Two House members said that congress is trying to expand Medicare’s virtual flexibilities beyond the public health emergency, NextGov reported Dec. 14. “Unfortunately, it took a global pandemic for us to realize the larger benefits of telehealth and really introduce telehealth into traditional Medicare,” said Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., House Energy and Commerce Committee ranking member. Lawmakers […]
In anticipation of critical telehealth flexibilities expiring on Dec. 31, US Representatives Michelle Steel (CA-48), Brad Schneider (IL-10), and Susie Lee (NV-3), along with a bipartisan group of 30 Congress members, sent a letter requesting that House leadership include two pieces of legislation that extend some flexibilities in a year-end package. When the COVID-19 pandemic began, patients […]
After the COVID-19 pandemic changed telehealth, expanding access to the digital health care under temporary emergency policies, two House members said that congressional efforts are trying to expand Medicare’s virtual flexibilities beyond temporary pandemic efforts at an Axios event on Wednesday. According to CDC data from October, approximately 37% of adults in the U.S. used telemedicine in […]
When the current public health emergency ends, so do many of the waivers put in place to help providers through the pandemic. Telehealth is the big exception, getting an additional 151 days before a loss of flexibilities such as the ability for patients to get virtual care from their home. Congressional action is needed, and lawmakers are […]
A letter organized by the Alliance to Fight for Health Care and signed by over 350 health care stakeholders urged Congress to extend the telehealth provision allowing employers to offer telehealth services pre-deductible to qualifying employees, according to mHealth Intelligence. The American Telemedicine Association, One Medical, and Blue Cross Blue Shield Association are among the group […]
On November 2, 2022, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued the CY 2023 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule (Final Rule), which will take effect January 1, 2023. The Final Rule includes noteworthy updates regarding billing and reimbursement for services provided via telehealth, providing practitioners with some guidance on navigating the transition away from […]
When it comes to telehealth, the stereotype is that it is something preferred and used by younger people. But a survey of adult behavior by Independa, a health care technology company, found that adults over 70 had a high comfort level with telehealth and preferred having it as an option. Of those surveyed, 93% of adults […]
As medicine continues its digital shift, new billing codes are being added next year for specialties like remote therapeutic monitoring and digital ophthalmology. “The [Current Procedural Terminology] code set does move at the pace of medicine, and it continues to evolve and keep pace with all of the changes,” said Leslie Prellwitz, the American Medical […]
WASHINGTON, DC – As the legislative session comes to a close, the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) is calling on members of Congress to include the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act (H.R. 3173/S. 3018), the Supporting Medicare Providers Act of 2022 (H.R. 8800), and telehealth protections in any year-end legislative package. With overwhelming bipartisan support for the Improving Seniors Timely […]
Physician adoption of digital health tools continues to grow, as does the infrastructure facilitating appropriate payment for their use. The Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) code set, often called “the language of medicine,” is expanding to meet the demand. “The CPT code set does move at the pace of medicine, and it continues to evolve and keep pace with […]
In communities that otherwise would lack access to care, essential hospitals reach outside their walls to meet patients’ needs. Telehealth services have proved to be an important tool in the provider arsenal to increase access to care for underserved populations. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the need for flexibility to provide patient-centered care that best […]
Remote patient monitoring (RPM) is a rapidly growing field in healthcare. It allows healthcare providers to monitor patients remotely, often using digital devices and technology. RPM can help improve patient outcomes, reduce costs, and increase patient satisfaction. However, there are a few best practices that healthcare providers should follow when implementing RPM. In this article, […]
Remote patient monitoring is a more advanced method for healthcare centers to examine their patients. Although remote patient monitoring is not the latest technology but its need has increased tremendously in COVID-19 days because these days, no one was allowed going outside of their houses or living places, then doctors and all other great healthcare […]
Time is running out for Congress to take action on pending legislation dealing with issues that would help primary care across the United States. Six physician groups representing 590,000 doctors across the country sent a joint letter again urging congressional leaders to vote – soon – for bills relating to Medicare reimbursements, prior authorizations, children’s health insurance coverage, mental […]
A survey of healthcare IT professionals by Capterra revealed that 67% of health care cyberattacks impact patient data and nearly half (48%) impact patient care. The survey also found that the medical internet of things (IoT) – connected devices like glucose monitors, insulin pumps, and defibrillators – are making it easier for hackers to gain access to practices. These devices often […]