CONCORD, N.H. (AP) - Supporters of a new law to expand telemedicine in New Hampshire say it will reduce the cost of health care and improve access to treatment in rural areas.

Republican Gov. Chris Sununu on Monday signed a bill that will allow primary care physicians and pediatricians rather than only specialists to bill Medicaid and private insurers for telemedicine services. The law, which doesn’t fully take effect until January, also will allow for billing for in-home patient monitoring.

Sen. Jay Kahn, a Keene Democrat, was the bill’s lead sponsor. He says it will accelerate diagnosis and communication between health care providers, patients, emergency responders, guardians and caregivers.

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