ISMA is offering members an affordable, HIPAA-compliant tool to assess patients remotely. Such innovations can be used to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and better protect patients, physicians and staff during this public health crisis.

Backline for Telehealth is a secure messaging and clinical communication platform created by DrFirst and available to ISMA members at an annual cost of $300 per user. Additional users can be added at $300 each. Telemedicine modules for e-prescribing also can be added.

“Thanks to the leadership of our federal and state officials, Hoosier physicians have greater flexibility in using telehealth solutions that are simple to use and protect private health information while preventing COVID-19 from spreading further,” said Dr. Lisa Hatcher, MD, president of ISMA. “We are partnering with DrFirst so that physician practices in Indiana can quickly implement telehealth to help provide their patients with continuity of care and reduce the risk of exposure.”

For more information on DrFirst or to view a demo, check out ISMA’s fact sheet on DrFirst Backline for Telehealth. For other information about telehealth, including payer coverage and coding options, check out ISMA’s COVID-19 Resource Page and scroll down to the Telehealth/telemedicine section.

The ISMA also continues to advocate at the state level for expanded flexibility on the provision of telemedicine services during the COVID-19 public health emergency. This includes seeking further clarification on the use of telephone or audio-only communications. ISMA also asked the governor’s office to temporarily relax Indiana laws related to the prescribing of controlled substances through telemedicine, including opioids, so the state requirements are not more stringent than what is permitted under federal law during the crisis. As a result of ISMA’s efforts, Gov. Holcomb addressed this issue in Executive Order 20-12 (PDF), which was issued March 26. Stay connected with ISMA for additional information and telemedicine resources as the situation continues to develop.

Add Your Practice to ISMA’s List of Telehealth Providers 

Want to have your practice added to an online listing of members in various specialties who can see patients remotely? Submit your practice via our Member Input Tool. Your name, office phone and specialty are required; your email address will not be listed.