INDIANAPOLIS (AP)
— A new law that lets residents visit with health care professionals via
smartphones has gone into effect in Indiana.
The law allows
patients to download apps, depending on their health care provider, WTHR-TV
reports. They can enter medical information and have live conversations
with medical workers who can diagnose basic ailments and prescribe
medications. Doctors cannot prescribe non-controlled substances.
Health care
officials say visits generally take about 20 minutes.
Patients would be
paired with whichever medical professional is available. The virtual
visits are not meant to replace a traditional doctor's visit, but to offer
a convenient option.
Health care
officials say the system helps keep people out of emergency rooms and
saves money. Officials say the average cost for a virtual visit is about
$49. The cost of each visit depends on the health provider and whether or
not it's covered by insurance.
Indiana
University Dr. Jonathan Gottlieb said the app is a good way to avoid
driving or having to wait for things like a sore throat or a urinary tract
infection.
Katie McDaniel
has taken advantage of the Indiana University Health's trial version on
three separate occasions when her children needed medical attention.