Patients reaching the hospitals with symptoms suggestive of a stroke require quick expert assessment and treatment to put a halt to brain damage, which could save their lives. Yet most hospitals don’t have round-the-clock stroke care teams.
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).
Reintroduction of the Post-COVID-19 Telehealth Bill
After failing to make it through Congress in the last year, The Protecting Access to Post-COVID-19 Telehealth Act is being re-introduced. The lawmakers should see enough value in telehealth for making it a priority this year. The new administration has taken on in Washington and some lawmakers are trying to re-emphasize the passing of long-term telehealth legislation.
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.