The 10 Top-Rated Online Doctors in Wisconsin in 2023

Electronic communications to exchange medical information for patient care, diagnosis, consultation, treatment, and other health care services between a provider and a patient at different sites constitutes telemedicine practice in Wisconsin.

It includes using a combination of interactive audio-video capable technology and externally acquired images through a networking environment that allows for an imitation of an in-person face-to-face encounter.  

The telehealth service rendered can either be interactive or asynchronous. The utilization of a two-way, real-time, interactive, and multimedia communication technology between a medical assistance provider and the recipient of such medical assistance or their treating provider defines interactive telehealth.

On the other hand, asynchronous telehealth services mainly involve transmitting patient medical data to a telehealth provider at a distant site without the necessity of real-time interactive communication. 

It must be noted that Wisconsin does not distinguish between the terms telehealth and telemedicine. They are interchangeably used to refer to health care services rendered via recognized telecommunication technology. However, audio-only telephone, electronic mail messages, facsimile transmission, standard mail, or text messages alone or combining these modalities to deliver healthcare is not considered telemedicine. 

The state of Wisconsin has enacted Compact legislations that help its professionals expand their practice outside state boundaries and improve its residents’ access to health care services, especially in fields that do not have sufficient practice in the state. 

The state legislature has given the Wisconsin Department of Health Services authority to formulate and promulgate their own rules specifically concerning which telehealth services will be subject to reimbursement and which ones will be excluded from coverage. The Department has the liberty even to provide reimbursement for audio-only, electronic mail, and facsimile transmissions or communication if it deems it appropriate. 

To date, there is still no existing private payer law, nor is there a comprehensive service or payment parity observed in Wisconsin. It also means that health plan providers may reimburse an amount not equivalent to or lesser than what was billed by the provider.

Here’s all about the telemedicine and telehealth in Wisconsin, and learn about your best online doctors in the state!

Unmatched Feature of Telemedicine in Wisconsin

The status of telehealth in Wisconsin needs improvements and expansion, especially in its reimbursement policies. To address this, it has launched a Telehealth Expansion Project to establish a permanent and more beneficial practice and use of telehealth services.

The project is just beginning, and the Department of Health Services is gathering inputs from various experts and groups to formulate policies that would suit the needs of its constituents. 

Community partners, internal and external stakeholders meet to share their insights and feedback on developing and implementing permanent telehealth policies in the state. This shows that even though Wisconsin is quite late in implementing concrete policies about telehealth, the state government and professional boards are taking it seriously and giving it an important consideration. 

From here, practitioners and consumers in Wisconsin can only expect more flexibility, innovation, and convenience in telehealth and telemedicine practice. 

Wisconsin State Telemedicine Laws and Policies

Who can practice telemedicine in Wisconsin?

Only physicians and surgeons licensed by the Department of Safety and Professional Services Medical Examining Board (DSPS MEB) are allowed to render telemedicine services to individuals located in the state of Wisconsin. The patient’s location at the time of the rendering of telehealth services shall serve as the basis for the provider’s license. 

The medical license issued by the MEB already carries with it the privilege to practice via telemedicine. Practitioners do not need to apply or procure a separate permit for the same. 

Out-of-State Providers

An out-of-state provider must possess a Wisconsin-issued medical license to practice medicine in this state, whether in-person or through telemedicine modalities. Those who qualify and are given the privilege to practice must observe government and board regulations and subject themselves to Wisconsin’s jurisdiction concerning their practice in the state. 

Interstate Medical Licensure Compact

Wisconsin enacted Act 116, which established its membership in the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact by ratifying the Compact into law. Through the Compact, physicians from the state could apply through a streamlined and expedited process of applying for licensure in other member states by a single submission of requirements only. This is subject, of course, to each state’s additional requirements and their respective jurisdictions. 

It had served as a State of Principal License for four years, more or less, before it conditionally repealed the said Act through Wisconsin Act 49 of 2019 and consequently withdrew its membership in the Compact. 

Nurse Licensure Compact 

Registered nurses and licensed practical nurses from Wisconsin who meet the set qualifications by the Nurse Licensure Compact can be eligible for a multistate license. These practitioners can render their services to other member states without submitting individual applications to the respective licensing boards. The services permitted include telenursing and distance education. 

The license issued by the member state is the multistate or compact license itself and already carries with it the corresponding privilege to expand practice outside state boundaries or render services to residents of other member states. Wisconsin-licensed qualified nurses must maintain a legal residency status in the state as required by the Compact. Any changes in residence out of their registered Primary State of Residence must be immediately reported to NLC, and proper application for licensure by endorsement must be completed. 

Advanced practice registered nurses or ARPNs are not extended the same privilege under the Compact and must obtain separate licenses under the states where they intend to practice. The APRN Compact has been recently adopted and awaits seven members before it can be fully implemented. The Wisconsin State Legislature has not passed any bill on this matter as of this date. 

Physical Therapy Compact

Under the Physical Therapy Compact, physical therapists and physical therapist assistants can render their services to other member states without acquiring individual state licenses by simply purchasing a Compact Privilege from the PT Compact Commission. Upon purchase, the PT or PTA can immediately start practicing in-person or remotely. 

This is exclusive to those licensed in member states only, and there are eligibility requirements that interested professionals must meet before purchasing. Physical therapists and PT assistants must have no pending encumbrances on their license, a valid driver’s license proving residency, and must pass the jurisprudence exam of the state they intend to practice in, if any.

This is to make sure that the quality and regulation of the practice are not compromised. All holders of the Compact Privilege are monitored through an online system and from which patients can also verify the status of the PT or PTA they are seeing. 

The state of Wisconsin has already enacted legislation confirming its membership in the Compact but is not issuing or accepting compact privileges at the moment. It is yet to complete all the implementation requirements mandated by the Commission. 

Occupational Therapy Compact

The Occupational Therapy Compact is a joint initiative of the American Occupational Therapy Association and the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy. It is still waiting for ten states to enact the legislation for it to take effect. There are currently eight member states, and it only needs two more to launch. Wisconsin has pending legislation before its state legislature for the ratification of the OT Compact.  

Membership in the Compact would afford occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants the privilege to expand their practice to other member states. It has a licensure data system that allows easy and immediate verification of the OTs and OTAs licensure information. 

If the bill passes into law, Wisconsin-licensed OTs and OTAs who are in good standing will be qualified to possess a compact privilege that will serve as their license to practice their profession in other member states, in-person or via telehealth. 

Standard of Care

The standard of care to be observed when rendering telemedicine services shall be the same as that when providing health care services in-person, which is the standard of minimally competent medical practice. The same standard extends to handling patient health information confidentiality, documentation, and recordkeeping. Physician-patient relationships can be established through any of the recognized telemedicine modalities by the state of Wisconsin, subject to certain conditions. 

The following requirements shall be met by the health care practitioner for the establishment of a physician-patient relationship and before any treatment recommendations or any other health care service may be rendered through telemedicine means:

• Be a holder of a license to practice medicine and surgery issued by the medical examining board;
• Verify the patient’s identity and location;
• Disclosure of the physician’s information such as their name and contact details at the least;
• Informed consent obtained from the patient; 
• Conduct a patient evaluation that meets the minimum standard, which shall include medical history, examination, and diagnostic tests if applicable; 
• Accurate documentation and maintenance of the patient’s medical record;

Since telemedicine relies on the use of communications technology and equipment to exchange health information, their quality shall allow the health care provider to meet the standard of care expected of them in the practice of medicine and to comply with the requirements stated safely. 

Using static electronic questionnaires, audio-only calls, or electronic mails as the basis for providing diagnoses and treatment plans falls short of the required standard of care. It is not an accepted form of patient evaluation in the state of Wisconsin. 

The online provider has the ultimate discretion on whether or not to proceed with rendering health care services through telehealth means depending on the patient’s medical case and other relevant factors. The practitioner must properly inform the concerned patient of the need to avail of appropriate medical services. A contingency plan should be in place when the situation demands that the patient be seen by other medical practitioners or be immediately responded to. 

Informed Consent

The health care provider must inform and explain to the patient the modality that will be used for the encounter and the associated benefits, risks, and limitations of availing of health care services through telemedicine. 

Only after all of these pieces of information have been made known to the patient can the consent given be considered valid. The prospective patient has the right to decline from receiving health care services through telehealth means and opt for a face-to-face encounter instead. 

Confidentiality

Online providers should maintain a patient’s medical record, including one-time visits, and have the corresponding duty to keep them confidential. The record shall reflect the following information:

• Complete medical history
• Doctor-patient communication
• Information related to the patient’s treatment
• Informed patient consent
• Laboratory and diagnostic test results, as ordered and conducted 
• Patient-related communication
• Peer-to-peer consultations 
• Physician’s instructions

The release and safekeeping of these records must comply with the standards indicated in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). The patient’s privacy and the security of their health information must be protected from being accessed or used by third parties without their permission. The patient has the right to request all records. 

E-prescription

An in-person encounter is not a requirement before a telemedicine provider can issue prescriptions via telehealth. The prescribing physician must strictly observe the required standard of care and comply with all the requirements before issuing prescriptions electronically. This means that all the necessary information must have been disclosed to the patient, informed consent has been acquired, appropriate medical evaluation has been conducted, and the patient’s record has been comprehensively noted down.

No prescriptions can be regularly issued based on static electronic questionnaires alone. The provider must conduct a proper examination of the patient through interactive communication technology. 

Federal and Drug Enforcement Administration regulations on the prescription of controlled substances are implemented in Wisconsin. 

State Reimbursement Policy

Benefits covered by Medicaid and Medicare are required to be reimbursed under the state of Wisconsin’s reimbursement policy. The primary factor to be considered in providing coverage for a telehealth service is if the service delivered is of sufficient quality and is functionally equivalent to an in-person encounter. Face-to-face equivalence would require both audio and visual communication in real-time. That is why audio-only or written forms of communication are excluded from coverage by Medicaid. 

The fact of face-to-face equivalence must be evidenced and sufficiently established by the provider. This is in addition to the safety and effectiveness considerations of the service being provided via telemedicine. 

The Department of Health Services can request practitioners to observe the same requirements applicable to in-person consultations. Still, it cannot demand health care providers to submit additional requirements or supplementary certifications before providing reimbursements for the sole reason that the services were rendered through telehealth means. 

In addition to valid claims, telehealth providers may also qualify for pediatric or health professional shortage area (HPSA)-enhanced reimbursement if the recipient of their services are 18 years old and below.  

The following locations may serve as valid originating and distant sites for purposes of availing reimbursements:

• Community health centers or clinics
• Emergency departments
• Hospitals
• Non-tribal Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC)
• Offices and clinics
• Out-of-State FQHC
• Rural health clinics (RHC)
• Skilled nursing facilities
• Tribal FQHC

Facility fee reimbursement is only applicable to emergency departments, hospitals, offices or clinics, and skilled nursing facilities serving as originating sites. Beneficiaries in skilled nursing facilities availing telehealth services equivalent to an in-person visit, consultation evaluation, and management visit are also given coverage. 

For Federally Qualified Health Centers serving as a distant site, the patient who received the telehealth service subject of reimbursement must be an established patient of the center at the time of the telehealth service delivery. FHCQs and RHCs cannot include in their claim for reimbursement an originating site facility fee as telehealth services are not reportable encounters on these facilities’ cost reports. The facility fee has already been included in their prospective payment system (PPS) and other indirect services. 

The coverage and reimbursement for these originating sites cannot be limited, restricted, or varied and shall be equal under all circumstances for telehealth services.

What Services are Reimbursed in Wisconsin?

By Forward Health – WI Medicaid: 

•   Live Video

X   Store-and-Forward

X   Remote Patient Monitoring

X   Stand-alone or combination of Audio-only Telephone Calls, E-mail, Instant Messaging, or Facsimile

Only interactive telehealth or live video is covered and reimbursed by ForwardHealth. It has also specifically mentioned telestroke services to be reimbursable under state policies. Other services that may be delivered via telehealth that are covered include:

• Audiology services
• Behavioral health services
• Community support programs
• Comprehensive community services
• Crisis intervention 
• Dental consultations
• End-stage renal disease-related services
• General health services
• Health and behavior assessment or intervention
• Initial inpatient consults
• Medication therapy management
• Office visits
• Outpatient mental health services
• Outpatient services
• Outpatient substance abuse services
• School-based services 
• Therapies

It must be noted that only individual telehealth services are provided coverage by ForwardHealth. Health care services considered group services are excluded from coverage, and providers cannot submit claims for them.  

Generally, asynchronous telehealth and remote patient monitoring services are reimbursed if rendered to a Medical Assistance patient or covered under Medicare. It is a fact that it is stated under state laws that the department shall provide reimbursement for the following health care services: 

• Telehealth services
• Remote physiologic monitoring
• Remote evaluation of prerecorded patient information
• Brief communication technology-based services
• Care management services delivered via telehealth
• Other telehealth or communication technology-based services 

However, the Wisconsin statute has also left the discretion to the State Department of Health Services on whether to cover and reimburse these services, including those provided through store-and-forward and remote patient monitoring. The discretion granted includes the option to exclude these services from coverage and reimbursement altogether. 

The Department has issued its own rule regarding these two modalities. Store-and-forward falls under the noncovered services and is explicitly excluded by Wisconsin’s Medicaid Program. This is because it is of equal standing to other services that are not covered in in-person settings. 

Remote patient monitoring was also not mentioned under state reimbursement policies as this type of service is not considered functionally equivalent to a face-to-face encounter. This means that even though these are recognized telehealth modalities in the state, practitioners who deliver and patients who receive health care services through these means cannot expect any form of reimbursement. 

By Private Payer or other health care service plan providers:

The Department of Health Services cannot mandate private health insurance plan providers to include telehealth services in their policies or contracts due to the lack of an existing private payer law in the state of Wisconsin. There is no service parity and payment parity that provides the same coverage and equal reimbursement rates for telehealth services similar to in-person services. 

Who can avail of these reimbursements?

The following medical professionals are allowed to avail of the reimbursements extended by the state policy:

• Audiologists
• Individual mental health and substance abuse practitioners rendering services elsewhere as long as not in a Division of Quality Assurance (DQA)-certified facility
• Nurse-midwives
• Nurse practitioners
• Ph.D. Psychologists
• Physician assistants
• Physicians
• Professionals rendering DQA-certified mental health or substance abuse program services
• Psychiatrists 

Health care practitioners must be certified providers of Medical Assistance to avail reimbursements for the interactive telehealth services they have rendered. 

Ancillary providers may also avail of reimbursement if the provider is located at the same distant site where the supervising physician is located at the time of delivery of telehealth services and the services rendered were properly documented. The billing for their services shall be included in that of the supervising physician. 

In the case of out-of-state providers, those who have border status enrollment with Wisconsin Medicaid or those who have obtained authorization before rendering telehealth services are also eligible to claim for reimbursement. However, it must be noted that only health care practitioners who are located within US territories during the delivery of the subject telehealth services may submit a claim. 

Public Health Emergency (PHE)

There have been certain temporary alterations made by the state government, ForwardHealth, and medical boards in Wisconsin to address the public health emergency (PHE) brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic. The following are some of the emergency orders and issuances on the practice of telehealth and rendering of health care services for individuals located within state boundaries: 

• Out-of-state health care providers who are holders of a valid license issued by their respective states or by the state of Canada may render telemedicine services in Wisconsin without the need of a Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS)-issued licensed or credential as long as they practice within their scope and meet the following conditions:

• An identified health care facility requires the services of the out-of-state provider to continue safely delivering health care services. The said facility must inform DSPS of the services of the out-of-state provider within ten days. 
• The necessity for the provider’s service is of a great extent that would justify the absence of in-state credentialing before the start of the service. 
• There is no existing restriction, limitation, or ongoing investigation on the provider’s license placed by another state.
• The out-of-state provider has a liability insurance coverage applicable to the circumstances and approved by the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance. 

These are permitted on the condition that 30 days, out-of-state providers practicing in the state must obtain an interstate reciprocity temporary license or other licenses issued by Wisconsin for the same purpose. 

• The validity of expiring credentials is extended for thirty days during the existence of the public health emergency. 

• Health care providers whose licenses have expired within the preceding five years may apply for reinstatement before the Department without the need to complete the continuing education requirements that have lapsed. 

• A patient’s home is considered an eligible originating site for the meantime. 

• Remote supervision by registered nurses, synchronous audio-only communication between RNs or LPNs and patients under an opioid treatment program, mental health services, and teledentistry are temporarily allowed during the PHE period, and ForwardHealth has provided an enhanced reimbursements rates for occupational, physical, and speech therapy services rendered through telehealth under the Birth to 3 Program. 

• Private health insurance plan providers cannot deny coverage for health care services delivered via telehealth means until December 31, 2021, if the same services are covered when rendered in an in-person setting. This includes providers of disability insurance policies and self-insured health plans. 

• Group services are temporarily allowed and reimbursed as long as the privacy of each participant is secured. 

• Penalties for the use of non-HIPAA compliant technology are temporarily waived. 

• Initial prescriptions for durable medical equipment and disposable medical supplies can be issue through telehealth alone without the need for in-person interaction. 

Some of these issuances have been further modified to match the current status of the pandemic and meet the needs of the state’s constituents. 

10 Top-Rated Online Doctors and Telemedicine Providers in Wisconsin

Wisconsinites and travelers in the state may opt to receive health care services through telemedicine instead of going to the doctor’s office. This is because of the convenience it brings and the time it saves patients and their families. One can easily search for an online doctor in Wisconsin, and thousands of results will be generated as more practitioners expand their practice into telemedicine. The task of choosing which one to visit remotely becomes an exhausting one. The list provided below will help you find a telemedicine provider who offers quality health care services in the state of Wisconsin:

UWHealth

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•   Prescription
•   HIPAA Compliant
•   Board Certified Physicians and Specialists
•   Insurance

The number one ranked hospital in Wisconsin for ten consecutive years by US News and World Report, the University of Wisconsin Hospital offers telehealth services to residents and travelers in Wisconsin. Patients can request scheduled virtual appointments through their provider’s clinic or see any available telemedicine provider through Care Anywhere. 

All scheduled video appointments are channeled through MyChart after setting an appointment with a UWHealth provider. This can serve as an alternative to in-person visits at the provider’s office. Family members, friends, and support persons can join the video conference with the patient’s permission. 

Medical services rendered under Care Anywhere are similar to urgent care that provides patients quick access to a health care provider for non-emergent conditions. Booking an appointment is not required for this type of service, but it is not appropriate for all types of medical conditions. The common illnesses treated through Care Anywhere are:

• Abdominal pain
• Allergies
• Cough
• Diarrhea
• Eye infections
• Fever
• Headache
• Joint pain
• Low back pain
• Minor skin problems
• Nausea
• Painful urination
• Runny nose
• Sore throat
• Sprains
• Stuffy nose
• Vomiting

The Care Anywhere app is available for both Android and iOS users. It has partnered with Amwell Medical Group to make health care services available at any time. Parents and guardians must note that infants below three months old cannot be accommodated through any of their virtual services. 

Locations/Cities Served:

ProHealth Care

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•   Prescription
•   HIPAA Compliant
•   Board-Certified Physicians, Internists, and Pediatricians
•   Insurance

Virtual urgent care visits with ProHealth Care can be easily engaged the same day or day after patients have booked an appointment. New patients can be accommodated after signing up for an account with ProHealth MyChart. The patient must at least be six years of age, and the parent or guardian has proxy access to their account. 

Some of the common and minor illnesses they treat through video conferencing include:

• Allergies
• Bug bites
• Cough
• Diarrhea
• Insect stings
• Rashes
• Red, swollen, or itchy eyes
• Runny nose
• Sinus pain
• Sore throat
• Urinary issues
• Vomiting

Ear infections and strep throat are explicitly excluded from the list of medical conditions they treat via telemedicine. Primary care providers and specialists in family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatric medicine are also available for video visits. 

If ever the telemedicine provider seeing the patient assesses that an in-person encounter is medically appropriate and necessary, ProHealth Care has emergency departments in Mukwonago, Oconomowoc, and Waukesha. 

Language assistance services may be requested for patients who do not speak or fully understand English when booking an appointment. A medical interpreter fluent in your chosen language or American Sign Language will be provided free of charge. This is to ensure that patients and providers can relay and understand their messages to each other. 

Locations/Cities Served:

Marshfield Clinic

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•   Prescription
•   HIPAA Compliant
•   Board Certified Primary Care Providers and Specialists
•   Insurance

Telehealth at Home is the virtual and remote care service offered by Marshfield Clinic to patients located in Wisconsin since 1997. The program has evolved and grew with its more than 50 locations in the state of Wisconsin. It is available for both new and established patients of Marshfield. 

A health care team will make your appointment and assess initially if the medical condition subject of the consultation can be appropriately addressed through telemedicine. If it finds otherwise, the patient will be recommended for an in-person visit with their primary care provider instead. New patients can choose among the providers available in the nearest clinic location. 

Video appointments with a Marshfield Clinic provider are conducted through the Cisco Webex app, downloaded from the App Store and Google Play. Before the video visit, patients may be ordered to take some tests and labs so that results and other needed medical information are already available during the virtual encounter. 

Patients can access all health information, including test results, set in-person or telehealth at-home appointments, message the Care Team overseeing the patient’s treatment, and see prescription statuses and medication lists with their pharmacy on the My Marshfield Clinic app, which is compatible with both iOS and Android devices. 

Locations/Cities Served:

Maddy Virtual Care

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•   Prescription
•   HIPAA Compliant
•   Board Certified Doctors, Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Behavioral Therapist, and Nurses
•   Insurance

Maddy Virtual Care is a telehealth program launched by WEA Trust through American Well. Aside from on-demand urgent care visits, they specialize in behavioral therapy and psychiatry as well. These services are available via telemedicine and are accessible through the Maddy Portal 24/7 Virtual Care app, downloadable from the App Store and Google Play. 

The commonly scheduled urgent care visits involve the following medical concerns: 

• Bronchitis
• Cold
• Ear infections
• Flu
• Hypertension
• Migraines 
• Pink eye
• Rashes
• Seasonal allergies 
• Sinusitis
• Stomach flu
• Strep throat
• Upset stomach 
• Urinary tract infections

The following mental health issues are addressed virtually by the mental health professionals at Maddy:

• Adjustment disorders
• Anxiety
• Attention deficit disorder
• Bipolar Disorder
• Coping with an illness
• Depression
• Eating disorders
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Panic attacks
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Each session for the online behavioral therapy and online psychiatry lasts for 45 minutes. If the psychiatrist deems it necessary, they may schedule a follow-up appointment. Clients cannot initiate a follow-up appointment. 

Patients must know beforehand that Maddy Virtual Care providers do not treat chronic conditions or prescribe controlled substances. 

Locations/Cities Served:

Mile Bluff Medical Center

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•   Prescription
•   HIPAA Compliant
•   Board Certified Physicians and Nurses
•   Insurance

Established Mile Bluff patients have two options as to how they wish to receive telemedicine services. The first one is through a telehealth video visit with the use of Cisco Webex. This is ideal for patients experiencing new symptoms or illnesses that do not necessarily require a visit to the doctor’s office. Patients who do not have access to the internet and an audio-video communication device may opt for the other option, which is the virtual check-in by phone. This is a telephone-only visit suitable for the management of certain chronic conditions and the following list of specific medical issues:

• Acne
• Allergies
• Cold
• Diabetes 
• Ear pain
• Flu
• Headache
• Hypertension
• Orthopedics
• Podiatry 
• Prevention and wellness
• Rashes
• Sore throat
• Upset stomach
• Urinary tract infections 

Patients with severe symptoms requiring an in-person examination and those whose conditions demand aggressive intervention cannot be accommodated through telemedicine. Medical staff at Mile Bluff will determine the suitability of your health concern and medical history for a virtual appointment. 

Mile Bluff Medical Center has a vast array of specialists in the field of pediatrics, sleep medicine, orthopedics, speech pathology, pulmonology, emergency medicine, dermatology, nutrition, and many others to whom patients who require expert knowledge for any of these areas can be referred to or brought into the patients care team for collaboration. 

Locations/Cities Served:

Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin

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•   Prescription
•   HIPAA Compliant
•   Board Certified Family Medicine Practitioners

X   Insurance

Froedtert & MCW offers both on-demand and scheduled video visits. On-demand video visits are for one-time consultations covering minor illnesses, while scheduled video visits provide continuity of care through follow-ups, referrals, or testing and imaging if necessary. 

If experiencing any of the following minor medical conditions, you can submit a request for care and be immediately seen by an available provider through their on-demand services:

• Common ailments: cold, cough, fever, flu, headaches, migraines
• Eye: conjunctivitis, infection, irritation, stye
• Gastrointestinal: diarrhea, GERD, nausea, upset stomach, vomiting
• Nose and throat: laryngitis, pharyngitis, sinus infection, sore throat, stuffy nose
• Respiratory: bronchitis, chest congestion, infections, pet allergies, seasonal allergies
• Skin and nails: acne, Athlete’s foot, cold sores, dry skin, eczema, hives, infections, ingrown nail, lesions, poison ivy, poison oak, rashes
• Women’s health: urinary tract infection (UTI), yeast infection
• Others: back pain, insect bites, and stings, joint pain, minor burns, minor cuts, sprains, strains

Children as young as 18 months are accommodated by Froedtert & MCW providers, but some services observe age restrictions. Patients will be asked to conduct self-examinations and assessments to help the provider develop a more accurate diagnosis. 

Providers can issue short-term electronic prescriptions for allergy, anti-nausea, and antibiotics. On the other hand, controlled substances such as benzodiazepines, opioid pain medications, and schedule medications cannot be prescribed through on-demand visits. 

Telehealth and other medical services they offer can be easily accessed through the Froedtert & MCW app, downloaded from the App Store and Google Play. 

Location/City Served: Milwaukee

New Frontiers Psychiatry & TMS

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•   Prescription
•   HIPAA Compliant
•   Board Certified Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Licensed Professional Counselor, Clinical Social Worker, and Therapists
•   Insurance

Individuals experiencing mental health issues and looking for an evidence-based treatment approach can consult with a New Frontiers’ provider. Telepsychiatry, psychotherapy, and psychopharmacology are some of the telehealth services offered at New Frontiers. Their specialties include depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and women’s issues, but they also address the following issues:

• Addiction
• Alcohol use
• Anger management
• Anxiety
• Asperger’s syndrome
• Autism 
• Chronic pain
• Dual diagnosis
• Insomnia
• Medication management
• Men’s issues
• Mood disorders
• Personality disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Relationship issues
• Stress
• Transgender

All video visits are conducted over doxy.me. New Frontiers’ teletherapy services are currently offered to patients in Milwaukee, New Berlin, West Allis, and nearby areas. It is verified by Psychology Today, the world’s largest resource for all matters related to mental health and behavioral science. 

One of the services they offer in-person worth mentioning is transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy for those diagnosed with anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, and PTSD. It is a non-medication-based treatment option that uses magnetic fields to target the part of the brain that regulates moods and activates the release of neurotransmitters. Patients can have an initial assessment of their compatibility with this treatment method during a video visit. 

Locations/Cities Served:

Hudson Physicians

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•   Prescription
•   HIPAA Compliant
•   Board Certified Physicians
•   Insurance

Hudson Physicians offers a fresh approach to health care. They prioritize preventative care to keep their patients safe from avoidable illnesses. Its providers do not readily issue prescriptions because they want to treat the main cause of the problem and not just alleviate the symptoms experienced by the patient. 

They cover services ranging from audiology, behavioral and mental health, diabetes education, family medicine, internal medicine, obstetrics, pediatrics, podiatry, women’s health, and many others. However, telemedicine appointments with providers from Hudson are limited to the following medical conditions: 

• Allergies
• Arthritis
• Bladder infections
• Medication check
• OB checks
• Rashes
• Respiratory infections
• Sore throats
• Sprains
• Strains
• Urinary tract infection

Wisconsinites can check whether they can be accommodated via telemedicine by calling Hudson’s medical staff. Patients can be referred to a specialist from the telemedicine provider if the latter determines that the patient’s medical case requires an expert opinion. 

At Hudson Physicians, patients can expect a personalized approach and tailored treatment plan for their specific needs and unique circumstances. There are also medical resources available on their website that visitors can openly access.  

Locations/Cities Served: Hudson, Baldwin

Allina Health 

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•   Prescription
•   HIPAA Compliant
•   Board Certified Physicians and Specialists 
•   Insurance

On-demand and scheduled visits are available options for quality personalized care via telehealth at Allina Health. Allina providers can accommodate patients of all ages. The telemedicine services and some of the issues they address are categorized into the following: 

• Obstetrics and gynecology: birth control, family planning, high-risk perinatal care, menstruation changes, routine pregnancy care, post-partum care
• Pediatrics: attention-deficit (ADD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), common illnesses, developmental issues, skin conditions
• Primary care: allergies, anxiety, chronic condition management, depression, nutrition, sinus problems, sleep problems, weight management
• Specialty care: allergy and immunology, audiology, dermatology, integrative medicine and nutrition, mental health, rehabilitation
• Urgent care: abdominal pain, back pain, diarrhea, ear pain, migraine, pink eye, urinary tract infection, vomiting

Injuries that require x-rays or scans, examinations before any operation or procedure, adult physical exams, and well-child exams cannot be conducted through video conference. 

Those who do not have a regular Allina Health provider can select one that matches their needs in terms of specialization from its list of telemedicine providers. Patients can download the Allina Health app from both the App Store and Google Play. It allows account holders to schedule appointments, message their care team, access their health records, track prescriptions, and manage bills.

Location/City Served: Western Wisconsin

Orthopaedic Associates of Wisconsin

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•   Prescription
•   HIPAA Compliant
•   Board Certified Orthopaedic Specialists 
•   Insurance

Phone and video visits can now be utilized to receive medical care from OAW specialists for non-emergent orthopedic disorders. The services that can be appropriately delivered through telemedicine are as follows:

• Acute conditions
• Chronic conditions
• Imaging review
• Second opinion 
• Surgical discussions
• Surgical follow-up

These usually involve the shoulder, back, spine, elbow, hand, wrist, hip, knee, ankle, and foot experiencing pain, changes, or requires therapy.  Aside from the bones and joints, there are also many conditions associated with the other parts of the musculoskeletal system, such as ligaments, muscles, nerves, and tendons. These are arthritis, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, finger sprain, injuries, knee osteoarthritis, rotator cuff pain, tennis elbow, trauma, triceps injuries, and many others. 

Patients may be asked to perform movements following the instructions of the telemedicine provider for a more accurate assessment and diagnosis. At the end of the remote visit, the provider can either present treatment options or refer the patient for an in-person visit, imaging, and further testing as deemed necessary based on medical discretion. 

OAW also provides educational materials such as informational videos about symptoms, conditions, and treatment procedures for common disorders. For patients who have undergone surgery, there are post-operation instructions and a list of symptoms to watch out for available on the page. 

Location/City Served: Pewaukee

Telemedicine Resources in Wisconsin

The worldwide web is a great source of information about medical practice, including telehealth. Entering specific keywords on a search engine will surely generate thousands of results. However, only a few online resources for state-specific telehealth and telemedicine practice provide accurate, up-to-date, and reliable information. If you are looking for credible sources about telemedicine in Wisconsin, you can check out the following government-run and supported websites: 

• Wisconsin Department of Health Services: Members are provided with answers to frequently asked questions about telehealth. There is also a Medicaid Telehealth Expansion section where currently applicable policies are laid down. Providers are linked to the ForwardHealth Portal for further information about telehealth regulations, while stakeholders are provided with an engagement page for input sessions and workgroups. The eHealth Program allows both practitioners and consumers to maximize the use of health information technology through education. 

• Great Plains Telehealth Resource and Assistance Center: The gpTRAC mainly provides technical assistance to health care organizations of several states, including those in Wisconsin. It also offers tailored consultations, training, events, and web-based or printable resources that can help design, evaluate, implement, and sustain the state’s telehealth programs. There’s a section solely dedicated to Wisconsin, where you can find basic telemedicine information in the state. The telehealth policies discussion on the website keeps updates on the region’s interstate licensure compacts, pending legislations, and major payer guidelines.   

• Center for Connected Health Policy – WI: This program of the Public Health Institute highlights all the relevant telehealth information that is useful to providers and consumers alike. From definitions of terminologies, professional boards standards, licensure compacts, cross-state licensing, and online prescribing to Medicaid programs, reimbursement policies, and status of private payer law in the state of Wisconsin are covered on this website. The template used by CCHP allows for easy reading and redirecting to links for their external references. 

• Wisconsin Hospital Association: The WHA telehealth resources focus more on the current actions being taken in the legislative branch along with research papers, issuances, newsletter articles, and press releases concerning telehealth in the state. If you want to be more informed and up-to-date on matters that concern changes with the current status of telehealth in the state, the telehealth section of WHA’s website is the ideal resource page to visit.