Medicaid, Public Health and Telemedicine - Health Care Compliance Brief

Primary care practices identify needed improvements for telemedicine

Healthcare IT News - Telehealth

MAY 31, 2023

WHY IT MATTERS To identify common facilitators and barriers to telehealth implementation, researchers evaluated practice leaders' perspectives on 32 aspects of telemedicine in their practices, according to a new report published in the Annals of Family Medicine.

Telemedicine

Telemedicine Doctors COVID-19 Medicaid

Where telemedicine is headed now that the PHE has ended

Healthcare IT News - Telehealth

MAY 30, 2023

The COVID-19 public health emergency came to an end on May 11. This also happens to coincide with the World Health Organization declaring an end to the COVID-19 global health emergency. What can be expected in healthcare and health IT now that the PHE has ended, and what does this mean for the future of telehealth?

Telemedicine

Telemedicine COVID-19 Governance Medicare

State Medicaid programs want to keep telehealth expansions, KFF analysis finds

Healthcare IT News - Telehealth

JANUARY 11, 2023

The Kaiser Family Foundation recently looked at state trends with regard to expanding access to telehealth-based behavioral care during the pandemic and found that states see telemedicine as a key component of maintaining access to behavioral healthcare for Medicaid enrollees. Healthcare IT News is a HIMSS publication.

Medicaid

Medicaid Medicaid Medicare Medicare

Psychiatrists 'pleasantly surprised' with transition to telemedicine

Healthcare IT News - Telehealth

MAY 13, 2020

A qualitative RAND Corporation study finds that psychiatrists offering telemedicine for the first time during the COVID-19 pandemic have had largely positive perceptions of the transition. Many, however, say they plan to return to in-person care when possible, due to the challenges psychiatric telemedicine entail. WHY IT MATTERS.

Telemedicine

Telemedicine COVID-19 HIPAA Medicare

Charting a Path Forward for Behavioral Health After the Public Health Emergency

HIT Consultant

JULY 17, 2023

Talib Jaber, RPh, VP of Customer Success, Sunwave Health The pandemic caused a significant increase in overdose and Substance Use Disorder (SUD) related deaths, exposing long-standing deficiencies in the identification and treatment of SUD. It’s important to note that Medicaid is the leading payer for SUD treatment in the country.

Public Health

Public Health Medicaid Medicaid Electronic Medical Records

Taking stock of the sudden evolution of telemedicine

Healthcare IT News - Telehealth

SEPTEMBER 15, 2021

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) began to allow for reimbursement for videoconferencing between healthcare provider and patient. Since then, CMS has now expanded coverage for telehealth and telemedicine. How can healthcare provider organizations tackle privacy issues related to HIPPA when it comes to telemedicine?

Telemedicine

Telemedicine COVID-19 Medicare Medicare

Sony Tech Powers Minnesota’s Telehealth Revolution for Medicaid Patients

HIT Consultant

JANUARY 29, 2024

What You Should Know: – HealtheMed , a revolutionary public health utility startup, is empowering underserved Medicaid recipients in Minnesota to live healthier, more independent lives through its innovative Clinic@Home platform. This data fuels continuous improvement and expansion plans.

Medicaid

Medicaid Medicaid Telemedicine Public Health

Preparing for the End of the Public Health Emergency

YouCompli

MARCH 29, 2023

In this article, she discusses several issues that hospitals and health systems need to consider as a result of the scheduled end of the COVID-19 public health emergency. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) reports that 80% of the U.S. population previously received at least one COVID-19 vaccination.

Public Health

Public Health COVID-19 COVID-19 Vaccine Medicare

CAA of 2022 Includes Federal Extension to Telehealth Protections for HDHPs

Compliance Now

MARCH 15, 2022

This legislation permits sponsors of HDHPs to offer telemedicine services at no cost to participants, regardless of the plan’s annual deductible, without impacting participant HSA eligibility. The 2022 CAA reinstates these telemedicine protections for the period of April 1, 2022, through December 31, 2022.

COVID-19

COVID-19 Telemedicine Medicare Medicare

Billing Medicare and Private Payers for Telehealth Visits: What to Expect Post-Public Health Emergency

Healthcare IT News - Telehealth

NOVEMBER 10, 2020

” [i] “We have moved forward a decade in the use of telemedicine in this country, and it’s going to become and will remain an increasingly important part of physician practices going forward.” How can telehealth providers prepare for the changes expected to come at the end of the public health emergency?

Public Health

Public Health Medicare Medicare COVID-19

Brave Health Secures $40M in Series C Funding to Expand Access to Mental Health Services for Medicaid Populations

Healthcare IT Today

OCTOBER 21, 2022

Brave Health , the largest virtual mental health provider and engagement platform focused on serving Medicaid populations, today announced a $40M Series C funding round led by Town Hall Ventures, with existing investors Union Square Ventures, City Light Capital and others joining as well.

Medicaid

Medicaid Medicaid Health Outcomes Public Health

HHS watchdog: State oversight needed for behavioral telehealth

Healthcare IT News - Telehealth

SEPTEMBER 27, 2021

The brief, which examined oversight efforts as of January and February 2020, stemmed from a survey of Medicaid directors from 37 states, as well as structured interviews with relevant stakeholders. In response to COVID-19, patients have regularly turned to telemedicine for behavioral health needs. billion in alleged losses.

Fraud

Fraud COVID-19 Medicaid Medicaid

Brave Health & MedArrive Partner to Power Virtual Mental Health

HIT Consultant

AUGUST 2, 2022

– Brave Health , a virtual-first behavioral health provider focused on serving Medicaid and Medicare populations, today announced an innovative referral partnership with MedArrive. Today, access to basic behavioral health services for the nation’s most vulnerable populations is a public health crisis.

Medicaid

Medicaid Medicaid Telemedicine Public Health

Report shows 'vast improvement' in state telehealth reimbursement policies

Healthcare IT News - Telehealth

FEBRUARY 9, 2021

The firm, which monitors legal policy in the telemedicine and digital health industry, reported that 43 states and the District of Columbia implemented a version of a state telehealth commercial payer law – and the experts believe this year will trigger even greater expansion. WHY IT MATTERS. ON THE RECORD.

COVID-19

COVID-19 Telemedicine Federal Policy Public Health

New Audio-Only Telemedicine Bill to Expand Telehealth Beyond the Pandemic

Health Law Gurus

DECEMBER 31, 2020

During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (the “CMS”) relaxed some rules to expand access to telehealth, including through audio-only communication platforms. With the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, the public health emergency is expected to be brought to an end.

Telemedicine

Telemedicine COVID-19 Vaccine COVID-19 Public Health

Bipartisan House bill proposes permanent telehealth benefits

Healthcare IT News - Telehealth

FEBRUARY 3, 2023

The Telehealth Benefit Expansion for Workers Act would amend the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income and Security Act of 1974 and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow employers to treat benefits for telehealth services like excepted benefits. In an announcement about the bipartisan bill, Rep.

Public Health

Public Health COVID-19 Medicare Medicare

Hundreds of industry groups call on Congress to advance permanent telehealth reform

Healthcare IT News - Telehealth

JUNE 30, 2020

"Much of this transformation is dependent on temporary flexibilities extended to health systems and providers that are limited to the duration of the COVID-19 public health emergency declaration," the letter read. Senate HELP Committee Chair Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., Meanwhile, U.S. Butterfield, D-N.C.,

US Department of Health and Human Services

US Department of Health and Human Services COVID-19 Telemedicine Medicare

FCC and other awards helped enable permanent telehealth policy changes in Virginia

Healthcare IT News - Telehealth

JULY 18, 2022

The telemedicine program of the Charlottesville-based University of Virginia Health System was established in 1995 to enhance timely patient access to healthcare services, particularly for patients in rural regions of the Commonwealth of Virginia. "In 2019, UVA Health created a multi-stakeholder strategic plan for telemedicine."

COVID-19

COVID-19 Telemedicine Electronic Medical Records Hospitals

U.S. lawmakers reintroduce House bill safeguarding access to telehealth

Healthcare IT News - Telehealth

JANUARY 25, 2021

Authorize the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service to continue reimbursement for telehealth for 90 days beyond the end of the public health emergency. Make permanent the disaster waiver authority, enabling Health and Human Service to expand telehealth in Medicare during all future emergencies and disasters.

COVID-19

COVID-19 Medicare Medicare Telemedicine

How we can avoid the 'telehealth cliff'

Healthcare IT News - Telehealth

JUNE 2, 2021

It's become common knowledge, at this point, that the flexibilities enabled by the federal government at the start of the COVID-19 public health emergency prompted an atmospheric jump in telehealth use. in his opening remarks for a panel at the American Telemedicine Association's annual conference and expo this month.

COVID-19

COVID-19 Public Health Federal Policy Medicare

Temple uses $1M of FCC telehealth funding for virtual care platform, tablets and more

Healthcare IT News - Telehealth

NOVEMBER 2, 2020

More than 85% of the patients served by Temple are covered by government programs, including Medicare and Medicaid. Patients dually eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid make up roughly half of the Medicare inpatient base. More than 40% of total inpatient cases include a behavioral health diagnosis. MARKETPLACE.

Telemedicine

Telemedicine COVID-19 Nurses Medicare

Connecticut Children's Care Network adds telehealth breastfeeding support

Healthcare It News

JANUARY 10, 2023

The virtual care services will be delivered without copays, out-of-pocket costs or deductibles for families with active insurance or Medicaid coverage. WHY IT MATTERS. THE LARGER TREND. Before the pandemic, patients had to be in a rural area in a hospital or clinical setting to receive reimbursement for telehealth. ON THE RECORD.

COVID-19

COVID-19 Hospitals Telemedicine Health Outcomes

NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo proposes sweeping telehealth reforms

Healthcare IT News - Telehealth

JANUARY 12, 2021

"COVID-19 has changed not only the way we live, but the way healthcare providers support their patients, especially in regard to mental health," said Cuomo in a statement. Cuomo's proposal would make permanent many flexibilities that are currently in place during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

COVID-19

COVID-19 Telemedicine Medicaid Medicaid

Congress should include telehealth in year-end funding, say ATA, HIMSS

Healthcare IT News - Telehealth

DECEMBER 14, 2020

The American Telemedicine Association, the Connected Health Initiative and other industry groups issued a letter to Congress on Friday urging legislators to extend temporary telehealth flexibilities until the end of 2021. These have included the Telehealth Modernization Act and the Protecting Access to Post-COVID-19 Telehealth Act.

COVID-19

COVID-19 Telemedicine Public Health Medicaid

Healthcare & Life Science M&A Activity Plummets 1H’22

HIT Consultant

AUGUST 5, 2022

Behavioural Health and Telemedicine: The Behavioural Health subsector was down 18.4% Health IT Equities: Healthcare Information Technology equities were down 21.2% Health IT Equities: Healthcare Information Technology equities were down 21.2% The proposed changes would reduce the conversion factor by 4.4%

Telemedicine

Telemedicine Medicaid Medicaid Malpractice

Connected Health Initiative asks Senate to pass Telehealth Modernization Act

Healthcare IT News - Telehealth

SEPTEMBER 15, 2020

The Connected Health Initiative on Monday published an open letter to Sen. expressing support for the Telehealth Modernization Act and stressing the urgency of safeguarding access to virtual care before the public health emergency is set to expire. Department of Health and Human Services to expand telehealth in Medicare.

COVID-19

COVID-19 Medicare Medicare Public Health

Sun River Health shifts 67% of its visits to telehealth

Healthcare IT News - Telehealth

DECEMBER 28, 2020

Sun River Health was among the first organizations to receive funding under the Federal Communications Commission COVID-19 Telehealth Program. Prior to implementing the telemedicine technology supported by the FCC program funds, Sun River Health had relatively limited and targeted capacity to support remote visits. THE PROBLEM.

Telemedicine

Telemedicine COVID-19 Patient Satisfaction Public Health

Here's what primary care clinicians say they need to effectively implement telehealth

Healthcare IT News - Telehealth

SEPTEMBER 16, 2020

Shelley, a professor in the Department of Policy and Public Health Management at the New York University School of Global Public Health. At the same time, the researchers noted, several hurdles remain for primary care providers when it comes to integrating telemedicine. " If the U.S.

COVID-19

COVID-19 Public Health Malpractice Telemedicine

Managing Healthcare Compliance in Mississippi

MedTrainer

DECEMBER 4, 2023

Mississippi Healthcare Compliance Resources Let’s start with the important state government agencies you’ll need to work with: The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) is dedicated to protecting and improving the health of its residents through various public health services, health education programs, and regulatory initiatives.

Compliance

Compliance Telemedicine Licensing Public Health

Bipartisan House bill would enshrine telehealth rule changes, enable wider use

Healthcare IT News - Telehealth

JULY 16, 2020

The legislation seeks to push forward with wider access to and use of telehealth – even beyond this public health emergency with its numerous waivers, allowances and temporary rule changes. Mike Thompson, D-California, Peter Welch, D-Vermont, Bill Johnson, R-Ohio, and Doris Matsui, D-California. ON THE RECORD.

COVID-19

COVID-19 Medicare Medicare Public Health

Managing Healthcare Compliance in North Carolina

MedTrainer

NOVEMBER 27, 2023

The Division of Health Benefits administers the state’s Medicaid program, which provides essential healthcare coverage to eligible individuals and families. Telemedicine encounters require evaluations that meet standard care levels, and static online questionnaires alone are insufficient for diagnosis or treatment.

Compliance

Compliance Licensing Telemedicine Medicaid

Key Legal Issues Facing Telehealth Platforms, as Compliance Concerns Bubble for Platforms Launched During the Public Health Emergency

Health Care Law Brief

JUNE 2, 2022

The onset of the COVID-19 public health emergency (“PHE”) led to a surge in the use of telehealth by health care providers. Does the state apply different standards, for example, to Medicaid encounters? Prescriptions & Controlled Substances.

Public Health

Public Health Compliance COVID-19 Licensing

Sen. Brian Schatz: Telehealth is 'single shining exception' to partisanship

Healthcare IT News - Telehealth

JUNE 29, 2021

But, panelists pointed out during the American Telemedicine Association conference on Tuesday, it's important to take the lessons learned during the pandemic and incorporate them into future innovation efforts. The COVID-19 pandemic acted as an accelerator of sorts for many experiments with virtual care implementations.

COVID-19

COVID-19 Public Health Telemedicine Medicaid

Florida man pleads guilty in scheme exploiting amended telehealth restrictions

Healthcare IT News - Telehealth

SEPTEMBER 2, 2021

According to the agency , the conspiracy involved paying a telemedicine company to arrange for doctors to authorize medically unnecessary genetic testing. "We will continue to support the unprecedented COVID-19 public health effort by holding accountable people who use deceptive tactics to profit from the pandemic," he said.

COVID-19

COVID-19 Medicare Medicare Public Health

ATA weighs in on proposed CMS Physician Fee Schedule rule

Healthcare IT News - Telehealth

SEPTEMBER 25, 2020

The American Telemedicine Association was among several groups this week that submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services regarding the 2021 Physician Fee Schedule proposed rule. "The ATA appreciates CMS’ efforts to expand access to telemedicine." THE LARGER TREND. Twitter: @kjercich.

COVID-19

COVID-19 Telemedicine Medicare Medicare

Former CMS chief of staff previews 4 areas of value-based care in 2022

Healthcare IT News - Telehealth

DECEMBER 14, 2021

Caravan Health President and CEO Tim Gronniger previously was chief of staff and director of delivery system reform at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Caravan Health is a privately held company formed to create sustainable methodologies for health systems to excel in value-based care.

Medicare

Medicare Medicare COVID-19 Telemedicine

Managing Healthcare Compliance in New Mexico

MedTrainer

DECEMBER 7, 2023

The Medical Assistance Division (MAD) within the New Mexico Human Services Department (HSD) administers the state’s Medicaid program, providing essential healthcare services and financial assistance to eligible low-income residents and families in New Mexico.

Compliance

Compliance Licensing Medicaid Medicaid

At Denver Health, telehealth education and equipment help close equity gaps and boost engagement

Healthcare IT News - Telehealth

AUGUST 16, 2023

The COVID-19 public health emergency prompted a rapid shift to telemedicine as both a replacement and adjunct to usual in-person care. However, based on the National Institute on Aging's National Health and Aging Trends Study , researchers estimated roughly one-third of older adults in the U.S.

Telemedicine

Telemedicine COVID-19 Health Outcomes Medicaid

March Regulatory Update

Verisys

MARCH 17, 2023

HB 62 Status: In Committee Iowa: Continued COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Flexibilites A state plan amendment has been proposed to provide additional COVID-19 coverage for Hawki and Medicaid enrollees after the last day of the national public health emergency period.

COVID-19

COVID-19 Nurses Licensing Public Health

Introduction to Telebehavioral Health

AIHC

SEPTEMBER 5, 2023

Telemedicine is considered to be under the umbrella of telehealth and refers specifically to clinical services. Telehealth and telemedicine cover similar services, including medical education, remote patient monitoring, patient consultation via videoconferencing, wireless health applications, and transmission of imaging and medical reports.

COVID-19

COVID-19 Telemedicine Compliance Informed Consent

Telehealth for Behavioral Healthcare

Verisys

JANUARY 27, 2022

In light of these challenges, digital telemental health has become an increasingly valuable tool for improving access to behavioral health practitioners. The use of telemedicine in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), telehealth services had a 63-fold increase with Medicare patients in 2020.

US Department of Health and Human Services

US Department of Health and Human Services Telemedicine Licensing Informed Consent

Love and Health: The Education of Abner Mason, SameSky Health

Health Populi

FEBRUARY 15, 2022

Abner then went to Mexico and witnessed the emergence of telemedicine there. which was under-served by the nation’s health care system, realizing the promise of virtual care could have a positive impact for these patients. There is a recognition by stakeholders across all of health care that the status quo is not sufficient….but

Medicaid

Medicaid Medicaid Telemedicine Governance

Bonus Features – April 2, 2023 – 63% of nurses say AI will cause a generational divide among nursing staff, 67% of consumers prefer electronic medical bills but 78% of providers still use paper, and more

Healthcare IT Today

APRIL 2, 2023

News and Research The American Telemedicine Association’s ATA Action submitted two letters to the Drug Enforcement Administration about its proposed rules regarding the remote prescribing of controlled substances. With the end of the public health emergency, DEA is proposing a rollback on flexibility for remote prescribing.

Nurses

Nurses Medical Billing Telemedicine Public Health

Digital Health Adoption Across Communities is Uneven By Rurality, Race, Health Plan, and Gender

Jane Sarashon

MAY 17, 2022

The report examines three areas of digital health adoption: Live video telemedicine. Digital health tracking. We all know the mantra that our ZIP code impacts our health and well-being more than our genetic code. Women have reached digital health use parity with men overall, Rock Health noted in this year’s data.

Telemedicine

Telemedicine Health Insurance Public Health Medicaid

Primary care practices identify needed improvements for telemedicine

Where telemedicine is headed now that the PHE has ended

Trending Sources

State Medicaid programs want to keep telehealth expansions, KFF analysis finds

Psychiatrists 'pleasantly surprised' with transition to telemedicine

Charting a Path Forward for Behavioral Health After the Public Health Emergency

Taking stock of the sudden evolution of telemedicine

Sony Tech Powers Minnesota’s Telehealth Revolution for Medicaid Patients

Preparing for the End of the Public Health Emergency

CAA of 2022 Includes Federal Extension to Telehealth Protections for HDHPs

Billing Medicare and Private Payers for Telehealth Visits: What to Expect Post-Public Health Emergency

Brave Health Secures $40M in Series C Funding to Expand Access to Mental Health Services for Medicaid Populations

HHS watchdog: State oversight needed for behavioral telehealth

Brave Health & MedArrive Partner to Power Virtual Mental Health

Report shows 'vast improvement' in state telehealth reimbursement policies

New Audio-Only Telemedicine Bill to Expand Telehealth Beyond the Pandemic

Bipartisan House bill proposes permanent telehealth benefits

Hundreds of industry groups call on Congress to advance permanent telehealth reform

FCC and other awards helped enable permanent telehealth policy changes in Virginia

U.S. lawmakers reintroduce House bill safeguarding access to telehealth

How we can avoid the 'telehealth cliff'

Temple uses $1M of FCC telehealth funding for virtual care platform, tablets and more

Connecticut Children's Care Network adds telehealth breastfeeding support

NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo proposes sweeping telehealth reforms

Congress should include telehealth in year-end funding, say ATA, HIMSS

Healthcare & Life Science M&A Activity Plummets 1H’22

Connected Health Initiative asks Senate to pass Telehealth Modernization Act

Sun River Health shifts 67% of its visits to telehealth

Here's what primary care clinicians say they need to effectively implement telehealth

Managing Healthcare Compliance in Mississippi

Bipartisan House bill would enshrine telehealth rule changes, enable wider use

Managing Healthcare Compliance in North Carolina

Key Legal Issues Facing Telehealth Platforms, as Compliance Concerns Bubble for Platforms Launched During the Public Health Emergency

Sen. Brian Schatz: Telehealth is 'single shining exception' to partisanship

Florida man pleads guilty in scheme exploiting amended telehealth restrictions

ATA weighs in on proposed CMS Physician Fee Schedule rule

Former CMS chief of staff previews 4 areas of value-based care in 2022

Managing Healthcare Compliance in New Mexico

At Denver Health, telehealth education and equipment help close equity gaps and boost engagement

March Regulatory Update

Introduction to Telebehavioral Health

Telehealth for Behavioral Healthcare

Love and Health: The Education of Abner Mason, SameSky Health

Bonus Features – April 2, 2023 – 63% of nurses say AI will cause a generational divide among nursing staff, 67% of consumers prefer electronic medical bills but 78% of providers still use paper, and more

Digital Health Adoption Across Communities is Uneven By Rurality, Race, Health Plan, and Gender

Stay Connected