Telehealth
Telehealth is vital in increasing access to healthcare. Healthcare providers can use audiovisual, audio-only or asynchronous telehealth tools to facilitate virtual visits, improving patient experience and, in some cases, reducing healthcare costs. But hurdles like the digital divide and racial disparities, which can widen existing health inequities, must be tackled.
Top Stories
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18 Dec 2024
Medication management, follow-ups top telehealth use cases
A new survey finds U.S. physicians and patients see value in telehealth access, citing medication management and follow-up visits as the most common reasons for telehealth use. Continue Reading
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13 Dec 2024
What is virtual nursing, and why is it on the rise?
Virtual nursing facilitated through telehealth and RPM tools can help address nursing shortages and burnout by supporting bedside nurses with various tasks. Continue Reading
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26 Jan 2024
Primary Care Offers Safe, Positive Telehealth Abortions, Patients Say
A new qualitative study reveals positive patient perceptions of telehealth medication abortions provided within their primary care networks. Continue Reading
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24 Jan 2024
Veterans’ Use of Video-Based Telehealth 2,300% Higher Than Pre-Pandemic
Veterans’ telehealth use skyrocketed during the pandemic, but research shows that in 2023, audio-only visits have dropped while video visit levels remain high. Continue Reading
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24 Jan 2024
Developing Simulation-Based Telehealth Training for Next-Gen Nurses
OSF HealthCare and Illinois State University are launching a telehealth training program for nurses that offers simulations of virtual visits with trained actors. Continue Reading
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23 Jan 2024
Internet Use Gaps Among Medicare Patients Shrinking Across Segments
Study results show that internet use rates increased the most among Medicare patients with lower internet use, but disparities remain across demographic lines. Continue Reading
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19 Jan 2024
Palliative Care via Audio-Only Telehealth Boosts Quality of Life
An audio-only telehealth intervention delivering palliative care to patients with chronic conditions improved quality of life scores, research shows. Continue Reading
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18 Jan 2024
Patients Use Telehealth When Clinicians Recommend, Require It
Research shows that clinicians drive patient telehealth use, but younger adults are more likely to use telehealth because their clinician said so than those over 60. Continue Reading
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16 Jan 2024
Counties with Urgent Mental Healthcare Needs Face Telehealth Barriers
A new study reveals that US counties with low densities of mental healthcare resources also have a higher percentage of homes without broadband access. Continue Reading
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12 Jan 2024
FCC Updates Funding Program to Boost Rural Telehealth Adoption
The agency published the final rule for its Rural Health Care Program, updating several provisions to reduce barriers to provider adoption of virtual care. Continue Reading
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11 Jan 2024
How Virtual Nursing Can Help Fortify a Workforce in Crisis
Leaders from three healthcare organizations detail their virtual nursing efforts, how these are impacting their nurses, and the challenges to implementation. Continue Reading
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09 Jan 2024
Telehealth, High-Speed Internet Access May Not Close Care Gaps
Access to telehealth and high-speed internet increases primary care use overall, but healthcare disparities persist, a new study shows. Continue Reading
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08 Jan 2024
Amazon Enables Digital Health Benefits Check for Chronic Conditions
Through the new initiative, healthcare consumers can check on Amazon’s website whether they are eligible for digital health programs to manage chronic conditions. Continue Reading
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08 Jan 2024
Patient Care, Policy & More: A Look at This Year’s Virtual Care Trends
The telehealth industry held steady on several fronts last year, but experts say 2024 will be different as stakeholders determine the future of virtual care. Continue Reading
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05 Jan 2024
Telehealth With Own Physician Less Likely to Result in ED Visits
Virtual visits within ongoing provider-patient relationships were less likely to result in emergency department visits than those with outside physicians. Continue Reading
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03 Jan 2024
Women Used Telehealth to Stock up on Abortion Drugs Post-Dobbs Leak
The number of women ordering abortion medications through telehealth before they were pregnant spiked after the leak of the Supreme Court decision in May 2022. Continue Reading
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03 Jan 2024
New York AG Orders Cerebral to Pay for Cumbersome Cancelation Process
An investigation concluded that the company made canceling subscriptions a multistep, burdensome process and charged subscribers for services not rendered. Continue Reading
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26 Dec 2023
Psychiatrists’ Telehealth Use ‘Well Above’ Other Specialists
Amid a drop in telehealth use between 2020 and 2022, psychiatrists and other mental health providers continued to use telehealth at above-average rates. Continue Reading
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21 Dec 2023
Understanding Asynchronous Telehealth’s Benefits and Barriers to Use
Asynchronous telehealth provides numerous advantages, including convenience and timely access to care, but challenges to adoption and use remain. Continue Reading
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19 Dec 2023
Audio-Only Telehealth Frequently Used for Behavioral Healthcare
Though the uptake of audio-only telehealth claims modifiers has been low, analysis reveals the care modality is primarily used for behavioral healthcare. Continue Reading
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18 Dec 2023
Lawsuit Challenges New Jersey’s Out-of-State Telehealth Licensing Law
The suit claims that mandating out-of-state telehealth providers to maintain a New Jersey medical license is burdensome and limits patients’ access to care. Continue Reading
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15 Dec 2023
NIH-Funded Study to Assess Telehealth Use in Predicting Autism
UC Davis researchers will use a $3.2 million NIH grant to assess telehealth’s potential in determining the likelihood of autism diagnoses among infants. Continue Reading
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13 Dec 2023
Telehealth-Only Care Fails to Improve Type 2 Diabetes Outcomes
New research shows that type 2 diabetes care provided through telehealth alone did not improve glycemic control compared to in-person or hybrid diabetes care. Continue Reading
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07 Dec 2023
Video Telehealth Quality Largely on Par with In-Person Care
A literature review on telehealth modalities reveals that live video telehealth and in-person care quality were similar across health outcomes and utilization. Continue Reading
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05 Dec 2023
How a Provider-Police Collab is Expanding Virtual Mental Health Access
In Baraga County, Michigan, law enforcement and healthcare providers have come together to launch a virtual care model that extends access to mental healthcare. Continue Reading
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01 Dec 2023
Telehealth Use Remains High in Mental Health, Infectious Disease Care
Though the overall share of telehealth visits has dropped, it accounts for 37 percent of mental health and 11 percent of infectious disease visits, new data shows. Continue Reading
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30 Nov 2023
$2M Grant to Support Telehealth Implementation in Rural Alabama
The grant will fund an initiative to expand healthcare access in rural areas by implementing telehealth stations across the state. Continue Reading
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22 Nov 2023
Visit Volumes Decline When Out-of-State Telehealth Waivers Expire
After waivers enabling out-of-state telehealth expired, patients were less likely to engage in telehealth or in-person care, new research reveals. Continue Reading
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21 Nov 2023
With Digital Access, Telemental Health Benefits Youth on Medicaid
Interviews with therapists revealed that telehealth expands access to mental healthcare for youth enrolled in Medicaid, but only if digital barriers are addressed. Continue Reading
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20 Nov 2023
Telehealth Patients Less Likely to Complete Ordered Tests, Referrals
New research shows that patients are less likely to complete tests and referrals ordered during telehealth visits than those placed during in-person visits. Continue Reading
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17 Nov 2023
Telehealth Effective in Treating OUD Patients with Hepatitis C Virus
New research shows opioid use disorder patients with hepatitis C virus treated via telehealth were twice as likely to be cured than those receiving in-person care. Continue Reading
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14 Nov 2023
American Heart Association Unveils Telehealth Resource Center
The new center will provide education, offer telehealth certification, and create an evidence base for virtual cardiovascular care, including quality standards. Continue Reading
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08 Nov 2023
Amazon Offers One Medical Services as Prime Membership Benefit
Amazon Prime members can access One Medical’s telehealth and in-person primary care services for $9 monthly, saving up to $100 off the One Medical membership yearly. Continue Reading
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01 Nov 2023
Telehealth Use May Increase Physicians’ EHR Workload
A new study found that growing pandemic-era telehealth use increased the time physicians spent documenting visits in the EHR. Continue Reading
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31 Oct 2023
High Telehealth Use Linked to More Visits for Serious Mental Illness
Medicare patients with serious mental illness had more mental health visits if they received care at a medical practice with high telehealth use, new research shows. Continue Reading
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23 Oct 2023
GNC Launches Telehealth, Prescription Medication Services
The global retailer is offering virtual primary, urgent, mental health, and physician therapy care and certain prescription medications at a $0 copay. Continue Reading
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20 Oct 2023
Black Cancer Patients Will Accept Telehealth but Prefer In-Person Care
Though Black cancer patients view telehealth as acceptable and convenient, research reveals they have a clear preference for in-person care. Continue Reading
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19 Oct 2023
Telehealth Supports OUD Treatment Retention Among Medicaid Enrollees
Medicaid patients who started opioid use disorder treatment via telehealth have better odds of continuing treatment than their peers who did not use telehealth. Continue Reading
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18 Oct 2023
In-Person Follow-ups Higher After Telehealth Than Office Visits
In-person follow-up rates were higher after telehealth than in-person office visits and linked to cases involving physical pain, a new study reveals. Continue Reading
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18 Oct 2023
Walgreens' Virtual Care Launch Signals Retailers’ Healthcare Edge
Walgreens enters virtual care on the heels of Costco and Walmart, pointing to retailers’ upper hand in offering omnichannel patient access and experience. Continue Reading
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17 Oct 2023
Telehealth Reduces Psychotherapy Disruption, Boosting Care Continuity
New research shows that amid an increase in telebehavioral healthcare access, there were fewer instances of 45-plus days passing between psychotherapy visits. Continue Reading
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16 Oct 2023
Using Telehealth to Address Side Effects of Cancer Immunotherapy
Duke Health’s award-winning telehealth service improved care and lowered hospitalizations among cancer patients with endocrine immune-related adverse events. Continue Reading
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11 Oct 2023
Evernorth Adds Asynchronous Telehealth Options to MDLIVE
By acquiring Bright.md, Evernorth Health Services will provide asynchronous telehealth services to MDLIVE’s virtual care patients starting next year. Continue Reading
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10 Oct 2023
Walmart Expands Virtual Primary Care for Employees Nationwide
Following a successful pilot, Walmart and its virtual care partner, Included Health, are expanding the service, which includes integrated behavioral healthcare. Continue Reading
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10 Oct 2023
Pediatric Telemental Health Use Swells to 2,300% of Pre-Pandemic Levels
Pediatric telemental health use surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing 30-fold over pre-pandemic levels by August 2022. Continue Reading
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09 Oct 2023
DEA Extends Virtual Prescribing Flexibilities Through 2024
With the extension, healthcare providers can prescribe controlled substances, including Adderall and Vicodin, through telehealth without a prior in-person exam. Continue Reading
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06 Oct 2023
New Bill Aims to Enable Virtual Cardiac Rehab for Medicare Patients
The newly introduced bill would make permanent a pandemic-era flexibility that allows Medicare reimbursement for home-based cardiac rehab delivered via telehealth. Continue Reading
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05 Oct 2023
mHealth Strategy Improves Diabetes Outcomes Among Black, Latino Patients
An intervention led by clinical pharmacists and health coaches using mHealth tools improved blood glucose levels among type 2 diabetes Black and Latino patients. Continue Reading
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04 Oct 2023
NYC Public Health System Launches Virtual Abortion Access
In a first nationwide, New York City's public healthcare system has extended medication abortion access via its ExpressCare telehealth service. Continue Reading
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03 Oct 2023
Telehealth Visits Decline 46%, But Telebehavioral Healthcare Still High
From 2020 to 2022, virtual visit volume halved, but telebehavioral health services remained popular, rising to 63 percent of overall telehealth visits. Continue Reading
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28 Sep 2023
Private Insurance Payments Similar for Telehealth, In-Person Claims
In 2021, the average private insurer payment was nearly identical for common medical and mental health services provided in person and via telehealth. Continue Reading
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26 Sep 2023
Providers, Hospital Leaders Not Threatened by New Market Entrants
Healthcare providers and hospital leadership do not appear worried about the entry of technology and retail companies into the healthcare space, a new survey shows. Continue Reading
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25 Sep 2023
Costco, Sesame Partner to Offer Telehealth Visits at Discount Prices
Costco members will gain access to virtual visits and telemental healthcare services through the Sesame online marketplace at prices ranging from $29 to $79. Continue Reading
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25 Sep 2023
New Texas Telehealth Institute Aims to Boost Rural Healthcare Access
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center's new telehealth and digital innovation institute will focus on digital healthcare access, research, and training. Continue Reading
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22 Sep 2023
Virtual Nursing, Sitting Platforms Help Alleviate Staff Shortages
Most healthcare professionals believe that their virtual nursing and sitting solutions have helped circumvent staff shortages, a new KLAS report shows. Continue Reading
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21 Sep 2023
Exploring the ATA's New Tools to Address Telehealth Disparities
The American Telemedicine Association launched three tools to support healthcare stakeholders as they work to curb telehealth-related inequities. Continue Reading
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19 Sep 2023
Hybrid Care Could Help Curb Disparities in Healthcare Utilization
Offering patients both in-person and virtual care options can help reduce healthcare disparities related to race, ethnicity, and language, new research shows. Continue Reading
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18 Sep 2023
Providers See Virtual Nursing as Potential Recruitment Opportunity
Virtual nursing efforts supporting patient discharge, admissions, education, and more can provide a recruitment opportunity amid staff shortages. Continue Reading
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13 Sep 2023
Asynchronous Telemental Healthcare Claims Rise, Doubling in Midwest
Mental health conditions not only rose on the list of top asynchronous telehealth diagnoses in June but also topped the list of synchronous telehealth diagnoses. Continue Reading
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11 Sep 2023
Multiracial Individuals More Likely to Use Telehealth Abortion Services
Multiracial individuals and those who live far away from a clinic were more likely to use telehealth to access abortion services than their peers, per a new study. Continue Reading
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06 Sep 2023
32% of Behavioral Health Patients Do Not Get the Visit Type They Want
Many behavioral health patients also do not believe their clinician considers their visit preference when selecting virtual or in-person care. Continue Reading
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05 Sep 2023
Texas Pilots EMS Telehealth Project to Extend Trauma Care
Called Next Generation 911, the pilot project will virtually connect rural trauma centers and EMS providers to trauma resource centers across the state. Continue Reading
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31 Aug 2023
ATA Releases Data Privacy Principles for Telehealth Practices
The American Telemedicine Association's principles emphasize consistency in data privacy policies and the importance of consumer rights and consent. Continue Reading
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30 Aug 2023
Using Translational Research to Support the Evolution of Virtual Care
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has launched a new center to advance virtual care sustainability and health equity through translation research efforts. Continue Reading
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29 Aug 2023
Telemental Healthcare Grew Ten-Fold During Pandemic, Remains 'Elevated'
Even as in-person mental health service utilization slowed during the pandemic, telemental healthcare use soared 1,068 percent higher than pre-pandemic levels. Continue Reading
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28 Aug 2023
11% of Telehealth Visits Result in In-Person Follow-Up for Same Reason
Behavioral health and chronic conditions are the primary diagnoses associated with in-person follow-ups for the same clinical reason after a telehealth visit. Continue Reading
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28 Aug 2023
Why Interoperability is the Next Critical Consideration for Virtual Care
Amid ongoing virtual care adoption, healthcare providers must focus on interoperability to boost clinician experience, patient outcomes, and improved care models. Continue Reading
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25 Aug 2023
Virtual Multidisciplinary Rounds Help Cut Length of Patient Stay
Virtual multidisciplinary rounds with added interventions can cut patient length of stay and costs by improving care team collaboration. Continue Reading
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24 Aug 2023
How the VA's Teleneurology Program Mitigates Care Access Challenges
Research shows that the VA's teleneurology program expanded access to timely care for rural veterans, which could support broader efforts in this area. Continue Reading
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23 Aug 2023
Telehealth Boosts Psychiatric Visits Within Skilled Nursing Facilities
Telehealth at skilled nursing facilities skyrocketed in 2020, and though usage has since dropped, research shows telehealth increased access to psychiatric care. Continue Reading
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22 Aug 2023
Understanding Telehealth-Enabled Opioid Use Disorder Treatment
Telehealth has emerged as a critical treatment option for OUD patients, making examining virtual OUD care strategies, research, and regulations essential. Continue Reading
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21 Aug 2023
Vanderbilt, Jefferson Health Systems Launch Virtual Nursing Programs
The health systems launched virtual nursing programs to enhance care operations and reduce the administrative load on a burned-out workforce. Continue Reading
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16 Aug 2023
ESRD-Related Telehealth Services Documentation Found Lacking During PHE
An OIG audit found that few Medicare claims for telehealth-based end-stage renal disease services provided detailed information. Continue Reading
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14 Aug 2023
Midwest Providers Expand Specialty Care Telehealth Partnership
Through a new partnership, clinicians in Indiana will be able to connect virtually with physicians in Ohio to enhance pediatric specialty care. Continue Reading
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11 Aug 2023
After PHE's End, Americans Signal Preference for In-Person Care
Only 6 percent of Americans prefer virtual care, while a majority believe the affordability, efficacy, and quality of in-person care are better. Continue Reading
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09 Aug 2023
Expanding Virtual Care Access for Sexual Assault Survivors in Texas
A forensic nurse leader discusses a new telehealth clinic that aims to boost access to trauma-informed follow-up care among sexual assault survivors. Continue Reading
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08 Aug 2023
Black Women are Open to Mental Health Services Via Mobile Technology
New research showed that Black American Women are willing to engage with mental health services and technology to treat depression. Continue Reading
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07 Aug 2023
Telehealth Use During the PHE Presented Challenges, Opportunities
New research provided insight into the technological barriers and opportunities of telehealth use during the COVID-19 pandemic. Continue Reading
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02 Aug 2023
Age, Residence Type, and Practice Setting Affect Telehealth Use
Various factors affect telehealth use for cancer care in 2021; further reimbursement is necessary for effective care. Continue Reading
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01 Aug 2023
Amazon's Virtual Care Clinic Expands Nationwide
Amazon Clinic is now available across 50 states and Washington, D.C., enabling healthcare consumers to select telehealth providers from an online marketplace. Continue Reading
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31 Jul 2023
Video Telehealth Use Is More Common Among Urban Veterans
New research indicated that urban veterans, particularly those who were American Indian or Alaska Native, were more likely to use video telehealth. Continue Reading
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28 Jul 2023
Hybrid Virtual Care Lessens Negative Environmental Impacts
Using hybrid virtual care yields a 25 percent fall in carbon emissions and a 35 percent drop in water consumption, a case study indicates. Continue Reading
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27 Jul 2023
Telehealth Companies Face Repercussions for Medicare Fraud Scheme
David Santana, the owner of Conclave Media and Nationwide Health Advocates, faced charges over a $44 million fraud scheme for falsely ordering DME. Continue Reading
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26 Jul 2023
Telehealth Yields Higher No-Show Rates for Behavioral Health Patients
New research indicated difficulties behavioral health patients initially face when using telehealth technology, which yields higher no-show rates. Continue Reading
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24 Jul 2023
Hybrid Care Model Provided Effective Prenatal Care During the PHE
Various prenatal health outcomes among mothers and newborns during the PHE were not impacted by the implementation of a hybrid care model. Continue Reading
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20 Jul 2023
Collaboration Enhances Teledermatology for Underserved Areas
A collaboration between George Washington University and Pfizer Global Medical Grants increases access to virtual dermatologic care. Continue Reading
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18 Jul 2023
Lack of Digital Tools Create Barrier to Mental Healthcare Access
A new report indicated that limited understanding, a lack of efficacy, and the absence of digital tools make mental healthcare less accessible. Continue Reading
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17 Jul 2023
CO Telehealth Utilization Skyrocketed Following PHE Onset
Telehealth utilization and spending in Colorado rose during the public health emergency, largely driven by mental health conditions and younger populations. Continue Reading
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14 Jul 2023
Maternal Health Collaboration to Employ Virtual Consultations
A new collaboration will use HHS funding to combat maternal health issues using numerous strategies, including telehealth. Continue Reading
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14 Jul 2023
Various Clinical Cases Fail to Benefit from Telehealth
New research indicates that circulatory, respiratory, and infectious diseases were among those that achieved limited benefits from virtual care. Continue Reading
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13 Jul 2023
Telehealth Provides Effective Option for Abortion Care
New research indicates that patients and providers view telehealth as an effective option for obtaining abortion care on par with in-person services. Continue Reading
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11 Jul 2023
Intermountain Health Enables Virtual Prescriptions of Birth Control
Changes in Utah law allowing pharmacists to prescribe birth control led to Intermountain Health creating a new virtual program. Continue Reading
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10 Jul 2023
Judge Dismisses Investors' Class-Action Lawsuit Against Teladoc Health
The class-action lawsuit brought last year alleged that Teladoc leaders misled shareholders about competition impacting the virtual care company's business. Continue Reading
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10 Jul 2023
Telehealth Use Fell Nationally, in all 4 US Regions in April
New data indicates that telehealth use dropped 5.4 percent nationally in April, occupying 5.3 percent of medical claim lines. Continue Reading
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07 Jul 2023
In-Person Follow-Ups Higher After In-Office Visits Than Telehealth
In-person follow-up rates were higher for most specialty care-related office visits than virtual visits, including mental healthcare. Continue Reading
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06 Jul 2023
Northwell Pilots Virtual Service to Help Evaluate Burns in Real-Time
Northwell Health is piloting a new virtual service that leverages video telehealth technology to support patient burn assessments. Continue Reading
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05 Jul 2023
Despite Room for Improvement, Telehealth Assists Incarcerated Patients
During the pandemic, various state-level policy changes, including broader telehealth access, benefited incarcerated patients with substance use disorders. Continue Reading
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05 Jul 2023
Virtual CBT Curbs Depression, But Not All Components Are Effective
Internet-delivered CBT lowers depression symptoms overall, but some components of the programs, like functional analysis, do not have an impact. Continue Reading
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30 Jun 2023
Healthcare Providers, Patients Trust, Plan to Continue Telehealth Use
A new report indicates that a large share of physicians and patients support telehealth services, among other factors surrounding its use. Continue Reading
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29 Jun 2023
ADHD Medication Prescription Rates Did Not Vary Across Visit Types
New research indicates that clinicians provided medication prescriptions for ADHD at similar rates in virtual and in-person care settings. Continue Reading
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28 Jun 2023
DOJ Charges 11 People in Telehealth Fraud Schemes Worth $2B
The fraud schemes range from submitting false claims for medical equipment to telemarketing scams targeting the elderly and disabled. Continue Reading
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28 Jun 2023
Viewpoint: Telehealth Can Support Network Adequacy Requirements
Experts propose telehealth be included in network adequacy, largely due to its potential to incentivize investments. Continue Reading