What telemedicine actually includes
Telemedicine covers three main formats. First, live tele-visits — a patient and clinician connect by video. Second, asynchronous eConsults — a treating provider sends a question and clinical data to a specialist who returns a written opinion, billable under CPT 99451 and 99452. Third, curbside consults — informal, provider-to-provider clinical questions that speed care without a new patient appointment.
Who uses telemedicine
Rural and community hospitals use telemedicine to access specialists they can't hire full-time. Clinics and primary care groups use it to get same-day input on complex cases. Solo providers use it to keep patients local instead of losing them to a specialty referral. PACE programs use it to keep frail elders in the community.
How premium telemedicine is different
Not all telemedicine is equal. Premium telemedicine means the clinician on the other end is board-certified, NPI-verified, and has meaningful post-training experience — not a triage script and a mid-level. Beam's standard is NPI-verified, board-certified, minimum 3 years post-residency (or post-credential for allied roles) on every service line.
Frequently asked
Is telemedicine the same as telehealth?
In practice they're used interchangeably. Telehealth is a slightly broader term that can include non-clinical services (remote patient monitoring, provider education). Telemedicine specifically refers to the delivery of clinical care.
Is telemedicine covered by insurance?
Most commercial insurers, Medicare, and most Medicaid plans cover telemedicine visits and, increasingly, interprofessional eConsults under CPT 99451 and 99452. Coverage varies by state and payer.
What credentials should a telemedicine physician have?
At minimum, an active US state medical license and board certification (or eligibility) in their specialty. Premium telemedicine platforms like Beam also require a valid NPI and a minimum of 3 years post-residency experience.
How Beam delivers telemedicine
Beam is the premium telemedicine partner — every clinician is NPI-verified with a minimum of 3 years post-residency (or post-credential for allied roles).
See Beam's telemedicine services