UNM ACCESS Telemedicine Fees

Hospitals that use UNM ACCESS Telemedicine pay only for what they use. Our not-for-profit service is an accessible way to extend resources to meet patients’ needs. Whether emergency departments need one consultation a day or one a year, fees are manageable and predictable.

Before your hospital contracts with ACCESS Telemedicine, we’ll review all of the fees and requirements with you. We’ll also answer all of your questions. Generally, though, hospitals can expect certain features from their ACCESS Telemedicine partnership:

  • Zero subscription charges: Unlike for-profit telemedicine offerings, ACCESS Telemedicine has no annual subscription fee. Hospitals only pay for the services they use.
  • Pay-as-you-go telemedicine consultation: Neurology and neurosurgery consultations have slightly different charges. Hospitals receive transparent cost information before they sign up.
  • Follow-up: Each case includes one follow-up consultation within 24 hours on the same matter, at no additional charge.
  • Telemedicine cart purchase: Hospitals buy the telemedicine cart, usually for less than $8,000. (There is an additional charge for multi-organization use.) The cart purchase is a one-time cost. The telemedicine software requires a nominal annual technology maintenance fee. Learn more about technology requirements.
  • Retained revenues: We suggest that hospitals consider retained revenues in their financial calculations. Our hospital partners see a significant reduction in unnecessary patient transfers, resulting in up to a 16-to-1 return on investment. Patients and smaller hospitals both benefit when care stays local. Read more about ACCESS Telemedicine results.
  • Continuing medical education: Hospital partners receive ongoing education on-site and virtually, at no additional charge. This education increases staff providers’ expertise in neurological evaluation and care. Find out more about our education and training.

Reimbursement for Telemedicine Consultations

Reimbursement for telemedicine consultations is continuing to evolve. Currently, reimbursement rates and policies depend on the payer. UNM and ACCESS Telemedicine are working with local insurance companies, Medicare and Medicaid to develop a long-term plan for telehealth reimbursement.

Parity laws require private payers to reimburse telemedicine consultations the same as comparable, in-person medical services, with New Mexico passing legislation in 2013. Covered specialties don’t currently include neurology and neurosurgery, though — despite neurological telehealth providing greater ROI than some covered services and demonstrating positive outcomes.

Regardless of further changes to state law, UNM is committed to maintaining the affordability of its neuro-emergent telehealth consultations. ACCESS Telemedicine partners will continue to pay a flat fee for consultations.