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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19 Nov 2024
How the virtual ECHO model is boosting Black maternal health
The Black Maternal Health ECHO program uses telehealth to improve maternal health equity by fostering collaboration, extending education and addressing biases in care. Continue Reading
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13 Nov 2024
Telehealth does not raise rates of low-value primary care
New research shows telehealth use in primary care doesn't increase low-value services, like unnecessary tests, addressing concerns about wasteful healthcare practices. 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
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02 Jun 2023
Northwell Health Offers Telehealth Consults to State Department
A new contract allows providers with the US Department of State to virtually consult with Northwell Health while serving government employees overseas. Continue Reading
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01 Jun 2023
Telehealth Initiative Aims to Support Virtual Care for Older Adults
UVA Health has collaborated with various organizations to support providers in caring for older adults through telehealth. Continue Reading
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31 May 2023
Grant Supports Expansion of Pediatric Telehealth Offerings in Montana
A $1 million investment from a Montana foundation aims to provide children and their families with expanded after-hours access to pediatric telehealth services. Continue Reading
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30 May 2023
Low-Income, Racial Minorities More Likely to Use Telehealth
A recent study indicates that within low-income populations, Asian and Hispanic patients are more likely to use telehealth than White and Black patients. Continue Reading
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26 May 2023
Enhancing Patient Access, Experience at Virtual Care's Front Door
Virtual care leaders must address staffing, technology, and health equity challenges to ensure continued access and patient satisfaction in a post-pandemic healthcare landscape. Continue Reading
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24 May 2023
Legislation Aims to Support Telehealth Access in Rural Areas
A group of representatives introduced new legislation to maintain telehealth access in rural America by making permanent Medicare coverage of virtual care. Continue Reading
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24 May 2023
Telehealth for Addiction Treatment Rose Early in the COVID-19 Pandemic
New research shows that the odds of initiating addiction treatment via telehealth rose by 38.5 percentage points between 2019 and 2020. Continue Reading
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23 May 2023
Primary Care Leaders Want Clearer Telehealth Triage Guidelines Post-PHE
Virtual interviews with 25 primary care practice leaders revealed a need for solidified guidelines surrounding telehealth visit triage following the public health emergency. Continue Reading
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23 May 2023
Senators Reintroduce Bill to Improve Maternal Care Through Telehealth
Two US senators have reintroduced a piece of bipartisan legislation to enhance the maternal care process through telehealth and other digital tools. Continue Reading
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22 May 2023
Virtual Nursing Program Aims to Enhance Care Operations
A newly launched hospital-based virtual nursing program in Virginia aims to assist registered nurses in delivering video-enabled care at the patient bedside. Continue Reading
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22 May 2023
CCHP: Telehealth Flexibilities Continued in the Spring of 2023
A new report from CCHP found that state-level telehealth flexibilities for reimbursement and provisions continued to evolve in 2023. Continue Reading
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19 May 2023
Legislation Aims to Support Telemental Health Services for Medicare
Two senior members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee reintroduced legislation to sustain telemental health services. Continue Reading
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17 May 2023
Partnership Adds In-Home Care Model to Enhance Patient Access
Included Health and DispatchHealth are partnering to expand healthcare into patient homes through the addition of a virtual-to-in-home care model. Continue Reading
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16 May 2023
Telehealth Perceptions Vary Among Black Veterans with Chronic Pain
New qualitative research provides insightful details into the mixed opinions of telehealth among Black Veterans battling chronic pain. Continue Reading
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16 May 2023
NC Health System Launches Virtual Care Clinic in Apartment Building
A new virtual care clinic operated by Atrium Health aims to provide Ascent Housing residents with community-based telemedicine. Continue Reading
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15 May 2023
Telehealth Use High Among Older LA Medicaid Beneficiaries in 2020
New research indicates that telehealth claims in December 2020 were high among older Medicaid beneficiaries residing in Louisiana. Continue Reading
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15 May 2023
Virtual Medication Abortions Led to High Patient Satisfaction
New research showed that patients who participated in medication abortions through telehealth felt highly satisfied and relaxed. Continue Reading
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12 May 2023
Innovative Care Delivery System Aims to Transform Practices
The Guthrie Clinic aimed to enhance patient outcomes and communication through the addition of an innovative care delivery system. Continue Reading
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12 May 2023
Patients Prefer Telehealth to In-Person Assessments for Cancer Care
New research found that telehealth-based cancer care led to higher rates of patient satisfaction with access and provider concern compared to in-person encounters. Continue Reading
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11 May 2023
Despite Flaws, Telehealth Benefits Low-Income Californians
A new report described how low-income Californians largely benefit from telehealth and expect it to hold a place in the future of healthcare. Continue Reading
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10 May 2023
Kansas Doctor Charged in Telehealth Fraud Scheme
A Kansas-based provider pleaded guilty to a telehealth fraud scheme that allegedly resulted in Medicare losing $1.36 million. Continue Reading
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09 May 2023
OIG: Medicare Provided Improper Reimbursement for Some Telehealth Services
Medicare provided excessive telehealth reimbursement for some psychotherapy services during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, HHS-OIG announced. Continue Reading
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08 May 2023
Partnership Aims to Expand Virtual Care Access for EMS Patients
An emergency medical services provider is working alongside a virtual care solution provider to expand offerings for Alameda County patients. Continue Reading
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08 May 2023
Senators Want Telehealth Flexibilities for OUD Drug Permanently Extended
A group of US Senators wrote a letter to the DEA asking for a permanent extension of telehealth prescribing flexibilities for buprenorphine following the end of the public health emergency. Continue Reading
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05 May 2023
Online Module Aims to Educate Stakeholders on Telehealth Implementation
An online course from the Medical University of South Carolina provides guidance on telehealth implementation and sustainability to virtual care leaders and their teams. Continue Reading
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04 May 2023
Incentivizing Hybrid Care Can Enhance Fee-for-Service Care Delivery
New research shows that implementing the optimal mix of remote, in-person, and specialist services can help improve care quality and fee-for-service care delivery. Continue Reading
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04 May 2023
National Telehealth Use Dropped 6.8% in February
National telehealth use declined in February, occupying a lower share of medical claim lines compared to the previous month, new FAIR Health Data indicates. Continue Reading
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03 May 2023
DEA to Delay Limitations on Virtual Prescribing of Controlled Substances
The agency has submitted a temporary extension for flexibilities that allow providers to prescribe controlled substances via telehealth without a prior in-person medical exam. Continue Reading
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03 May 2023
Telehealth Supports Maternal Mental Health, But No One-Size-Fits-All
A majority of studied articles indicate success surrounding telehealth use in treating maternal mental health, but interventions need to be targeted, research shows. Continue Reading
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02 May 2023
HHS-OIG Releases Toolkit for Assessing Telehealth Billing Risks
The new toolkit is intended to help Medicare Advantage plan sponsors, private health plans, and other stakeholders examine telehealth claims, identify integrity risks, and implement safeguards. Continue Reading
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01 May 2023
Growing Hospital-at-Home Services Indicate Healthcare Transformation
Due to health systems' capacity issues and struggles with high costs, hospital-at-home services are growing more popular and producing patient benefits, new research shows. Continue Reading
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01 May 2023
PA Health System Launches Respiratory Therapy Services in Virtual ICUs
Penn State Health plans to integrate respiratory therapy into virtual ICUs at two of its hospitals in an effort to boost patient care. Continue Reading
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28 Apr 2023
Most Physicians Find Video Telehealth Quality Inferior to In-Person Care
Though a majority of physicians believe that video visits were a boon during the pandemic, more than half find virtual care quality lacking and want to return to in-person care, survey results show. Continue Reading
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27 Apr 2023
Expanded Telehealth Access Can Cut Millions in Rural Health Costs
Widening telehealth access through broadband improvements in 10 counties in the South could result in nearly $43 million in healthcare cost savings, a new report shows. Continue Reading
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26 Apr 2023
Viewpoint: Telehealth Access for Opioid Use Disorder Treatment is Needed
A new opinion piece in Health Affairs described the need for telehealth access to treat opioid use disorder and the legislation making this difficult. Continue Reading
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26 Apr 2023
UR Medicine Expands Telestroke, Remote Neuro Care in NY
The University of Rochester Medical Center announced an extension of remote acute and inpatient neurological care, including its telestroke program, to 16 hospitals in New York. Continue Reading
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25 Apr 2023
XRHealth Merges with Amelia Virtual Care to Address Mental Health
XRHealth joined forces with the Spain-based virtual reality company to treat physical and mental health issues through an XR therapeutics platform. Continue Reading
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25 Apr 2023
UAB Gets $3.3M to Test Telehealth Cardio Program
Financial support from the NIH allows UAB researchers to explore the effectiveness of a telehealth cardio program in treating wheelchair users. Continue Reading
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24 Apr 2023
CHI Saint Joseph Hospital Pilots Virtual Nursing to Address Shortages
The hospital implemented virtual nursing technology to add to care teams and alleviate some of the workplace burdens in-house clinicians face. Continue Reading
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21 Apr 2023
Teledoc Health Expands Weight, Prediabetes Provider-Based Care
New provider-based care offerings from Teladoc Health aim to help members lose weight as well as prevent and manage diabetes by optimizing medications. Continue Reading
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19 Apr 2023
Telehealth Company Faces Charges for Neglecting FDA Requirements
A national settlement is holding a telehealth company responsible for falsely proclaiming the accuracy and fairness of its services and for failing to obtain FDA approvals. Continue Reading
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19 Apr 2023
New Report Details Recommendations for Telehealth Performance Measures
A new American College of Physicians report provides information on the future of telehealth use and suggestions for telehealth quality performance measurement. Continue Reading
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18 Apr 2023
Oracle, Amazon Add New Virtual Care, Communications Capabilities
The technology giants announced new partnerships and communications capabilities with the goal of virtually connecting patients and healthcare providers more quickly and seamlessly. Continue Reading
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18 Apr 2023
FL Health System to Launch Virtual Sitting, Nursing Capabilities
In partnership with Andor Health, Orlando Health is expanding the capabilities of its virtual care offerings to allow patients to access new resources such as virtual sitting. Continue Reading
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17 Apr 2023
West Virginia Patients Gain Access to Cardiology Telehealth Services
A health system located in Parkersburg, West Virginia, has started offering telehealth services for cardiology to expand patient access. Continue Reading
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17 Apr 2023
Telehealth Supports Opioid Use Disorder Patient Retention in Treatment
New research indicates that telehealth-based medication-assisted resources were an effective method of care for opioid use disorder patients, boosting retention rates in treatment programs. Continue Reading
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14 Apr 2023
Telehealth Does Not Boost Food Insecurity Screening
The uptake of telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic did not increase food insecurity screening in primary care encounters, new data shows. Continue Reading
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14 Apr 2023
BIPOC Provider Expands Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment Via Virtual Care
A behavioral health provider focused on care for underserved groups has launched an at-home and telehealth-enabled alcohol use disorder treatment program in New York City. Continue Reading
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13 Apr 2023
Telehealth for Prenatal Care Peaked Early in COVID-19 Pandemic
New research shows that policy and coverage changes led telehealth utilization for prenatal care to peak in 2020. Continue Reading
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12 Apr 2023
How PCP Perception of Telehealth in US Compares to Other Countries
New survey results show that more US primary care physicians view telehealth as an effective tool in addressing behavioral healthcare than their peers in other high-income countries. Continue Reading
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12 Apr 2023
Audio-Only Telehealth Used More Than Video Visits in Safety Net Clinics
New research shows that although audio-only telehealth is past its pandemic peak, it was used more than video-based telehealth for behavioral health and primary care in safety net settings in 2022. Continue Reading
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11 Apr 2023
Federal Funding to Boost Telehealth Services for Vulnerable Groups in NY
Seniors, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and those with Alzheimer's will gain expanded access to telehealth services supported by $2 million in federal budget funds. Continue Reading
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10 Apr 2023
Program Aims to Provide School-Based, Virtual Behavioral Healthcare
MCD Global Health began an effort to provide elementary through high school students with virtual behavioral healthcare resources. Continue Reading
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06 Apr 2023
Telehealth Use Declines Across Primary Care Specialties
Recent research shows that telehealth usage has dropped among primary care specialties, especially among physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and internal medicine physicians. Continue Reading
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05 Apr 2023
Preference for Future Telehealth Use Does Not Exceed That of In-Person Care
New survey data showed that despite relative satisfaction with telehealth, patients and physicians prefer in-person care in the future. Continue Reading
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05 Apr 2023
Telehealth Use Increased by 7.3% Nationally in January
Data from FAIR Health indicates that national telehealth use rose in January, occupying a larger share of medical claim lines compared to the month prior. Continue Reading
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04 Apr 2023
Digital Divide Limits Telehealth Use in Rural Areas
New research shows that the digital divide, such as lack of access to the internet and technology, likely exacerbates telehealth access disparities, mainly in rural areas. Continue Reading
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03 Apr 2023
Social Workers Can Expand Telehealth Access for Stroke Survivors
New research described various resources for supporting stroke survivors who struggle to receive care through telehealth, including social workers and the use of cellular devices. Continue Reading
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03 Apr 2023
Telehealth Use Dropped Significantly Between 2020 and 2021
A report described that despite the gradual increase in telehealth use over the last several years, it fell 76 percent between 2020 and 2021. Continue Reading
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31 Mar 2023
Telehealth Lessened Overdose Risk Among Patients with Opioid Use Disorder
The uptake of telehealth services led to a reduced risk of fatal drug overdose for Medicare patients with opioid use disorder, new data shows. Continue Reading
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31 Mar 2023
Intermountain Healthcare Expands Telehealth Services for Newborn Care
Intermountain Healthcare is leveraging telehealth to expand neurology services for newborns requiring critical care in Utah and Montana hospitals. Continue Reading
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30 Mar 2023
Healthcare Groups Urge DEA to Modify Virtual Prescribing Rules
Three letters drafted by various healthcare groups ask the DEA to adjust its proposed rules that limit virtual prescribing of controlled substances so as not to curtail needed access to care. Continue Reading
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30 Mar 2023
New Legislation Aims to Widen First-Dollar Telehealth Coverage
A group of six US representatives and senators introduced bipartisan legislation to extend access to telehealth by eliminating the deductible requirement for those with Health Savings Accounts. Continue Reading
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28 Mar 2023
Using School-Based Telehealth to Boost Mental Health Access in LA County
A new partnership between county agencies, health plans, and a telehealth provider aims to expand access to telemental healthcare for over 1 million children attending LA County public schools. Continue Reading
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27 Mar 2023
Telemental Health Grew After Onset of COVID-19, But Varies Across US
Research indicates that the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic increased the likelihood of telemental healthcare provision four-fold, but the services remain varied across states and organizations. Continue Reading
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27 Mar 2023
New Bill Aims to Promote School-Based Telemental Health Services
US Representatives Abigail Spanberger and Brian Fitzpatrick introduced bipartisan legislation to assist school districts in funding telemental health services. Continue Reading
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24 Mar 2023
Partnership to Expand Access to Digital Program for Chronic Care
Amwell is working with DarioHealth to add a digital therapeutic solution-supported cardiometabolic program to treat chronic conditions like diabetes. Continue Reading
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24 Mar 2023
Missouri Disability Patients Gain Access to Telehealth Via New Collab
The Missouri Division of Developmental Disabilities struck a telehealth partnership to improve healthcare quality and access for patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Continue Reading
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22 Mar 2023
Cardiologists, Experienced Providers Show Concern Over Telehealth
New research shows that cardiologists and their patients have differing views regarding telehealth issues, and providers with more experience were less satisfied with telehealth than their peers. Continue Reading
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22 Mar 2023
Virtual Care Startups Receive Funding, Payer Partnership Opportunities
The UCSF Healthcare Innovation Center has awarded Welfie and Moving Analytics with financial support as well as the opportunity to work with prominent payers in the healthcare industry. Continue Reading
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21 Mar 2023
Collab to Expand Medicaid Access to Virtual Maternal-Fetal Healthcare
In-home and telehealth services provider MedArrive is joining forces with Ouma Health to extend virtual maternal-fetal care services to Medicaid beneficiaries. Continue Reading
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20 Mar 2023
Telehealth Expands Care Access for Transgender, Gender-Diverse Youth
A recent study found that telehealth supported gender-diverse youth during the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing visit completion and lowering cancellation rates. Continue Reading
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20 Mar 2023
MO Health System Strikes Partnership to Launch Hospital-at-Home Care
A collaboration between Mercy and Maribel Health aims to co-develop at-home hospital care programs, including a program that will be launched across Mercy's network of facilities. Continue Reading
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17 Mar 2023
Provider-Library Collab to Enhance Telehealth Access, Digital Literacy
Mount Sinai Health System and the New York Public Library are partnering to provide free classes to improve telehealth access and digital literacy in an effort to boost health equity. Continue Reading
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16 Mar 2023
How a Telehealth Partnership is Expanding Critical Care for Newborns
A partnership between two hospitals is leveraging telehealth to expand intensive care access for newborns in New Mexico, enabling infants and their families to stay close to home. Continue Reading
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15 Mar 2023
ONC: Majority of Office-Based Physicians Used Telehealth in 2021
A federal data report found that 87 percent of office-based physicians used telehealth in 2021, with 80 percent saying they will continue to use it after the COVID-19 pandemic is declared over. Continue Reading
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15 Mar 2023
ChristianaCare Launches Virtual Primary Care to Improve Patient Access
ChristianaCare has created a virtual primary care practice intended to help maintain strong patient-provider relationships while improving healthcare access. Continue Reading
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14 Mar 2023
Virtual Behavioral Health Use Increases 45-Fold During Pandemic
New data shows that the share of behavioral health services delivered via telehealth rose from 1 percent in 2019 to 33 percent in 2022, with rates of virtual prescribing also reaching new heights. Continue Reading