How COVID Changed the Insurance Landscape for Telemedicine, According to a Major Medical Malpractice Insurer

The following content is repurposed and edited from an original blog post published by Beazley Plc. The original content can be found here.

 

The industry of telemedicine was already growing at a very steady pace when COVID-19 hit two years ago, but after the virus emerged and its severity became clearer. Companies were forced to start using this new form for their practices in order to keep them open while also providing care continuity which created some unique challenges never before seen by healthcare professionals or patients alike.

 

Health systems that were once brick-and-mortar have started offering telemedicine services, but the transition was not without its challenges. Some providers purchased platform software and in some cases got it for free; however, they had to learn how to use it on an existing electronic medical records system as well as handle data protection concerns when switching over from paper charts (which is still relevant).

 

When practitioners signed up for the platform, they were offered an opportunity to try it out at no cost. However, after sixty days of using this service (or paying fees) if you wanted more access then your data would be locked away until further notice – meaning without paying extra money or signing up under another account again just so that there’s space available on-site!

 

The insurance industry was thrown into chaos following the breakout of COVID-19. Some carriers continued to offer old policies while others pulled active quotes for both new and renewal customers, adding blanket exclusions on communicable diseases like that caused by this virus in an effort not only to protect themselves but also their most valuable assets – clients who are likely already sick or could become so at any time without warning symptoms until it’s too late.

 

It took two years before many insurers realized how lucrative these types of risks can be; they’ve since started targeting those accounts with rapid testing AND treatment options so as long you’re willing to pay upfront.

With respect to reimbursement, the government had been reluctant because there was historically a concern about whether or not medical services were really being provided. But during COVID-19 providers showed they could indeed provide these remotely via devices and we’re expecting them now to go after reimbursements, particularly Medicare/ Medicaid who need appropriate documentation for their service along with evidence that it has been rendered in order to prove its efficacy before any payment can happen.

 

 

Final Thoughts

The landscape of telemedicine is changing rapidly as new laws and restrictions go into effect, leaving many organizations unsure about their obligations. State governments have been implementing emergency measures to combat the spread of coronavirus while others sunsetted or renewed these legal requirements over time after they expired during earlier pandemics like H1N1 virus outbreaks where there was no rise in cases due largely because people were able to stay home rather than going out risking infection.

 

However, now that this situation has changed once again with another potential crisis on our hands -– many professionals find themselves face-to-face not only with uncertainty but also fearfulness since medical treatment can be difficult without physical proximity (i e: surgery).

 

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the telemedicine industry, especially with its effect on insurance. Beazley will be watching closely and preparing to provide advice for brokers as well as insureds who want guidance about how they should navigate this shifting market landscape in light of recent events.

 

Beazley plc (BEZ.L), a parent company of specialist insurance businesses with operations in Europe, North America, and Latin America has been underwriting gross premiums worldwide since 1991 when they managed seven Lloyd’s syndicates which are all rated A by AM Best. The group will be writing over $4 billion dollars next year alone. Beazley has a reputation for being the market leader in many of its chosen lines, which include professional indemnity and cyber liability.