House of Representatives Approve Internet Doctor Treatment

Editor's note: The following was submitted by the Dan Winslow Committee. 

In a move that could revolutionize the delivery, access and cost of primary healthcare in Massachusetts, the House of Representatives approved a plan to allow doctors licensed anywhere in the United States to consult, diagnose and treat Massachusetts residents by internet video examinations.

"Telemedicine will allow qualified physicians to be immediately available 24/7 and as near as your computer or smartphone," said Medfield's State Representative Dan Winslow (R-Norfolk), who sponsored the legislation. "If approved by the Senate and signed by the Governor, this new technology will be a godsend to worried parents in the middle of the night, to seniors who are confined to home, to residents in rural areas who lack convenient access to primary care physicians, and to anyone who can't wait a few days or a week to obtain a prescription," said Winslow.

Under the plan as approved by the House, Massachusetts' Board of Registration of Medicine will develop and implement standards for a "telemedicine" license, for which physicians licensed in any state will be eligible to apply. Massachusetts is home to a number of high tech companies that are developing telemedicine technology, including Americanwell.com which provides more than 100 jobs.

Telemedicine can range from computer or smart phone consultation to high tech video booths at drugstores that include blood pressure and temperature sensors. Telemed doctors can expedite referrals to specialists and in person examinations when needed.