Technology boosts access to health care

With primary care physician shortages across the state, some health care providers are looking to improve access to medical care by advocating for telemedicine.

Kelsey-Seybold Clinic, which has several locations in Spring and Klein, launched an e-visit electronic messaging platform in September and a video conferencing program this January.

“Some of those patients do need to come in for biopsy or examination, but most can get diagnosis and treatment remotely,” said Donnie Aga, medical director for health care innovation at Kelsey-Seybold.

Not every medical concern can be diagnosed using telemedicine. At Kelsey-Seybold, nine symptoms—including allergies, coughs and the flu—are treatable via e-visits.

Additionally, 50 adult symptoms are treatable via video visits with an internal medicine physician assistant, according to the clinic.

The Texas Medical Association, a physician advocacy group, has lobbied state legislators to pass telemedicine reform and end some restrictions.

Senate Bill 1107, authored by orthopedic surgeon Sen. Charles Schwertner, R-Georgetown, would allow physicians licensed in Texas to provide telemedicine services without an initial in-person consultation and allow for insurance reimbursements for telemedical care.

Gov. Greg Abbott signed the bill into law on May 27.