February 2022

 

Update: New Mexico Audio-Only Telemedicine Services

The New Mexico Telehealth Alliance (NMTHA) works hard to ensure telehealth is sustainable and meets healthcare needs in our state. The NMTHA has been instrumental in ensuring New Mexico has one of the leading telehealth laws in the country. 

 

Looking at the NM Telehealth Act last amended in 2019, the New Mexico Office of Superintendent of Insurance (OSI) has put out the following information around the continued ability to bill for telephonic services. 

 

What you need to know:

The telemedicine definition allows the use of audio-only telemedicine services.

 

The NM Telehealth Act:

The New Mexico Telehealth Act, which was last amended in 2007, defines telehealth as “the use of electronic information, imaging and communication technologies, including interactive audio, video, data communications as well as store-and-forward technologies, to provide and support health care delivery, diagnosis, consultation, treatment, transfer of medical data and education.” § 24-25-3(C) NMSA. This definition clearly incorporates audio-only services, particularly as “the purpose of the New Mexico Telehealth Act is to provide a framework for health care providers to follow in providing telehealth services to New Mexico citizens in a manner that provides efficient and effective access to quality health services.” 24-25-2(B) NMSA.

 

What insurance this affects:

This is only for fully-insured health plans regulated by the NM Office of Superintendent of Insurance, and for NM state employee, public school, and NM state retiree health plans. It does not apply to Medicaid, Medicare, other federal health plans, and self-insured health plans.

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Access the full Act here: SB0354.

See the email communication from OSI here.

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Sincerely,

New Mexico Telehealth Alliance