Telehealth policy and regulation
Telehealth policies and regulations aim to ensure safe, effective and accessible virtual care delivery. They establish rules for patient privacy, provider licensing, reimbursement and technology standards and provide guardrails to protect against fraud, waste and abuse. These policies and regulations are critical for enhancing healthcare access and clinical outcomes.
Top Stories
-
Podcast
17 Dec 2024
Exploring key telehealth policy considerations for 2025
Despite growing calls from the industry, Congress has yet to act on telehealth flexibilities, highlighting the varied considerations for comprehensive telehealth policies. Continue Reading
By- Anuja Vaidya, Senior Editor
-
News
12 Dec 2024
Lawmakers join calls for extension of telehealth flexibilities
Following calls from industry groups and healthcare organizations, lawmakers are urging Congress to extend pandemic-era telehealth flexibilities, set to expire on Dec. 31, 2024. Continue Reading
By- Anuja Vaidya, Senior Editor
-
News
18 Nov 2024
Telehealth prescribing flexibility extended through 2025
The DEA and HHS have extended telehealth prescribing flexibility for controlled substances, like Adderall, through 2025 amid calls for the flexibility to be made permanent. Continue Reading
By- Anuja Vaidya, Senior Editor
-
News
06 Nov 2024
Pushing ADHD telehealth prescriptions costs Cerebral millions
Telemental healthcare provider Cerebral agreed to pay more than $3.6 million for encouraging unauthorized telehealth prescriptions of controlled substances, like Adderall. Continue Reading
By- Anuja Vaidya, Senior Editor
-
Feature
18 Oct 2024
Understanding telehealth prescribing: Pros, cons and DEA rules
Telehealth prescribing, expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic, is under scrutiny as the DEA considers extending regulatory flexibilities beyond 2024 amid concerns of misuse. Continue Reading
By- Anuja Vaidya, Senior Editor
-
News
11 Sep 2024
Stakeholders plead for telehealth prescribing extension
Healthcare groups are urging Congress and the White House to extend telehealth prescribing flexibility for controlled substances as the year-end expiration date draws near. Continue Reading
By- Anuja Vaidya, Senior Editor
-
Feature
15 Aug 2024
How telehealth providers can mitigate healthcare fraud risk
Healthcare law experts discuss how telehealth providers can stay compliant and vigilant as the Department of Justice accelerates fraud enforcement actions. Continue Reading
By- Anuja Vaidya, Senior Editor
-
Answer
22 Jul 2024
What the CMS 2025 PFS proposed rule means for virtual care
The 2025 PFS proposed rule extends existing virtual care payment rules and introduces new codes for digital therapeutics, highlighting virtual care's lasting role in healthcare. Continue Reading
By- Anuja Vaidya, Senior Editor
-
News
23 May 2024
Telehealth may increase Medicare patient hospitalizations, costs
New research shows Medicare patient outcomes, including potentially preventable hospitalizations and total care costs, may worsen with higher telehealth use. Continue Reading
By- Anuja Vaidya, Senior Editor
-
News
14 May 2024
State adoption of telehealth payment parity has grown but still varies
States have increasingly adopted telehealth parity and coverage laws in the last four years, but they are not uniform, a new report shows. Continue Reading
By- Anuja Vaidya, Senior Editor
-
News
09 May 2024
House committee advances bill extending telehealth, HaH flexibilities
The House Ways and Means Committee marked up a bill that would extend virtual care flexibilities for two years past its current expiration date. Continue Reading
By- Anuja Vaidya, Senior Editor
-
News
03 May 2024
House reps introduce bills to make telehealth flexibilities permanent
Two bills recently introduced in the House aim to permanently extend rural telehealth access and expand the list of practitioners able to provide virtual care. Continue Reading
By- Anuja Vaidya, Senior Editor
-
Feature
12 Apr 2024
What the House subcommittee hearing tells us about telehealth’s future
The House subcommittee sought input from patients and healthcare leaders on telehealth reimbursement, care quality, licensure, and more. Continue Reading
By- Anuja Vaidya, Senior Editor
-
News
04 Apr 2024
Stakeholders push DEA to solidify virtual prescribing flexibilities
Stakeholders are urging the agency to permanently allow virtual prescriptions of controlled substances without in-person exams well before the flexibility expires. Continue Reading
By- Anuja Vaidya, Senior Editor
-
News
15 Mar 2024
Bipartisan lawmakers present bill to solidify telehealth flexibilities
The legislation makes several pandemic-era regulatory flexibilities permanent, including reimbursing for audio-only telehealth through the Medicare program. Continue Reading
By- Anuja Vaidya, Senior Editor
-
News
13 Mar 2024
Healthcare stakeholders call for hospital-at-home waiver permanency
A group of healthcare stakeholders, including providers, vendors, and associations, are urging Congress to extend the CMS hospital-at-home waiver beyond 2024. Continue Reading
By- Anuja Vaidya, Senior Editor
-
News
06 Mar 2024
Expanded Virtual OUD Medication Access Likely to be Cost-Effective
Pandemic-era flexibilities that allow the initiation of OUD treatment via telehealth and take-home doses of medications are likely cost-effective, research shows. Continue Reading
By- Anuja Vaidya, Senior Editor
-
News
26 Feb 2024
Stakeholders Urge Congress to Take Early Action on Telehealth Access
In a letter to Congress, healthcare providers, trade associations, and virtual care companies emphasized the need for action on telehealth policy early in the year. Continue Reading
By- Anuja Vaidya, Senior Editor
-
News
16 Feb 2024
DEA Urged to Mitigate Geographic ‘Red Flag’ in Telehealth Prescriptions
Virtual care stakeholders have sent a letter asking the DEA to clarify pharmacists’ responsibility regarding virtual prescriptions of controlled substances. Continue Reading
By- Anuja Vaidya, Senior Editor
-
News
14 Feb 2024
US House Reps Introduce Bill to Expand Virtual Specialty Care Access
The legislation proposes using CMS innovation center funds to test a virtual specialty care network for Medicare and Medicaid populations. Continue Reading
By- Anuja Vaidya, Senior Editor
-
Answer
08 Feb 2024
What the NJ Lawsuit Adds to Out-of-State Telehealth, Licensure Debates
A recent lawsuit highlights physician and patient demand for expanded access to out-of-state telehealth, underscoring the ongoing debates around licensure. Continue Reading
By- Anuja Vaidya, Senior Editor
-
News
01 Feb 2024
HHS Final Rule to Solidify Access to OUD Medications via Telehealth
The agency plans to make permanent pandemic-era flexibilities, including expanding telehealth access to medications for opioid use disorder. Continue Reading
By- Anuja Vaidya, Senior Editor
-
News
31 Jan 2024
Lawmakers Call on HHS to Collaborate on Telehealth Access Policies
Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle and Congressional branches are urging HHS to work with them to ensure that expanded access to telehealth is not curtailed. Continue Reading
By- Anuja Vaidya, Senior Editor
-
News
29 Jan 2024
State Changes to Telehealth Policy Appear to be Stagnating
Last year, most states only tweaked their telehealth policies and laws, showing progress toward a more flexible telehealth landscape has slowed, per a new report. Continue Reading
By- Anuja Vaidya, Senior Editor
-
News
25 Jan 2024
Senators Reintroduce Bill to Ease Telemental Healthcare Access
The legislation would lift the requirement that Medicare beneficiaries seeking telehealth for mental health conditions first have an in-person visit. Continue Reading
By- Anuja Vaidya, Senior Editor
-
News
11 Dec 2023
New Bill to Expand Home-Based Virtual Mental, Substance Use Care
The bill will provide grants to support the delivery of mental health and substance use care via telehealth for rural farming, fishing, and forestry communities. Continue Reading
By- Anuja Vaidya, Senior Editor
-
News
16 Nov 2023
Stakeholders Urge Senators to Avert ‘Fast and Slow’ Death of Telehealth
In a Senate subcommittee hearing, healthcare stakeholders doubled down on the critical need to make permanent pandemic-era telehealth flexibilities. Continue Reading
By- Anuja Vaidya, Senior Editor
-
News
06 Nov 2023
Bipartisan Bill Aims to Expand OUD Medication Access via Telehealth
The reintroduced TREATS Act would permanently allow clinicians to prescribe buprenorphine for OUD treatment through telehealth without a prior in-person exam. Continue Reading
By- Anuja Vaidya, Senior Editor
-
News
03 Nov 2023
New PFS Rule Includes Telehealth Payment, Address Reporting Wins
The 2024 Physician Fee Schedule rule finalizes several pandemic-era telehealth flexibilities, including paying higher non-facility rates for telehealth visits. Continue Reading
By- Anuja Vaidya, Senior Editor
-
News
27 Oct 2023
Half of US States Reimburse for 4 Common Forms of Virtual Care
A new report shows that 25 states reimburse for video, store-and-forward, and audio-only telehealth, as well as remote patient monitoring through Medicaid. Continue Reading
By- Anuja Vaidya, Senior Editor
-
News
24 Oct 2023
Telehealth Stakeholders Ask CMS to Eliminate Address Reporting Burden
Trade associations, health systems, and telehealth companies want CMS to allow providers to conduct virtual visits from home without reporting their addresses. Continue Reading
By- Anuja Vaidya, Senior Editor
-
News
13 Oct 2023
FDA Creates Advisory Committee for Digital Health Technology
The committee will advise the FDA on the benefits and potential risks of digital health technologies, including wearables, AI-based tools, and digital therapeutics. Continue Reading
By- Anuja Vaidya, Senior Editor
-
Feature
15 Sep 2023
Providers Make Impassioned Plea for Virtual Prescribing Flexibilities
Healthcare providers urged the DEA to allow virtual prescribing of controlled substances without in-person requirements, advocating for streamlined regulations. Continue Reading
By- Anuja Vaidya, Senior Editor
-
News
08 Sep 2023
ATA Submits Recommendations for Telehealth Prescription Flexibility
ATA Action made recommendations to the DEA for a special registration process enabling the virtual prescribing of controlled substances without an in-person exam. Continue Reading
By- Anuja Vaidya, Senior Editor
-
News
25 May 2023
Medicaid Coverage Linked to Rise in Telehealth Use, Healthcare Access
Medicaid coverage of telehealth was linked to increases in telehealth use and care access before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, but private insurance coverage was not. Continue Reading
By- Anuja Vaidya, Senior Editor
-
News
18 May 2023
CMS: Hospitals Can Continue to Bill for Remote Outpatient Therapies
The agency stated that providers can bill for several outpatient therapies, including physical and occupational therapy, provided remotely in patients' homes until the end of the year. Continue Reading
By- Anuja Vaidya, Senior Editor
-
News
11 May 2023
HHS: How the End of the PHE Will Impact Telehealth Flexibilities
With the end of the public health emergency comes changes related to pandemic-era telehealth flexibilities, including a renewed focus on HIPAA compliance and new deadlines for certain exceptions. Continue Reading
By- Anuja Vaidya, Senior Editor
-
News
09 May 2023
DEA Extends Pandemic-Era Waivers for Remote Prescribing of Controlled Substances
The extension of COVID-era waivers for remote prescribing of controlled substances will last another six months, DEA and SAMHSA said. Continue Reading
By- Sara Heath, Executive Editor
-
News
11 Aug 2022
VA OIG: Inefficiencies Abound in Digital Divide Consults Process
Despite some positive results, the Veterans Health Administration's digital divide consults and devices process was not as effective and efficient as it could have been, VA watchdog says. Continue Reading
By- Mark Melchionna
-
News
21 Jul 2022
HHS Issues Fraud Alert to Caution Providers Against Telehealth Cons
HHS-OIG warned healthcare practitioners about growing telehealth fraud and provided strategies to avoid suspicious telehealth arrangements when collaborating with external companies. Continue Reading
By- Mark Melchionna
-
News
19 Jul 2022
Texas Democrats Call for Safe, Accessible Abortion Care Through Telehealth
Liberal representatives from Texas are seeking safe and accessible abortion care, including through virtual modalities, according to a proposal letter to the White House. Continue Reading
By- Mark Melchionna
-
News
23 Jun 2022
Connected Health Initiative Urges CMS to Support mHealth Innovation in IPPS
The Connected Health Initiative sent a letter to CMS expressing support for its proposed IPPS but urged the agency to bolster mobile health innovation and limit associated burdens. Continue Reading
By- Mark Melchionna
-
News
01 Jun 2022
2 New Telehealth Bills Aim to Solidify Expanded Virtual Care Access
Two bills, introduced in the US House and Senate, aim to extend certain flexibilities enacted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Continue Reading
By- Mark Melchionna
-
News
31 May 2022
US Senators Release Draft Telehealth Policies for Mental Healthcare
Four US Senators have released a draft for telehealth policies that aim to bolster mental healthcare amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Continue Reading
By- Mark Melchionna
-
News
06 Apr 2022
Senators Join Calls for Continued Virtual Access to Controlled Substances
Two US senators have sent a letter to the DEA and HHS requesting continued telehealth access to controlled substances following the COVID-19 pandemic. Continue Reading
By- Mark Melchionna
-
News
05 Apr 2022
4 States Advance Telehealth Bills
As the healthcare industry awaits word on federal laws that would make telehealth flexibilities permanent, states are working to solidify regulations around virtual care delivery. Continue Reading
By- Anuja Vaidya, Senior Editor
-
News
01 Apr 2022
New Bill Aims to Make Telehealth an Excepted Employee Benefit
Introduced in the House, the legislation would allow employers to offer standalone telehealth programs as a benefit separate from employees' medical health plans. Continue Reading
By- Anuja Vaidya, Senior Editor
-
News
10 Mar 2022
Congress Omnibus Bill Includes Extension of Medicare Telehealth Coverage
If enacted into law, the omnibus spending package will extend numerous telehealth waivers for Medicare beneficiaries at least five months after the public health crisis has ended. Continue Reading
By- Anuja Vaidya, Senior Editor
-
News
03 Mar 2022
Biden's Plans to Curb Mental Health Crisis Include Virtual Care
In his first State of the Union address, the president laid out his administration's plans to tackle the mental health epidemic, including expanding access to telebehavioral healthcare. Continue Reading
By- Anuja Vaidya, Senior Editor
-
News
22 Feb 2022
FCC Plans to Change Telecom Rate Determination for Rural Providers
The commission is seeking comments on proposed changes to how it sets rates for the Rural Health Care Program, which supports rural provider access to broadband and other telecommunications services. Continue Reading
By- Anuja Vaidya, Senior Editor
-
News
10 Feb 2022
New Senate Bill Aims to Extend Medicare Telehealth Waivers By 2 Years
The bill proposes extending Medicare reimbursement for a range of telehealth services, including substance abuse treatment, for two years after the public health emergency has ended. Continue Reading
By- Anuja Vaidya, Senior Editor
-
News
01 Feb 2022
Pressure on Congress to Solidify Telehealth Access Builds
Two letters urging permanent telehealth reform were sent to leaders of the House and Senate as expanded telehealth access continues to be tied to the public health emergency declaration. Continue Reading
By- Anuja Vaidya, Senior Editor
-
News
31 Jan 2022
Florida Senate Passes Bill Allowing Audio-Only Telehealth Use
The bill includes an updated definition of telehealth which eliminates the section that states audio-only telephone calls are not considered telehealth. Continue Reading
By- Victoria Bailey, Xtelligent
-
News
28 Jan 2022
GOP, Independent Senators Co-Sponsor Medicare Telehealth Access Bill
The bipartisan legislation would eliminate Medicare’s geographic and originating site restrictions and establish policies that ensure Medicare coverage for telehealth services. Continue Reading
By- Victoria Bailey, Xtelligent
-
News
25 Jan 2022
125 Orgs Ask Congress to Restore Telehealth Flexibility for HDHP Members
The organizations are urging congress to reinstate the flexibility, which enables pre-deductible telehealth coverage for those with high-deductible health plans and Health Savings Accounts. Continue Reading
By- Anuja Vaidya, Senior Editor
-
News
24 Jan 2022
American Telemedicine Association Launches New Advocacy Group
Several prominent organizations, like HCA Healthcare and Walmart, have joined the group as founding council members to advocate for permanent access to telehealth. Continue Reading
By- Anuja Vaidya, Senior Editor
-
Feature
17 Jan 2022
What 2022 Could Have in Store for Laws Governing Telehealth
Numerous telehealth bills are winding their way through Congress, and while they appear to have solid, bipartisan support, there are some key factors that could hold back their passage. Continue Reading
By- Anuja Vaidya, Senior Editor
-
News
05 Jan 2022
Many States Hit Hard by COVID-19 Limit Telehealth Practice, Report Finds
States like New York, California, and Washington have laws that block interstate telehealth, while only three states allow all providers to easily practice telehealth across state lines. Continue Reading
By- Anuja Vaidya, Senior Editor
-
News
23 Dec 2021
Ohio, New Jersey Governors Sign Telehealth Bills Into Law
The bills expand telehealth access, ban denial of insurance coverage, and ensure payment parity between telehealth and in-person care in the two states. Continue Reading
By- Anuja Vaidya, Senior Editor
-
News
20 Dec 2021
Permanent Pay, Originating Site Policies Boost Access to Virtual Addiction Services
By making temporary reimbursement and site-originating policies permanent, legislators could help increase access to virtual opioid use disorder treatment, according to a new report. Continue Reading
By- Victoria Bailey, Xtelligent
-
News
13 Dec 2021
Telemedicine Fraud Scheme, Faulty Prescriptions Led to $37M in Losses
Telemedicine company employees are facing federal charges for offering kickback payments to providers who generated faulty prescriptions in a recent fraud scheme. Continue Reading
By- Victoria Bailey, Xtelligent
-
News
10 Dec 2021
US Reps Introduce Bill to Ensure Permanent Access to Telehealth
The Telehealth Extension Act aims to solidify policies that will preserve permanent access to telehealth after the public health emergency ends. Continue Reading
By- Victoria Bailey, Xtelligent
-
News
09 Dec 2021
AHA, Ascension, Others Campaign to Preserve Post-Pandemic Telehealth Access
The Telehealth Access for America campaign urges Congress to solidify policies and ensure telehealth access once the COVID-19 pandemic ends. Continue Reading
By- Victoria Bailey, Xtelligent
-
News
07 Dec 2021
Pharmacy Owner Convicted for Leading $174M Telemedicine Fraud Scheme
The Florida man and his co-conspirators were part of a telemedicine fraud scheme in which they received reimbursement for faulty prescriptions that they obtained through a telemarketing platform. Continue Reading
By- Victoria Bailey, Xtelligent
-
News
02 Dec 2021
Washington State Solidifies Audio-Only Telehealth Regulations
The Office of the Insurance Commissioner has finalized regulations to implement the state's audio-only telehealth law, including rules surrounding patient consent and coverage denial. Continue Reading
By- Anuja Vaidya, Senior Editor
-
News
22 Nov 2021
A Snapshot of Telehealth Payment Policies Across States
States have adjusted their Medicaid reimbursement policies for telehealth services, with most increasing coverage of and access to virtual care. Continue Reading
By- Victoria Bailey, Xtelligent
-
News
17 Nov 2021
Cures 2.0 Bill Introduced in House Aims to Expand Telehealth Coverage
The new Cures 2.0 bill builds upon the original legislation and pushes for expanded Medicare and Medicaid telehealth coverage. Continue Reading
By- Victoria Bailey, Xtelligent
-
News
09 Nov 2021
Permanent Audio-Only Telehealth, Licensure Flexibilities Key to Virtual Care
As states look to make telehealth policies enacted during the pandemic permanent, a new report recommends focusing on allowances expanding audio-only telehealth and cross-state medical licensing. Continue Reading
By- Anuja Vaidya, Senior Editor
-
News
08 Nov 2021
Senate Bill Aims to Solidify Medicare Coverage for Telehealth
The proposed bill would permanently expand Medicare coverage for select telehealth services, including physical therapy and speech-language pathology. Continue Reading
By- Victoria Bailey, Xtelligent
-
News
03 Nov 2021
Orgs Ask Congress to Make Telehealth a Permanent Excepted Benefit
Permanently including telehealth services as an excepted benefit under ERISA would allow all employees, regardless of employment status, to access virtual healthcare beyond the pandemic, the organizations said. Continue Reading
By- Victoria Bailey, Xtelligent
-
News
02 Nov 2021
Groups Urge Legislators to Maintain Telehealth Licensures During PHE
Governors must solidify telehealth licensure flexibilities that allow patients to access telehealth services from providers in other states, the organizations insisted. Continue Reading
By- Victoria Bailey, Xtelligent
-
News
25 Oct 2021
New Bill Targets Telehealth Provisions in High-Deductible Health Plans
A bill introduced in the House earlier this month would extend provisions for telehealth coverage in high-deductible health plans that were enacted in the CARES Act of 2020, but are due to expire at the end of this year. Continue Reading
By- Eric Wicklund
-
News
25 Oct 2021
Biden Administration Emphasizes Telehealth in its Infrastructure Strategy
While Congress is whittling down the Biden Administration's massive Build Back Better plan, new announcements out of the USDA and FCC aim to support broadband expansion for telehealth - and to emphasize how important that is to the nation's infrastructure. Continue Reading
By- Eric Wicklund
-
News
22 Oct 2021
FCC Announces 3rd Group of COVID-19 Telehealth Program Awards
Another 71 healthcare organizations will receive funding for connected health tools and services under the agency's COVID-19 Telehealth Program. Continue Reading
By- Eric Wicklund
-
News
21 Oct 2021
ATA Asks the Biden Administration For Assurances on Telehealth Coverage
The American Telemedicine Association has sent a letter to the Biden Administration asking that it provide assurances that emergency provisions to expand telehealth access and coverage remain in place at least through 2022. Continue Reading
By- Eric Wicklund
-
News
18 Oct 2021
AHRQ Seeks Public Data on COVID-19 Telehealth Programs
The agency is looking for as much public information as it can find - both positive and negative - to complete a study of how telehealth was used during the pandemic. Continue Reading
By- Eric Wicklund
-
News
18 Oct 2021
CMS Selects 4 States for ACO-Based Rural Telehealth Delivery Model
Organizations in four states will use telehealth and other services through an ACO to improve healthcare access and reduce health disparities under the Community Health Access and Rural Transformation (CHART) model. Continue Reading
By- Eric Wicklund
-
News
15 Oct 2021
New Study Offers Mixed Results for Telehealth in Addiction Treatment
A new analysis of telehealth use in addiction treatment programs finds that virtual care can boost access to care, but more proof is needed that these channels can improve retention and clinical outcomes. Continue Reading
By- Eric Wicklund
-
News
12 Oct 2021
CMS Clarifies Medicare Recognition of Interstate Licensure Compacts
CMS has clarified its policy on recognizing interstate licensure compacts, setting the ground rules for Medicare coverage for providers who use telehealth to treat patients in other states. Continue Reading
By- Eric Wicklund
-
News
12 Oct 2021
Lawmakers Ask Congress to Create a Rural Telehealth Access Task Force
The Rural Telehealth Access Task Force Act, introduced last week in the House, would launch a federal study of how telehealth is being used - and what barriers it faces - in rural America. Continue Reading
By- Eric Wicklund
-
News
07 Oct 2021
Iowa Includes PAs, Speech-Language Pathologists, Audiologists in Telehealth Rules
Healthcare regulators in Iowa have revised their telehealth guidelines to give physician assistants, speech-language pathologists and audiologists more opportunities to use connected health. Continue Reading
By- Eric Wicklund
-
News
05 Oct 2021
Telehealth Advocates Try to Bring Congress' Attention Back to Long-Term Policy
The Protecting Telehealth Access Act, introduced last week in the House, is a companion to a similar bill introduced in the Senate last June. Supporters are hoping it prods Congress to refocus on establishing long-term connected health policy. Continue Reading
By- Eric Wicklund
-
News
04 Oct 2021
How Can the Internet of Things Integrate With Telehealth, Remote Patient Monitoring?
The Federal Communications Commission wants to start a conversation on how to manage and regulate connectivity for the Internet of Things, including meeting the needs of telehealth and remote patient monitoring platforms and mHealth devices. Continue Reading
By- Eric Wicklund
-
News
01 Oct 2021
JD Power Survey Sees Telehealth Falling Back Into the Same Old Rut
The consumer satisfaction company's third annual survey finds that telehealth has surged during the pandemic, but satisfaction rates are dropping as patients have problems understanding or using it. Continue Reading
By- Eric Wicklund
-
News
29 Sep 2021
California Extends HIPAA Telehealth Waiver to End of PHE
California Governor Gavin Newsom has extended an emergency order enacted in 2020 that protects physicians from HIPAA penalties should they accidentally expose patient data during the good faith provision of telehealth. Continue Reading
By- Eric Wicklund
-
News
27 Sep 2021
CMS Faces a Call to Improve Telehealth Coverage for Rural Health Providers
A letter signed by 20 organizations calls on the agency to expand telehealth coverage for mental health and other services delivered through critical access hospitals, federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics. Continue Reading
By- Eric Wicklund
-
News
22 Sep 2021
OIG Report Assesses Medicaid Telehealth Programs for Behavioral Health
A new data brief from the Office of the Inspector General takes states to task for not analyzing how telehealth affects the quality of behavioral health services - or monitoring for fraud, waste and abuse. Continue Reading
By- Eric Wicklund
-
News
21 Sep 2021
Lawmakers Asked to Boost Telehealth Resource Center Budget to $27M
Telehealth advocates are urging lawmakers to set an annual budget of $27 million for the National Consortium of Telehealth Resource Centers, noting the 14-center network has seen traffic increase by 800 percent during the pandemic. Continue Reading
By- Eric Wicklund
-
News
20 Sep 2021
Telehealth Groups Pressure CMS to Expand Coverage in 2022 Physician Fee Schedule
Several organizations have asked CMS to revise its proposed 2022 Physician Fee Schedule to permanently expand Medicare coverage for telehealth. Continue Reading
By- Eric Wicklund
-
News
15 Sep 2021
Supporters Blame Politics for Failed Alaska Telehealth Legislation
A proposal to allow care providers to issue prescriptions via telehealth failed in Alaska after legislators tried to add too many controversial amendments. Continue Reading
By- Eric Wicklund
-
News
09 Sep 2021
South Dakota Governor’s Executive Order Bans Telemedicine Abortions
The executive order directs the state’s Department of Health and its physicians to abide by rules that prevent telemedicine abortions that lack initial in-person assessments. Continue Reading
By- Victoria Bailey, Xtelligent
-
News
08 Sep 2021
Kickback Fraud Exploited COVID-19 Medicare Telehealth Policies
A laboratory owner took advantage of temporary COVID-19 Medicare telehealth policies and conspired to increase unnecessary genetic testing. Continue Reading
By- Victoria Bailey, Xtelligent
-
News
03 Sep 2021
CMS Faces Calls to Improve Remote Patient Monitoring Coverage in 2022 PFS
Telehealth advocates are submitting recommendations to CMS to improve coverage for remote patient monitoring services in the proposed 2022 Physician Fee Schedule. Continue Reading
By- Eric Wicklund
-
News
02 Sep 2021
American Academy of Pediatrics Targets Parity in Telehealth Policy Statement
The AAP has unveiled a telehealth policy statement that calls for payment parity, as well as more efforts to address social determinants of health and improve access to quality care for all children. Continue Reading
By- Eric Wicklund
-
News
19 Aug 2021
House Democrats Press for Telehealth Access to Abortion Services
House Democrats have introduced a resolution that aims to ensure that federal regulations on medication abortions reduce barriers to access and allow providers and patients to use telehealth. Continue Reading
By- Eric Wicklund
-
News
18 Aug 2021
Congress Gets Another Shot at Legislating Payment Parity for Telehealth
Two Congressmen have reintroduced a bill that would mandate payment parity for telehealth services, as well as requiring payers to cover any telehealth service that's covered by Medicare. Continue Reading
By- Eric Wicklund
-
News
18 Aug 2021
Feds Investing $19 Million in Telehealth Resource Centers, Other Programs
The federal government is issuing more than $19 million in grants to several key connected health projects, including the National Consortium of Telehealth Resource Centers and the Telehealth Centers of Excellence program. Continue Reading
By- Eric Wicklund
-
News
17 Aug 2021
Planned Parenthood Challenges Montana's Ban on Telemedicine Abortions
Montana's Planned Parenthood chapter has filed suit seeking to overturn four bills passed by the Republican-controlled Legislature this year that seek to curb abortion services. One would ban the use of telemedicine in medication abortions. Continue Reading
By- Eric Wicklund
-
News
11 Aug 2021
Federal Judge Shoots Down Indiana's Ban on Telemedicine Abortions
A federal judge has issued permanent injunctions against Indiana's laws banning the use of telehealth in abortions and requiring an in-person exam prior to a medication abortion. Continue Reading
By- Eric Wicklund
-
News
09 Aug 2021
New Bill Seeks Nationwide Medicare Coverage for Asynchronous Telehealth Services
A Montana Congressman has introduced a bill that would establish Medicare coverage for asynchronous (store-and-forward) telehealth services in all 50 states, expanding the possibilities for a platform that would improve rural access to care. Continue Reading
By- Eric Wicklund
-
News
03 Aug 2021
Congress Again Eyes a Thorough Study of Telehealth During the Pandemic
US Rep. Robin Kelly has reintroduced a bill that would call on the Health and Human Services Department to evaluate how telehealth was used during the pandemic in Medicare and Medicaid programs. Continue Reading
By- Eric Wicklund
-
News
30 Jul 2021
New Bill Would Expand Home Health Options, Including Remote Patient Monitoring, for Seniors
The Choose Home Care Act of 2021 would expand Medicare coverage for seniors who choose to go home after a hospital stay rather than to a skilled nursing facility. It would also open the door to remote patient monitoring, telehealth and other services. Continue Reading
By- Eric Wicklund