President Joe Biden’s choice to lead the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has indicated his support for telehealth. Xavier Becerra called attention to the effects of inequality on the health of vulnerable communities and acknowledged the role of digital health in addressing that inequity.
Congress attempts to ease Telehealth Licensure Restrictions
A bill that would allow healthcare providers to use telehealth to treat any person in any state all through the coronavirus pandemic has been re-introduced by lawmakers. Telehealth has made it easier for Americans to get medical care, without leaving their homes in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic says Rep. Bob Latta (R-OH), who re-filed the bill with Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI).
Counselling clinics learn to adjust to telehealth
Many counseling centers had to quickly transition to telehealth this past year due to the coronavirus pandemic. Some found it easier to adjust to this change, but most of them learned invaluable lessons in delivering virtual care.
CMS aims at permanently expanding telehealth services
The Trump administration chose to add more than 60 telehealth services that will be reimbursable during the public health emergency caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. These changes to telehealth coverage will be permitted permanently in rural areas.
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.