The coronavirus pandemic has brought upon unprecedented challenges for all Americans. This is particularly true for our vulnerable senior populations who are most at risk for complications due to COVID-19, many of whom have continued to stay isolated away from loved ones. I have long been an advocate for advancements in our healthcare, in particular, […]
Patients have the digital health literacy and tools needed to implement telehealth for after-hours patient-provider communication. By Sara Heath October 28, 2020 – Patients are receptive to the idea of using telehealth for patient-provider communication outside of traditional office hours, with about one-fifth saying it would likely get them answers to their health-related questions more quickly, according to […]
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, CMS implemented a number of waivers and flexibilities that allowed Medicare beneficiaries to access a wider range of telehealth services without having to travel to a health care facility. This review will be based on Medicare Parts B and C data and will identify program integrity risks associated with […]
When the coronavirus pandemic hit the United States early this year, it sent shockwaves across our economy and pushed many of the nation’s public health systems to the brink. Frontline health care workers, hospitals and patients suddenly were forced to confront a silent, deadly, fast-moving virus with no known cure and no vaccine. For millions […]
A new study from the University of Georgia has investigated the reasons why stroke patients treated in rural hospitals have more negative outcomes and a higher risk of death. Using data from the 2016 National Inpatient Sample, the study specifically looked at stroke patients who sought treatment in rural hospitals. The researchers identified several factors they believe […]
PACE, a Medicare-Medicaid program serving thousands of seniors in 31 states, used telehealth to keep that care going during the pandemic. That success could spur more programs to use connected health in the future. By Eric Wicklund October 27, 2020 – A CMS program that provides long-term care for seniors in need of support services used telehealth to […]
The bipartisan Home Health Emergency Access to Telehealth (HEAT) Act, introduced by Sens. Susan Collins (R-ME) and Ben Cardin (D-MD), if passed, would provide Medicare reimbursement for audio and video telehealth services furnished by home health agencies during the COVID-19 emergency and future public health emergencies. Companion legislation also was introduced in the House of Representatives. “The […]
As payer and provider organizations look to improve health outcomes around the far-reaching impacts of the pandemic, they must consider the unique needs of some of our most vulnerable populations, such as new and expecting mothers and their infants. As a byproduct of the COVID-19 pandemic, the healthcare industry is faced with a formidable challenge—how […]
In healthcare technology, throughout the first 10 months of 2020, there’s been little discussed as much as telehealth and telemedicine topics. The reasons for such are obvious given COVID-19. The volume of coverage the topic received is more than nearly any other time in recent history. According to Google Trends, since 2008, telehealth hasn’t received as […]
Bills introduced in both the Senate and House last week call for Medicare coverage for home health care services provided via telehealth during a public health emergency. By Eric Wicklund October 26, 2020 – A new bill before Congress aims to improve Medicare coverage for home health services delivered via telehealth during a public health emergency. The Home […]
Telehealth growth has sped up during the pandemic, but whether it continues long-term is a point of debate among hospital and health system CIOs. The fate of telehealth rests on several factors, including CMS and commercial payers permanently extending payment benefits for telehealth and virtual care services. “CMS keeps kicking the can down the road, […]
When the coronavirus pandemic hit the United States early this year, it sent shockwaves across our economy and pushed many of the nation’s public health systems to the brink. Frontline health care workers, hospitals and patients suddenly were forced to confront a silent, deadly, fast-moving virus with no known cure and no vaccine. For millions […]
Hospitals making use of smart technologies such as artificial intelligence, remote health monitoring and robotics, are delivering higher standards of care according to new research from business consultancy firm Frost & Sullivan. A new report titled Digital Hospitals: Creating Growth Opportunities in Patient Care during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond , has found that COVID-19 has led […]
A doctor gets ready to meet with her patient on a telehealth visit, looking at the medical chart for real-time EKG and temperature results just before signing on to the video call. The hospitalist checks a list of at-home oxygen saturation levels for a dozen patients discharged from the hospital after COVID-19 treatment the previous […]
SEATTLE, Washington — The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act is offering funds for tech upgrades across the United States. This is incentivizing companies to adapt to new technology faster than before. There are some great breakthroughs that have already come from this concept. Here are four ways the world is using technology […]