Sick, but can’t get into a doctor?

You’re not alone and it’s going to get worse.

Every mom with a sick child, every small-town citizen, every shift worker and every business traveler has experienced how hard it can be to see a doctor when you need one most. Texas is among the 48 states in the country that are benefiting from telehealth - remote medical diagnosis and treatment available 24/7/365 from board-certified, state-licensed physicians.

But now, Texans are at risk of losing access to this safe, affordable and convenient health care option that many have depended on for more than a decade. Despite significant public opposition, the Texas Medical Board recently adopted new rules that would restrict access to telehealth services and impact physicians' ability to provide traditional on-call services for each other - hurting patients, physicians and businesses across Texas. If the rule change takes effect this June, it will represent a huge step backward for Texas.

Make your voice heard. Send a letter to your state legislators today asking them to support Senate Bill 1177 and House Bill 3444 and protect your access to a safe, affordable and convenient health care option before it's too late. Simply complete steps 1-3 on this page.

STEP 1: Review letter to your legislators.

On April 10, the Texas Medical Board adopted new rules that will limit my ability to access telehealth services. Their misguided approach means Texas goes to the back of the line in adopting innovative medical technologies and services. 
 
Not only that, as rule 190.8 is written today, it also takes away my ability to get prescriptions filled if my regular doctor is unavailable, and I have to talk with the doctor on-call. The medical board's actions to take away traditional on-call abilities doesn't seem safe or fair for anyone - doctor or patient.
 
Senator Kevin Eltife and Representative Jody Laubenberg have common sense legislation that protects patient safety and guarantees that I can use the safe, proven, technology of telehealth. More importantly, it lets you -- the policymaker -- create policy that reflects public interest, instead of leaving it in the hands of appointed board members.
 
Texans like me (and my family) need telehealth - illness isn't convenient and doesn't always happen during normal business hours. Telehealth offers an alternative to the misuse of costly ER visits when people  have a medical issue and can't reach their primary care physician. Why wouldn't you support a service that has a proven track record for taking care of Texans for more than a decade?
 
I also appreciate the fact telehealth is a cost-effective option. Industry experts estimate Texas could save a half a billion dollars over the next five years by embracing telehealth. This is just smart for our state. 
 
Please help show your full support for telehealth legislation that pushes Texas to the forefront of health care delivery, instead of 10 years behind! Support HB 3444 and SB 1177 today!

Sincerely,

LEARN MORE

Join HATT (Help Access Telemedicine in Texas) and many others advocating for expanded access to telehealth.

STEP 2: Complete the privacy-protected registration form below, and then click the "ACT NOW!" button to send your letter.

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Sick, but can’t get into a doctor?

You’re not alone and it’s going to get worse.

STEP 1: Review letter to your legislators.

LEARN MORE

STEP 2: Complete the privacy-protected registration form below, and then click the "ACT NOW!" button to send your letter.

STEP 3: Submit form and letter.