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 Jul 2024
Health information exchange barriers hamper telehealth adoption
US hospitals cited numerous IT challenges, including interoperability issues, that are curbing telehealth’s full potential in care delivery, new research shows. Continue Reading
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17 Jul 2024
Telehealth referrals boost OUD treatment initiation, retention
Compared to referrals originating during in-person ED visits, telehealth-based referrals were more effective in facilitating OUD treatment initiation and retention. 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
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28 Jun 2023
Collaboration Aims to Provide Virtual Care to Long-Term Care Residents
Two organizations are expanding their collaboration to bring acute-level virtual care to long-term and post-acute care patients. Continue Reading
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27 Jun 2023
NY State Legislation Supports Virtual Reproductive Healthcare Services
Newly signed legislation in New York State will allow healthcare providers to extend virtual reproductive healthcare services to out-of-state patients. Continue Reading
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26 Jun 2023
Report: Amazon Pauses 50-State Virtual Care Service Expansion
The tech giant is delaying its expansion of Amazon Clinic across 50 states after receiving a letter from lawmakers about its data privacy practices. Continue Reading
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26 Jun 2023
Funding Supports School-Based Telehealth Services in NY State
Financial support from various sources will allow Rochester, New York, school students to access telehealth services for acute care and mental health conditions. Continue Reading
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23 Jun 2023
Telehealth Most Commonly Used for Follow-ups, Behavioral Healthcare
A new report shows that telehealth usage remained steady from 2022 to 2023, with follow-up and behavioral healthcare cited as the primary reasons for a virtual visit. Continue Reading
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23 Jun 2023
Virtual Care Model Aims to Provide Clinical Support in Nursing Homes
A pilot study aimed to virtually apply a pre-existing in-person model to improve clinical support for the growing nursing home population. Continue Reading
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22 Jun 2023
Despite Preferences for In-Person Care, Patients Are Open to Telehealth
New research indicates that although there is a widespread preference for in-person care, only 10 percent brush off the possibility of using virtual primary care. Continue Reading
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21 Jun 2023
Virtual Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Solution Assists Dialysis Patients
New research indicates that a virtual cognitive behavioral therapy solution helped reduce symptoms among chronic kidney disease patients undergoing dialysis. Continue Reading
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21 Jun 2023
Hybrid Mobile Program Aims to Assist Opioid Use Disorder Patients
A collaborative effort provides two mobile units to assist opioid use disorder patients from underserved Maryland communities through telehealth and in-person care. Continue Reading
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20 Jun 2023
MedPAC: Lower Telehealth Payments to Pre-Pandemic Facility Rates
The congressional agency has recommended returning to pre-pandemic facility rate requirements for telehealth services in a report detailing trends in telehealth use through the PHE. Continue Reading
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19 Jun 2023
Telehealth Use Will Depend on Continuing Pay for Unpaid Provider Work
New research indicates that the sustainability of telehealth use will depend on the recognition of and continued payment for uncompensated provider services. Continue Reading
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16 Jun 2023
US Senators Support Permanent Telehealth Access Through Legislation
A group of 60 US Senators reintroduced the CONNECT for Health Act 2023 to support permanent telehealth access and improve patient health outcomes. Continue Reading
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16 Jun 2023
Among Flaws, Telehealth Use Remains High in Virginia in 2023
A new report indicated the high popularity of telehealth among many providers in Virginia in 2023, among increases in trust relative to 2021. Continue Reading
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15 Jun 2023
Telehealth Payment Parity Laws Boosted Odds of Virtual Care Visits
The likelihood of telehealth use in states that implemented payment parity for in-person and virtual care services was higher than in states that did not, new research shows. Continue Reading
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14 Jun 2023
PA Health System Launches Subscription-Based Virtual Care Service
A new subscription-based virtual service launched by Penn State Health aims to assist patients in accessing primary care. Continue Reading
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13 Jun 2023
Despite an Increase in Telemental Health, Disparities Remain
New research showed that counties with a predominantly Black population offered fewer telemental health services despite new expansion policies. Continue Reading
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12 Jun 2023
Despite Gaps, Telehealth Can Increase Access to Care in Minnesota
Recent research from the Minnesota Department of Health shows the potential of telehealth to improve healthcare access and patient satisfaction, but inequities remain. Continue Reading
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12 Jun 2023
Legislation Aims to Maintain Virtual Access to Physical Therapy
Two US representatives have reintroduced legislation to protect virtual access to physical therapy services under Medicare. Continue Reading
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09 Jun 2023
Cedars-Sinai Launches Virtual Second Opinion Services in 6 States
The virtual care service aims to support patients with specialty care needs by providing access to second-opinion consultations. Continue Reading
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09 Jun 2023
Employer-Sponsored Telehealth Cost 23% Less Than In-Person Care
Data from Penn Medicine indicates that the cost of an employer-sponsored telehealth program was 23 percent lower compared to in-person services. Continue Reading
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08 Jun 2023
New Center Aims to Further Telehealth Research, Education
Texas A&M Health is set to gain a new Telehealth Institute to support ongoing education and training across the university and healthcare organization. Continue Reading
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07 Jun 2023
Hybrid Nursing Model Expands Following Successful Pilot
A hybrid virtual and in-person nursing model piloted by Covenant Medical Center expanded to ten units within Providence's hospital network. Continue Reading
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06 Jun 2023
FL Health System Launches Telehealth-Enabled Mobile Stroke Unit
The mobile stroke unit connects healthcare providers in the field with stroke neurologists via telehealth to enable faster treatment and improve patient outcomes. Continue Reading
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06 Jun 2023
Telehealth Use Rose 1.8% Nationally in March
According to new data, national telehealth use increased marginally by 1.8 percent, making up 5.6 percent of medical claim lines in March. Continue Reading
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05 Jun 2023
Medical Assistants Need More Technical Education for Telehealth Use
A new report described the ongoing role of medical assistants in primary care-related telehealth services, as well as areas for improvement regarding these skills. Continue Reading
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05 Jun 2023
Telehealth Made Mental Healthcare Accessible During Pandemic
New research indicates that the rapid shift to telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic allowed for effective mental healthcare delivery and limited disruptions. Continue Reading