Section 10123.85.

(a) For purposes of this section, the definitions in subdivision (a) of Section 2290.5 of the Business and Professions Code shall apply.

(b) It is the intent of the Legislature to recognize the practice of telehealth as a legitimate means by which an individual may receive health care services from a health care provider without in-person contact with the health care provider.

(c) No health insurer shall require that in-person contact occur between a health care provider and a patient before payment is made for the services appropriately provided through telehealth, subject to the terms and conditions of the contract entered into between the policyholder or contractholder and the insurer, and between the insurer and its participating providers or provider groups.

(d) No health insurer shall limit the type of setting where services are provided for the patient or by the health care provider before payment is made for the covered services appropriately provided by telehealth, subject to the terms and conditions of the contract between the policyholder or contract holder and the insurer, and between the insurer and its participating providers or provider groups.

(e) Notwithstanding any other provision, this section shall not be interpreted to authorize a health insurer to require the use of telehealth when the health care provider has determined that it is not appropriate.

(Repealed and added by Stats. 2011, Ch. 547, Sec. 8. Effective January 1, 2012.)