JACKSON, Miss.- Telemedicine is looking to expand options that would allow individuals to contact physicians via telephone for medical treatment. the MSMA is opposed to the bill being presented to lawmakers.
Press release from the Mississippi State Medical Association.
Mississippi Physicians to Hold White Coat Rally in Opposition to House Telemedicine Bill on Thursday, February 25 at Capitol
Ridgeland, MS (February 24, 2016) – The physicians of Mississippi State Medical Association and other specialty groups are holding a joint news conference at the Capitol Thursday. House Bill 1178 allows out-of-state physicians to diagnose and treat Mississippi patients exclusively via phone. Mississippi physicians oppose bad telemedicine that doesn’t conform to the medical standards and ensure continuity of care.
HB 1178 allows “audio, video or other electronic media” and Mississippi physicians fear that this form of telemedicine cannot support adequate medical diagnoses and will result in fragmented treatment.
The bill would also send millions of dollars to out-of-state corporations by cherrypicking patients out of the local Mississippi physician’s office. Mississippi physicians are a driving force of the state’s financial health: just one office-based physician creates nine local jobs and $2 million a year for the local economy.
All members of the media are invited to attend this event.
WHAT: News conference on Telemedicine Policy
WHEN: Thursday, February 25, 2016 at 11:45 A.M.
WHERE: Mississippi State Capitol Building, Room 113 400 High Street | Jackson, MS 39201
