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 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.
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.
Upto $250B of healthcare spending could shift to virtual: McKinsey report
More patients and providers are being exposed to telehealth and virtual care. In such a scenario, a report was published by McKinsey predicting that $250 billion of current U.S. healthcare spending could be virtualized.
USDA announces grants to encourage rural telehealth rollouts
The US Department of Agriculture announced new grant investments for infrastructure aimed at expanding education and healthcare access among rural US residents. The entire grant consists of 133 grants totaling $42.5 million, and are spread across 37 states and two US territories.