Effective January 1, 2016, Independence will cover telemedicine encounters for our commercial members seeking primary care services from primary care providers. Telemedicine allows members to interact with primary care providers using an audio/visual system that allows the member and provider to both see and hear one another. Telemedicine may be an accessible and convenient way to deliver primary care services for some members who cannot make it to the office.

To learn more about Independence's telemedicine policy, please review the Notification for Claim Payment Policy #00.10.41: Telemedicine for Primary Care Services, which is available on our Medical Policy Portal. Select Accept and Go to Medical Policy Online, and then select Commercial under Active Notifications.

As telemedicine continues to evolve and expand and as the technology improves, Independence will keep you up to date with relevant changes to our policies. If you have any questions, please contact your Network Coordinator.