Telehealth (sometimes called telemedicine) is the delivery of health care services using secure audio/visual communication or other technology so the patient and provider can be in different locations.

Kansas: Definition & scope

Under Kansas law, “telemedicine” (often used interchangeably with “telehealth”) is the delivery of health care services when the patient is at an originating site and the provider is at a distant site using real-time interactive audio/visual communication and secure video conferencing or store-and-forward technology that supports health care delivery. Telephone-only, email, or fax alone are not considered telemedicine.

See Kansas rules & regulations

Missouri: Definition & scope

Under Missouri law, telehealth (also called “telemedicine”) is delivery of health care services using information and communication technologies that support assessment, diagnosis, consultation, treatment, education, care management, and self-management while the patient is at one location and the provider is at another. This can include live interactive and asynchronous (store-and-forward) modalities.

See Missouri rules & regulations

Oklahoma: Definition & scope

In Oklahoma, “telehealth” is the practice of health care delivery, diagnosis, consultation, evaluation and treatment, or transfer of medical data using two-way, real-time interactive communication (including store-and-forward technologies). Services must be appropriate for telehealth delivery, meet the same standard of care as in-person care, and protect privacy and security under state and federal law.

See Oklahoma rules & regulations

Start by matching telehealth to your clinic’s needs, patients, and goals:

• Who are your patients and what access barriers do they face (transportation, broadband, devices)?
• Which parts of your workflow can safely move to virtual care?
• Do you already have technology that supports virtual visits?
• Could Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) expand what you can do virtually?

National TRCs – Telehealth basics
CCHP – State telehealth laws
TTAC – Readiness & planning

1. An active license to practice (and cross-state licensing awareness, if applicable)
2. An established provider–patient relationship (when required)
3. Clarity on which services you can deliver via telehealth
4. A process to obtain and document patient consent
5. A private, secure environment to deliver care
6. Secure telehealth technology (HIPAA-aligned)
7. Documentation workflows that support billing and compliance

Licensure basics (Telehealth.HHS.gov)
Privacy & security (Telehealth.HHS.gov)
HHS – HIPAA & telehealth
TTAC – Telehealth tools

• Payment depends on the payer (Medicaid, Medicare, commercial, self-pay).
• Payment depends on the service (what you did, not just that it was virtual).
• Payment can depend on modality (video vs audio-only).
• Payment rules vary by state (typically based on where the patient is located).
• Telehealth has startup and ongoing costs (equipment, platforms, connectivity, support).
• Documentation affects payment (location, modality, required modifiers/POS, etc.).

Telehealth reimbursement basics
CMS – Medicare telehealth
Audio-only telehealth
CCHP – State policy finder

Billing requirements vary by payer and state. Use your state’s PulseTRC billing page as your starting point.

Telehealth can expand access—especially for rural patients, older adults, and others who face transportation or mobility barriers. Confirm patients have the necessary technology (or consider community access points), and verify coverage with their payer.

Cross-state practice rules vary. Requirements can depend on where the patient is located and the provider’s licensure/permissions.

Most clinics start with a secure, HIPAA-aligned video platform that is easy for patients to join.

Evaluate your workflow: Will patients need to download an app, create an account, or navigate multiple steps?

Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM): Not required, but can expand what you can do virtually by collecting data from patients at home for review and follow-up.

Ensure you understand federal and state telehealth requirements, keep licensing up to date, and document telehealth encounters thoroughly (including modality and location details as required by your payer).