Sacramento, CA—A measure by Assemblymember Cathleen Galgiani (D- Livingston) that extends telemedicine services beneficial to rural areas unanimously passed off the Senate Floor this past week. 

 “With the current budget deficit, it is prudent to find and eliminate government waste and to increase efficiencies in government spending”, said Assemblymember Galgiani.  “Telemedicine is an efficient use of existing medical resources to enhance the quality of health care while simultaneously reducing health care costs.”

Telemedicine is a growing model for health care delivery that is used to improve health care access in rural and  underserved communities while reducing overall costs.  A lack of primary care practitioners, specialty providers, and transportation continues to be significant barriers to health services in medically underserved rural and urban areas.  By using video and audio technology to link patients and doctors in remote areas, telemedicine provides residents in underserved communities with access to specialized services.  Many of these providers have been using telemedicine technology with great success; however, current law will be repealed on January 1, 2009.

Assembly Bill 2120 will allow coverage for certain telemedicine services to continue until January 1, 2013. 

“In light of proposed cuts to health care services, we should do all we can to maintain telemedicine technology and spend our healthcare dollars wisely,” expressed Assemblymember Galgiani.  “Telemedicine is a recognized cost saver that improves quality and access to health care services.  I believe that my bill is consistent with the Governor’s vision for accessible, efficient and affordable heath care”

AB 2120 is sponsored by the Department of Health Care Services, and now heads to the Governor’s desk.