pediatric Care: My Virtual Physicians is not yet servicing Maryland for their virtual pediatric care program, but they are working on expanding in the state. Aside from common and minor child illnesses, the program offers behavioral, developmental, and nutritional guidance.
They also have The Second Opinion Clinic, wherein providers can offer a new perspective to patients seeking another specialist’s medical judgment on their diagnosis, treatment, or surgical plan. All possible treatment options will also be discussed during the consultation.
Maryland Endocrine
- Prescription
- HIPAA Compliant
- Board Certified Adult Diabetes, Endocrine, and Metabolism Physicians
- Insurance
Maryland Endocrine has recently started offering televideo conference visits via doxy.me, which can be scheduled directly with their office. Adults who have been diagnosed with or are experiencing symptoms for any of the following conditions may book an appointment with one of Maryland Endocrine’s providers:
- Blood salt disorders
- Diabetes type I and II
- Endocrine disorders of pregnancy
- Goiter
- High and low calcium disorders
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Hyperthyroidism
- Hypothyroidism
- Insulin resistance syndrome
- Lipid disorders
- Metabolic bone disease
- Osteoporosis
- Paget’s disease
- Pituitary and adrenal gland disorders
- Polycystic ovarian disorder
- Thyroid cancer
- Thyroid nodules
- Triglyceride disorders
- Vitamin D deficiency
This is a specialized clinic and telemedicine platform, and patients must have their primary care physician for conditions not related to endocrine disorders. They also offer continuous glucose monitoring for diabetic patients. Their clinic located in Columbia houses a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) certified diagnostic laboratory that allows their providers to give accurate diagnoses. They have an electronic medical record and prescribing system that is secure and allows for sharing medical notes with other physicians participating in the patient’s treatment.
Mobile users are also given the option to use Doximity or Facetime for video visits. The app can be downloaded from Google Play and App Store. To be updated with news about their practice along with modern treatment options, you can follow their Facebook page.
Maryland Pain Specialists
- Prescription
- HIPAA Compliant
- Board Certified Pain Medicine Doctors, Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants
- Insurance
Those looking for a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to their pain conditions can avail themselves of Maryland Pain Specialists’ telehealth services. New patients can be evaluated, and follow-ups can be conducted through televisit video conference for the following conditions:
- Chronic migraine
- Failed back syndrome
- Joint arthritis
- Pain in the arm, back, buttock, hip, leg, neck, or spine
- Pinched nerve
- Radicular pain
- Radiculopathy
- Reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD)
- Sciatica
- Scoliosis
- Spondyloarthritis
- Spondylolisthesis
- Spondylosis
- Stenosis
Availability and appropriateness of remote visits for these conditions depend on the severity and stage of the treatment process, determined by the provider handling the patient’s medical case. They have several centers in Maryland that will accommodate patients who need in-person services, which the seeing provider can arrange.
All treatment plans are personalized to fit the patient’s specific needs, lifestyle, mental health, and the impact of pain on their quality of life. Maryland Pain Specialists take the time to carefully assess and review the patient’s medical history to develop the most effective approach.
Video calls are facilitated through doxy.me and patients can access all of their appointments and information through the patient portal.
Express Healthcare
- Prescription
- HIPAA Compliant
- Board Certified Internists, Pediatricians, Gastroenterologists, Family Medicine Doctors, Physician Assistants, Nurse Practitioners
- Insurance: Select insurance providers only
This Urgent Care Clinic accommodates children and adults who are suffering from common types of disease, illnesses, and minor traumas such as:
- Abdominal pain
- Animal bites
- Asthma
- Cold
- Diarrhea
- Ear infections
- Headache
- Minor wound laceration
- Rashes
- Seasonal allergies
- Sprains
- Strains
- Urinary tract infections
- Vomiting
Established patients, new patients, and travelers can all avail of the telehealth services they offer. Sick visits and follow-up visits can easily be completed virtually. They also provide consultations to other health care practitioners through the phone.
Preventive medical care and specialized services on women’s health, occupational health, and worker’s compensation are offered at Express Healthcare. Its physical clinics offer blood work, EKG, imaging, and other laboratory tests, so patients who avail of telemedicine services can easily be referred to the nearest clinic if they need further testing.
They do not accept insurance from Chartis, DC Medicaid, Kaiser Permanente, MDIPA, Medical Mutual, Optimum Choice, Primary Adult Care Program, and United Healthcare Select HMO and Medicaid. Members of any of these insurance providers may call their office to inquire about other payment options.
Rubin Institute for Advanced Orthopedics
- Prescription
- HIPAA Compliant
- Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeons
- Insurance
Orthopedic care requires expert medical attention, which RIAO offers to individuals who have orthopedic disorders and problems. The same quality care is accessible through telemedicine appointments for select conditions due to the limited visual exam conducted through videoconferencing. The following types of encounters can be properly rendered by doctors virtually:
- Initial check for acute injuries to determine if tests or in-person visits are necessary
- Non-complex consultations
- Post-operative check-ups for patients of RIAO providers when there is no removal of skin staples or sutures involved
- Review of results of diagnostic tests such as x-rays and MRI scans together with the patient through screen sharing and to plan what is next for the patient’s treatment
Videoconferencing is conducted through the Zoom software and may require the patient to perform simple self-examinations such as feeling the tenderness of the area of concern or assessing the range of motion of a joint. This is done with the guidance of the provider on screen.
Aside from prescribing medications, orders for physical therapy and consultation referrals may be sent electronically by the provider to the patient’s LifeBridge Health Patient Portal for easy access.
Nephrology Center of Maryland
- Prescription
- HIPAA Compliant
- Board Certified Nephrologists and Internist
- Insurance
Upon booking an appointment with the Nephrology Center of Maryland, an administrative coordinator will be the one informing the patient whether their medical case qualifies for a telemedicine consultation or requires an in-person visit.
Their name suggests what their specialization is – kidney disease and hypertension. In relation to these two ailments, here are the specific conditions they accommodate and how they provide treatment via telemedicine:
- Acute kidney injury (AKI): This mostly involves follow-up care and maintaining the right balance of fluids in the body as it recovers from the waste build-up in the blood.
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD): The patient’s treatment plan includes preventive measures and management of underlying conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure.
- End-stage kidney disease (ESKD) includes providing care for patients on hemodialysis, whether at home or in dialysis centers and peritoneal dialysis.
- High blood pressure: Hypertension is approached based on the results of the patient’s examinations, tests, and other needs. Practitioners guide healthy lifestyle changes.
- Kidney stones: Imaging results are not the only evidence used by providers to come up with a treatment plan. The calcium, phosphorus, and uric acid levels in the patient’s blood will be tested for a more targeted treatment plan.
- Pre- and post-transplant care: Coordinated care with the patient’s transplant team is observed by providers to ensure that all precautionary measures are taken before operation and that there is proper management after the transplant.
Maryland Physicians Care
- Prescription
- HIPAA Compliant and HITRUST Certified
- Board Certified Physicians
- Insurance
Maryland Physicians Care is a managed care organization that gives HealthChoice members and dependents access to health care services for free. It includes telehealth services through MyVirtualMPC, which can be downloaded from Google Play and App Store. MPC’s virtual doctor visits are available for the following minor medical conditions:
- Abdominal pain
- Allergic reactions
- Animal bites
- Back pain
- Burns
- Coughs
- Earaches
- Fevers
- Heat-related illnesses
- Insect bites
- Sore throats
- Sports injuries
- Urinary tract infections (UTI)
MyVirtualMPC is a text-based virtual care platform that allows you to chat with local doctors from Sky Physicians. If the situation requires it, the doctor may initiate a videoconference with the patient. The app may also be utilized for general medical questions or care inquiries. The patient’s medical history and records are also maintained through the app.
Physicians at MPC issue prescriptions and refills for medications except for controlled substances and non-therapeutic drugs. Patients who need interpretation services for Spanish and other languages may be accommodated.
Spouses and dependents who turned 18 are required to open their accounts to avail of these services. Parents or legal guardians must directly participate in the virtual visit intended for minors.
University Health Center
- Prescription
- HIPAA Compliant
- Board Certified Physicians
- Insurance
Telemedicine visits with UHC are exclusive to enrolled students and employees of the University of Maryland. The only requirement is a previous consultation record within the past three years with a UHC provider. All video visits are conducted via Zoom, while all recordings will be accessed through Panopto.
Their telehealth platform is available for:
- After-hours care
- Allergy clinic
- Behavioral health
- Nutrition services
- Planned Parenthood chat
- Primary care
- Substance use intervention and treatment
- Women’s health
Other telemedicine services can be availed of birth control refills, STI testing without symptoms, acne follow-ups, and rashes. Patients may connect and inquire with their appointment line to see if a medical condition can qualify for a virtual visit.
UHC has its pharmacy to which its providers can electronically transmit prescriptions for completion and dispensing. Their pharmacists may call the provider to ask for new prescriptions or refills on the patient’s behalf or contact other pharmacies for prescription transfers. Laboratory requests can also be completed at UHC’s own facility or LabCorp.
The University Health Center is duly accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care.
AllCare
- Prescription
- HIPAA Compliant
- Board Certified Family Medicine Physicians and Internist
- Insurance
AllCare covers a wide range of medical illnesses and conditions falling under the following categories:
- Anxiety and Depression
- Diabetes: Type II
- Geriatrics: Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, fall injuries, incontinence, mental disorders, osteoporosis
- Hypertension
- Men’s health: erectile dysfunction, low testosterone levels, premature ejaculation, prostate cancer, reduced sex drive
- Obesity
- Thyroid: hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism
- Urgent care: back pain, cold, conjunctivitis, flu, eczema, respiratory infections, sinusitis, strep throat, urinary tract infections
- Women’s health: abnormal bleeding, blood in urine, pain during sex, pain during urination, unusual pelvic pain, vaginal discharge
Some treatment programs they offer are medical weight-loss programs, wellness exams, diabetes, management, lifestyle change guide, and birth control and family planning counseling. Preventive medicine is also one of their focus at AllCare. Patients can expect a comprehensive approach and be made aware of health risks by providing education on symptoms to watch out for.
Providers at AllCare issue prescriptions for anxiety and depression such as Xanax, Valium, Prozac, Zoloft, Lexapro, Cymbalta, Wellbutrin, and Tofranil.
It must be put in mind that not all medical concerns can be appropriately seen via telehealth modalities. AllCare has the discretion to deny telemedicine consultations and refer the patient to an in-person visit instead.
Telemedicine Resources in Maryland
Finding comprehensive and accurate information about telemedicine for a specific state is not easy. Some search results are not complete, and some are even outdated. To be confident about the information you gather for your telehealth experience, you can access the following official telemedicine resources dedicated to the state of Maryland:
- Maryland Telehealth Alliance: MTel provides expert knowledge about telehealth in the state of Maryland by serving as a collective resource for this type of practice. Webinars, educational events, and updates on current legislation can be accessed through their site. Some content and services exclusive to members only include online help, sharing forum, advice section, technical assistance, and referrals. This telemedicine resource provider does not only aid on an individual level but aims to improve public policy on telehealth to improve the overall health care in the state.
- MedChi: This is the Maryland State Medical Society. They have a Telehealth Resources section for both physicians and patients. Here you can find answers to frequently asked questions about telemedicine and codes, billing guidelines, grant information, sample forms, and current government actions. MedChi also included links to other telehealth resources from government websites such as the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the US DHHS Office for Civil Rights.
- Maryland Health Care Commission: Some of the featured telehealth information resources accessible through the MHCC are the virtual resource center for practitioners, educational materials for consumers, telehealth readiness assessment tool, grants, webinars on-demand, policy workgroup, and technology vendor portfolio. These resources are comprehensive and tackle almost all topics surrounding telehealth and telemedicine.
- Mid-Atlantic Telehealth Resource Center: MATRC is part of the National Consortium of Telehealth Resource Centers (NCTRC) that caters to nine states, including Maryland. Their main services are technical assistance and speaking engagements by consultative service partners. Aside from this, educational materials about telebehavioral health, telegenetics, teleMAT (medication-assisted treatment), webinars, and toolkits for remote patient monitoring and vendor selection are also available on their website.
- Center for Connected Health Policy – MD: CCHP presents summarized information on Maryland’s current state laws and policies on Medicaid, private payer, professional requirements, and reimbursement. Telehealth topics such as cross-state licensing, licensure compacts, online prescribing, consent requirements, and miscellaneous matters can also be found on this site. Readers who want to read the full text can easily access them through the links provided for every section.
