New Indiana law allows for prescriptions through video call

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) – We all know going to the doctor can sometimes be a huge hassle, but soon patients in the Hoosier state will have technology on their side.

This as Governor Mike Pence recently signed a new bill into law that could make getting your medication more convenient.

“Imagine if you were able to call up someone in the near future, and have a complaint that can be handled via this technology,” said Randy Steven, Medical Director of Occupational Health with Union Hospital.

Indiana will join forty-six states that allows “tele-prescribing.”

The law overturns a requirement for physicians and patients to meet in person before a prescription can be written.

Indiana patients will soon be able to talk with doctors through a video call, allowing doctors to write prescriptions.

“We will probably be able to see more patients, and it will be much more convenient for them,” said Stevens.

The new law takes effect July 1. Hospitals, physician associations, insurance companies, and technology companies that connect patients and doctors support the legislation.

“If a person has a skin rash from being out in the woods, and all the sudden you can show that to a physician, think of the convenience and savings for that,” said Stevens.

Indianapolis-based health insurer Anthem Inc. launched an online service in other states three years ago, connecting patients and doctors through two-way video. Members can sign up and view profiles of doctors, and video calls can be taken and questions can be answered by doctors without appointments.

“The typical fees around the country have been anywhere from $40 to 45 percent to be able to dial-up and have access to a provider within 10, 15, 20 minutes,” said Stevens.

Union Hospital hopes to expand on the technology this summer.

Under the law, doctors won’t be allowed to prescribe controlled substances such as oxycodone or morphine if there hasn’t been a meeting in person with the patient.