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.
New bill aims to improve Medicaid, CHIP telehealth coverage for children
The Telehealth Improvement for Kids’ Essential Services, or TIKES, Act of 2020 requires the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to issue guidance to states about ways to increase access to telehealth solutions under Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program.
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 proposes vital changes to Remote Patient Monitoring coverage
The federal government has clarified the way it regulates remote patient monitoring and the changes could significantly impact and potentially restrict the usage of telehealth and mHealth by care providers while they take care of patients at home.