Due to a high volume of questions coming in through the Member Resource Center, the NCMS will provide a Frequently-Asked-Question (FAQ) for its members each week to make them more aware of current medical and health care issues that their colleagues are having.

Q: A few of my patients have moved to a different state; is it appropriate for me to provide them medical care via telemedicine?

A: Yes, North Carolina physicians can provide care to their patients, even when the patient has moved to a different state. “Telemedicine” is the practice of medicine using electronic communication, information technology or other means between a licensee in one location and a patient in another location, with or without an intervening provider.

This is a very useful tool in that it provides increased access to health care for your patients, expands utilization of specialty expertise, provides rapid availability of patient records and reduces the cost of patient care. However, the North Carolina Medical Board does caution that licensees who are practicing medicine via telemedicine will be held to the same standard of care as licensees employing more traditional in-person care. Failure to provide appropriate care may result in disciplinary action by the Board. Click here for guidelines on delivering medical services via telemedicine.

Please note: North Carolina physicians must check with the state licensing board in which their patient is residing to make sure that they do not need a medical license or special registration for that state in order to provide medical care.

Have a question? Contact the NCMS Member Resource Center at (919) 833-3836 or [email protected].