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).
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.
Behavioral health clinic utilizes telehealth solutions to expand its reach to vulnerable patients
Bridge Counseling Associates a nonprofit agency and certified community behavioral health clinic is based in Las Vegas – in Clark County, Nevada. Since there was a need to provide services in rural communities where professional behavioral health services are virtually unavailable, Bridge provided services through telehealth.
A new value-based payment model for rural healthcare providers announced by CMS
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has announced a new value-based payment model for rural healthcare providers. CMS said, the Community Health Access and Rural Transformation (CHART) Model ties payment to value, lowers costs for patients and increases choice.
COVID-19 has expanded telemedicine measures needed since years
The US federal government decided to lift restrictions on telemedicine services for seniors under Medicare. This move should have happened years ago since it would have protected countless high-risk citizens from getting exposed to COVID-19. The damage ahead can be mitigated by quickly designing new telehealth and telemedicine options.