As the COVID-19 outbreak encroaches into communities across the US, payers, providers, and vendors are using telehealth to expand access to care. By Samantha McGrail March 10, 2020 – Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) recently announced that its network of 36 independently owned BCBS companies will increase access to prescription drugs, enhanced telehealth, and other clinical support systems to […]
Populations most vulnerable to high out-of-pocket costs for COVID-19 testing include low-income, uninsured, underinsured, and immigrants. Source: Getty ImagesShare on Twitter By Kelsey Waddill March 09, 2020 – As the nation fights the spreading novel strain of coronavirus, payers must continue to be clear about which patients will receive coverage for their COVID-19 testing and which payers are providing […]
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services 7500 Security Boulevard, Mail Stop C2-21-16 Baltimore, Maryland 21244-1850 Center for Clinical Standards and Quality/Quality, Safety & Oversight Group Ref: QSO-20-18-HHA DATE: March 10, 2020 TO: State Survey Agency Directors FROM: Director Quality, Safety & Oversight Group SUBJECT: Guidance for Infection Control and […]
After days of issuing updated guidance for skilled nursing operators and other Medicare providers regarding COVID-19, the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is now turning its attention to home health agencies. CMS issued home health guidance related to infection control and prevention for COVID-19 — often referred to as the coronavirus — on […]
On Thursday, the Senate approved a bill that will provide $8.3 billion in emergency funds to help mitigate the effects of COVID-19, otherwise known as the coronavirus. Apart from funding, the bill made major changes to telehealth statutes, possibly allowing home-based care providers to both rely heavier on telehealth tools and be properly reimbursed for […]
Insurance coverageIn a statement on March 6, 2020, the Board of Directors for America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) announced that insurers are voluntarily covering the diagnostic testing of COVID-19 (coronavirus) when ordered by a physician. AHIP said that health insurers are taking action to ease network referral and prior authorization requirements and/or waiving patient cost-sharing. Additionally, AHIP […]
Cardiology illustrates what specialties can do to be ready As COVID-19 coronavirus encroaches into communities across the U.S., cardiology’s use of telemedicine could set a precedent for what specialties can do with the technology to both protect coronavirus-vulnerable patients and manage comorbidity that arises. “Self-quarantine and social distancing are important tools in managing disease transmission, […]
WASHINGTON (AP) — The coronavirus legislation signed by President Donald Trump on Friday lets Medicare expand the use of telemedicine in outbreak areas, potentially reducing infection risks for vulnerable seniors. Coverage of telemedicine is now limited primarily to residents of rural areas facing long road trips for treatment from specialists. The law allows the government […]
Despite a win in the $8.3 billion coronavirus package, telehealth advocates and their allies in Congress are still pushing for broader changes, they tell us. A provision in the package lets HHS Secretary Alex Azar waive Medicare telehealth payment restrictions during the coronavirus emergency. It’s narrower than what telehealth advocates — including the Alliance for Connected […]
If brick-and-mortar facilities are overloaded, “keeping people out of the health care system physically could be in everybody’s interest.” By Allison Bell | March 06, 2020 at 10:43 AM The CDC “wants to identify the right level of care for the right situation, whether it’s telehealth, urgent care, nurse hotline or emergency room, or office.” The official in […]
As the world navigates the coronavirus outbreak, a few key technologically advanced tools are front and center in the fight to contain COVID-19. Digital tools like telehealth, consumer-facing AI-based chatbots and remote patient monitoring could play a key role in assisting with containing the virus and helping people who think they might have been exposed. Some […]
Allows for broadband-delivered house calls to Medicare recipients Congress is employing broadband in the fight against the coronavirus. The COVD-19 supplemental funding packagethat was signed by President Trump Friday (March 6) included a provision waiving telehealth restrictions for Medicare beneficiaries so they can still get diagnostic care and treatment while limiting possible exposure and spread of […]
On March 6, President Donald Trump signed an emergency funding bill in response to the coronavirus outbreak, which includes $500 million in waivers for Medicare telehealth restrictions, according to The Hill. Five things to know: 1. The bill includes $8.3 billion in emergency funding, with $7.76 billion going to federal, state and local agencies. Around $2.2 […]
The industry of telehealth is expanding for many reasons, including increased access to technology, a demand for more affordable health services and the desire for convenient care. Research findings projected a compound annual growth rate between 2014 and 2020 of 18.4% for telehealth services. Telehealth can reduce initial hospital admissions, readmissions, length of stay and mortality rates. By expanding telehealth services […]
Our Health Care Group examines provisions in the emergency coronavirus spending bill Congress has sent to the President that affect how the Department of Health and Human Services can reimburse for telehealth under Medicare Part B. Under what circumstances has Congress allowed HHS to waive telehealth restrictions? Will originating-site restrictions be waived? Can we finally […]
