The telehealth revolution has arrived, faster than even its most ardent proponents anticipated. Virtual doctor visits are on track to top 1 billion by the end of this year. That would be 30 times the figure from just three years ago. People with diabetes have been among the most enthusiastic adopters of remote care. At […]
CMS finalized 2021 payment updates for home health agencies Oct. 29. Four takeaways on the changes, which are effective Jan. 1: 1. CMS will increase payments to home health agencies by about 1.9 percent, or $390 million, for 2021. 2. CMS also finalized home infusion therapy rates for 2021. The rates will result in a 0.7 percent […]
The Canadian province is launching a community paramedicine program in five communities, which will use local paramedics and a telehealth platform to connect with seniors on long-term care waiting lists. By Eric Wicklund November 02, 2020 – Ontario’s government is investing roughly $5 million in a telehealth program aimed at bringing healthcare into the home for seniors on […]
Consumers are warming to the idea of home healthcare providers to get complex procedures and diagnostics done without having to step out—even beyond the pandemic. Though covid gave tailwinds to home health diagnostics, the industry is expected to continue growing at 15-19% a year to touch $13 billion by 2025 from $5.4 billion currently, according […]
2020 has been a challenging year for health care leaders across the globe as communities have been forced to grapple with the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this health care crisis has presented an opportunity to ignite tremendous transformation, especially in the technology space. At MVP Health Care, we have seen five to six […]
Medicare home healthcare has been pivotal during the coronavirus pandemic, but it still needs to undergo changes to fully meet beneficiaries’ needs. By Kelsey Waddill October 30, 2020 – While the coronavirus pandemic has forced positive change elsewhere in the healthcare industry, Medicare home healthcare policies still have room to improve, a Commonwealth Fund study discovered. As the healthcare industry […]
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the effects of existing health disparities throughout the United States. While Hispanic/Latino individuals account for only 16% of the Rhode Island (RI) population, Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) data show that 45% of COVID-19 cases and 36% of individuals who have been hospitalized identify as Hispanic/Latino. Clínica Esperanza/Hope Clinic […]
Now that the initial wave of COVID-19 has passed and providers have mastered the telehealth billing requirements, it is time to turn attention to the 2021 Evaluation and Management (E&M) changes and their impact on a provider’s practice. Much of what was learned during the Public Health Emergency (PHE) will aid physicians as they transition […]
A bipartisan contingent of lawmakers has introduced the Home Health Emergency Access to Telehealth (HEAT) Act, a bill that would provide Medicare reimbursements for audio and video telehealth services furnished by home health agencies during the COVID-19 pandemic. “I know firsthand the benefits of home healthcare,” said U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (D-AL), who was joined by Reps. […]
The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued its final 2021 home health payment rule Thursday. In doing so, it changed very little from what it first proposed in June. The final rule adds an estimated $390 million home health payment boost for agencies in 2021, or an aggregate increase of 1.9%. That estimate […]
Today, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a final rule [CMS-1730-F] that finalizes routine updates to the home health payment rates for calendar year (CY) 2021, in accordance with existing statutory and regulatory requirements. This rule also finalizes the regulatory changes related to the use of telecommunications technology in providing care under […]
An expansion of intuitive tools and internet connectivity are among key efforts to sustain remote care during the pandemic — and beyond. by Jessica Longly The COVID-19 pandemic has brought the home healthcare industry to a crossroads. More older adults are comfortable with mobile devices and smart technologies that help them safely age in place. Some […]
In a new Healthcare Strategies podcast, Chris Waugh, chief innovation officer at Sutter Health, explains how the health system is creating a strategy that integrates virtual and in-person care to treat the whole patient. By Eric Wicklund October 29, 2020 – Health systems looking for the right balance between telehealth and in-person care shouldn’t think of one service […]
The public health emergency (PHE) for COVID-19 has brought about many changes to the way healthcare is practiced, delivered, and reimbursed. This article will discuss some of the major recent changes to telehealth on the federal level. Disclaimer: For consistency, the term “telehealth” is used throughout this article and is intended to include telemedicine, telepsychiatry, […]
Imagine an 87-year-old woman living in a senior living community. She falls on her way to the bathroom, hurting her hip and hitting her head. She is able to call for help and the night staff comes to her room. The young man on duty helps her back in bed but knows she needs medical […]
