A new bill presented to the Congress looks at permanently allowing healthcare providers to use telehealth in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs for the purpose of substance abuse and extend Medicare coverage for audio-only phone calls.
Virtual care can keep pregnant patients safer from COVID-19
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released data suggesting that pregnant patients might be at a higher risk for severe illness associated with COVID-19. CDC has advised that measures to prevent coronavirus infection are needed for pregnant people and their families. Telehealth and virtual care could be a useful measure.
Congress members aim to address the telehealth’s digital divide
Even though COVID-19 pandemic has amplified the potential of telemedicine to expand access to care, it also highlighted existing disparities in the system, noted the Congress members, Access to broadband is an issue, as pointed out by many telehealth advocates.
CDC reverses course on testing for asymptomatic people exposed to COVID-19
There has again been a change in guidance by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), after the public health officials, mentioning that asymptomatic people who come in contact with COVID-19 have to be tested.