On Monday, December 14, Judge Robert Pitman, U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, denied the Texas Medical Board’s (TMB) motion to dismiss a federal lawsuit filed by Teladoc, the nation’s first and largest telehealth platform in the United States. The decision marks the seventh occasion in the last four years that various Texas courts have sided with Teladoc against the Texas Medical Board’s repeated attempts to limit access to affordable, quality health care in the state.
In May, Judge Pitman blocked a TMB rule that would have prevented Teladoc from offering its services in Texas, and stated that Teladoc was likely to prevail in its argument that the rule is illegal under federal antitrust laws.
This week’s District Court ruling addresses and rejects each argument raised by the TMB, including its attacks on Teladoc’s antitrust and Constitutional challenges to multiple TMB rules. In each instance, Judge Pitman disagreed with the TMB’s arguments and denied the TMB’s request to dismiss all or any part of Teladoc’s case.
“We are very pleased with the court’s decision and the growing wave of support of telehealth” said Jason Gorevic, chief executive officer, Teladoc. “This ruling is only the latest in a string of legal victories for us in Texas, in federal and state courts. As a champion for patient access to affordable, high quality healthcare, we view this decision as a major victory for consumers. We’re also optimistic that this decision will lead the TMB to reconsider its attempts to block patient access to telehealth.”
Teladoc provides 24/7 access to the high-quality medical care via mobile devices, the internet, secure video and phone, and treats people experiencing non-emergency medical issues such as sinus problems, urinary tract infections, bronchitis and poison ivy. As the industry leader, Teladoc has safely delivered more than 1million remote visits to patients throughout the country. The company has been serving Texans for more than 10 years.
Mr. Gorevic added, “Patients, healthcare systems, and employers recognize the great value that telehealth brings to the people of Texas. We cannot stand by as leaders in the industry and do nothing when a small group of doctors attempts to block patients from accessible, affordable health care. It’s our job to stand-up for what is right for our clients, Texas-based employees, and members in need of remote care.”
