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).
Private payer market impact post-COVID-19 telehealth coverage
Most of the big health plans brought major changes in coverage to help providers use connected care, according to an analysis of telehealth coverage by private players during the coronavirus pandemic.
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.
Telehealth to improve outcomes, efficiency reveals UMMS suicide prevention study
A new study led by a UMass Medical School researcher looks at evaluating the use of telehealth to improve suicide-related outcomes. Telehealth to Improve Prevention of Suicide (TIPS) in emergency departments is a four-year National Institute of Mental Health effectiveness-implementation trial. TIPS focuses on interventions in rural or community hospitals.