AOA releases new telehealth position statement
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The American Optometric Association Board of Trustees adopted recommendations from its telehealth council, replacing its 2017 policy statement on telehealth.
“In-person, comprehensive eye exams will continue to be the gold standard,” Teri K. Geist, OD, board liaison to the telehealth council, said in a press release from the AOA. “However, for the sake of our patients, doctors of optometry must take an active role in the evolution of telemedicine technology and use.”
The AOA said that the updated statement supports coverage of and reimbursement for telemedicine when it is used appropriately and does not compromise the standard of care patients receive.
However, the AOA said in the release that, “fundamental elements of the doctor-patient relationship must be established and maintained.” Direct-to-patient applications and tests are only considered telemedicine when used under the direction of a qualified eye care provider.
The full position statement includes more detail on the AOA’s telemedicine stance, criteria for delivering high-quality care, legal and privacy considerations as well as the doctor-patient relationship.
The updated statement should be used as a guide, according to Christopher Quinn, OD, telehealth council chair.
“We hope doctors will use the policy to guide their decisions about the delivery of clinical care through telemedicine,” Quinn said. “Always keeping the best interest of patients in mind and understanding their responsibility to provide quality care that is compliant with laws and ethical obligations will guide their decision-making.”
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