RCW 74.09.327: Audio-only telemedicine—Fee-for-service reimbursement.

(1) The authority shall adopt rules regarding medicaid fee-for-service reimbursement for services delivered through audio-only telemedicine. Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, the rules must establish a manner of reimbursement for audio-only telemedicine that is consistent with RCW 74.09.325.

(2) The rules shall require rural health clinics to be reimbursed for audio-only telemedicine at the rural health clinic encounter rate.

(3)(a) For purposes of this section, "audio-only telemedicine" means the delivery of health care services through the use of audio-only technology, permitting real-time communication between a patient at the originating site and the provider, for the purpose of diagnosis, consultation, or treatment.

(b) For purposes of this section only, "audio-only telemedicine" does not include:

(i) The use of facsimile or email; or

(ii) The delivery of health care services that are customarily delivered by audio-only technology and customarily not billed as separate services by the provider, such as the sharing of laboratory results.