Congress Again Eyes a Thorough Study of Telehealth During the Pandemic

Lawmakers are once again eyeing a thorough evaluation of telehealth services offered during the coronavirus pandemic through Medicare and Medicaid.

That’s the gist of the Evaluating Disparities and Outcomes of Telehealth (EDOT) During the COVID-19 Emergency Act 0f 2021, introduced last week by US Rep. Robin Kelly (D-IL). The bill, which failed to make it through Congress in 2020, would mandate a Health and Human Services Department study on the impact of telehealth programs covered by Medicare and Medicaid during the pandemic, with a focus on use, privacy, equitable access and fraud.

“Many patients and providers have experienced the benefits of telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic thanks to the relaxed telehealth regulations from CMS,” Kelly said in a press release. “Telehealth has the potential to help equalize healthcare access for underserved populations. However, we need data to understand utilization, cost, fraud, privacy and how to serve those left behind by the digital divide. Crucial time is ticking away, and to capitalize on the benefits of telehealth technology, we must act now.”

That study would also include details on changes of use caused by the pandemic, modalities (audio-visual and audio-only) used compared to in-person visits, demographic details of those using telehealth and geographic data on both patients and providers. And it would require an analysis of the cost of using telehealth and the money saved by switching to connected health platforms, as well as any instances of fraud investigated by the Office of the Inspector General.

The bill joins dozens of others aimed at guiding Congress to set long-term telehealth policy beyond the pandemic.

This one could attract attention, though. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has long held the opinion that it needs to see more proof that telehealth impacts clinical outcomes and reduces costs before signing on to expanded coverage. A study like this could gain traction with lawmakers who want to see that proof before setting new policy.