OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A large group of independent physicians in Nebraska plans to enter the growing practice of telehealth.

The Midwest Independent Physicians Practice Association will begin using video-audio consultations for patients who need to see a specialist but live too far away to conveniently do so in person. The Omaha-based association is composed of about 450 primary care physicians and specialists in the state who aren’t tied to a specific hospital system.

The agreement between the association and technology company AET will give physicians a web-based platform for the appointments and the secure exchange of patient records and data.

The initiative is the latest example of the boom in the use of medical services that don’t require in-person appointments. The main Omaha and Lincoln hospitals systems offer similar services.