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.
New coalition plans to apply mHealth to tackle healthcare disparities
A new coalition aims to utilize and focus on consumer-facing mHealth and telehealth tools to mitigate health disparities. Guided by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) and Connected Health Initiative (CHI), the Health Equity and Access Leadership (HEAL) coalition brings together different organizations and companies in the digital health space.
CMS plans expanded coverage for innovative telemedicine devices
Federal officials plan to propose an expansion of Medicare coverage for new telemedicine and mHealth technologies that are classified as “breakthrough devices.” The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has issued a proposed rule aiming at cutting short the lengthy review process for cutting-edge devices.
Behavioral health clinic utilizes telehealth solutions to expand its reach to vulnerable patients
Bridge Counseling Associates a nonprofit agency and certified community behavioral health clinic is based in Las Vegas – in Clark County, Nevada. Since there was a need to provide services in rural communities where professional behavioral health services are virtually unavailable, Bridge provided services through telehealth.
Trump aims at a broader role for telehealth services in Medicare
The Trump administration has plans to give telehealth a broader role under Medicare through an executive order and it serves as an indication to the Congress to make doctor visits via personal technology a permanent feature of the program.