The American Telemedicine Association (ATA) launched an accreditation program for online, direct-to-consumer healthcare consultations. The program will accredit U.S. healthcare entities providing real-time, online consultations directly to the patient that meet specific standards.

“We’ve seen an explosion of online healthcare service offerings in recent years, and a growing need to assure consumers they are making good choices,” said Jonathan Linkous, CEO of ATA. “ATA’s Accreditation Program for Online Patient Consultations will provide benchmarks for organizations building an online practice. In addition, it will provide reassurance for payers that the virtual services they are reimbursing follow federal and state laws and regulations, assure patient privacy, are transparent in pricing and operations, use qualified, licensed providers, and follow appropriate clinical practices and guidelines.”

According to ATA’s research, over 800,000 online patient consultations will be provided this year. The number will further grow as more consumers, providers and payers look to the convenience of online services.

Over 800,000 online patient consultations will be provided this year.Through February 28, 2015, registration for the Accreditation Program will be open to ATA Institutional Members, Sustaining President’s Circle and President’s Circle members exclusively.

Alongside the program, ATA has also launched SafeOnlineHealth.org, a resource to help consumers better understand the growing use of telecommunications in the delivery of healthcare services.