It is the intent of the Legislature to recognize the practice of telehealth as a legitimate means by which an individual may receive health care services from a health care provider without in-person contact with the health care provider. No health care service plan shall require that in-person contact occur between a health care provider and a patient before payment is made for the covered services appropriately provided through telehealth. Notwithstanding any other provision, this section shall not be interpreted to authorize a health care service plan to require the use of telehealth when the health care provider has determined that it is not appropriate.