Legislation

HHS invests $8 million to address gaps in rural telehealth through the Telehealth Broadband Pilot Program

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HHS invests $8 million to address gaps in rural telehealth through the Telehealth Broadband Pilot Program

The program will be implemented in four state community locations, including in Alaska, Michigan, Texas and West Virginia. Jeff Lagasse, Associate Editor The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, through the Health Resources and Services Administration, has awarded $8 million to fund the Telehealth Broadband Pilot program, which assesses the broadband capacity available to rural healthcare […]

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Omnibus Appropriations Package – 15 Key Provisions for Healthcare Providers

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Omnibus Appropriations Package – 15 Key Provisions for Healthcare Providers

Passed by Congress Dec. 21, 2020, and signed by President Donald Trump Dec. 27, 2020, the $1.4 trillion omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (H.R. 133), includes numerous statutory provisions that directly affect healthcare providers. The spending bill funds the federal government through the end of the fiscal year, Sept. 30, 2021, and provides a $300 […]

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fcc

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COVID-19 Relief Stimulus Bill

The following is a summary of the elements contained within SEC. 903. Of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, Entitled, “FCC COVID–19 TELEHEALTH PROGRAM.” $249,950,000 in additional funds is appropriated for the FCC COVID–19 Telehealth Program In early January, 2021, the FCC shall issue a Public Notice of a 10-day comment period.  Comment should include: […]

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Consolidated Appropriations Act – 2021 – COVID-19 Relief Stimulus Bill – 2020-12-21

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Consolidated Appropriations Act – 2021 – COVID-19 Relief Stimulus Bill – 2020-12-21

SEC. 903. FCC COVID–19 TELEHEALTH PROGRAM. (a) DEFINITIONS.—In this section— (1) the term ‘‘appropriate congressional com- mittees’’ means— (A) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate; and (B) the Committee on Energy and Com- merce of the House of Representatives; (2) the term ‘‘Commission’’ means the Federal Communications Commission; and (3) the […]

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Diving into the Home Health Emergency Access to Telehealth (HEAT) Act

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Diving into the Home Health Emergency Access to Telehealth (HEAT) Act

The Medicare home health benefit does not currently permit the inclusion of telehealth services as a reimbursable service as part of the plan of care. Despite this, many home health agencies (HHAs) have found great value for their patients in including telehealth as part of care delivery and do so despite the lack of reimbursement. […]

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Congress Eyes Permanent Medicare Coverage for Telehealth from Therapists

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Congress Eyes Permanent Medicare Coverage for Telehealth from Therapists

A bill introduced this week would permanently extend Medicare coverage for telehealth services delivered by physical and occupational therapists, speech and language pathologists and audiologists. By Eric Wicklund November 18, 2020 – A group of lawmakers has introduced a bill that would ensure Medicare coverage for telehealth services provided by physical and occupational therapists, audiologists and speech and […]

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Reps. Sherrill, McKinley Lead Bipartisan Legislation to Increase Access to Telehealth Services

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Reps. Sherrill, McKinley Lead Bipartisan Legislation to Increase Access to Telehealth Services

Legislation expands practitioners eligible for Medicare reimbursement for telehealth services WASHINGTON, DC — Representatives Mike Sherrill (NJ-11), Rep. David McKinley (WV-01), Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Rep. Denver Riggleman (VA-05), Rep. Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Rep. Andre Carson (IN-07), Rep. Glenn Thompson (PA-15), Rep. Andy Kim (NJ-03), Rep. Joseph Morelle (NY-25), Rep. Bobby Rush (IL-01), Rep. Albio Sires […]

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Telehealth and COVID-19 Industry Experts Answer Key Questions

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Don’t Lose Focus on Your Compliance with Important COVID-19 Requirements

The HHS Office of Inspector General (“OIG”) published its intent to review some key measures the Federal government made in response to COVID-19. Those key measures include the Medicare program’s telehealth policy changes and oversight of funds disbursed to providers under the CARES Act and the Provider Relief Fund (“PRF”). While the OIG’s review focuses on the […]

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Here’s my tipsheet for pending telemedicine legislation

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Here’s my tipsheet for pending telemedicine legislation

THE CHALLENGES presented by COVID-19 have resulted in unprecedented changes to healthcare systems nationwide. Before the pandemic, only 1 percent of all physician visits in the US were conducted via telehealth. That number spiked to almost 50 percent in just the first month of the public health emergency, according to Medicare claims data. While telehealth usage […]

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Telehealth Update: Expansion of the Public Health Emergency, Telehealth Services for Home Health Beneficiaries, and a Special Event

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Telehealth Update: Expansion of the Public Health Emergency, Telehealth Services for Home Health Beneficiaries, and a Special Event

As COVID-19 infection rates continue to rise in areas of the country, telehealth continues to play an important role in the delivery of healthcare, especially to those most vulnerable to the virus.  The Public Health Emergency has officially been extended through January 23, 2021, which means that the majority of the telehealth waivers on the […]

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HEART Act Targets Medicare Limits on Rural Telehealth, RPM

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Telehealth Services Will Transform Access and Quality of Healthcare

There may never be a better time for your medical practice to start developing its telemedicine portfolio. Recently, the federal government has made it easier for healthcare providers to provide and bill for telemedicine services. While some of these changes are temporary, applying only while the COVID-19 public health emergency persists, other changes are permanent. […]

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FCC Opens Application Window for Connected Care Pilot Program

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FCC Opens Application Window for Connected Care Pilot Program

The three-year, $100 million program, aimed at boosting broadband connectivity in underserved parts of the country to support telehealth expansion, will accept applications for one month, beginning on November 6. By Eric Wicklund November 05, 2020 – The Federal Communications Commission is set to launch its Connected Care Pilot Program, a three-year, $100 million project aimed at expanding telehealth […]

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CMS

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CMS Finalizes Calendar Year 2021 Payment and Policy Changes for Home Health Agencies – Summary

CMS released the 2021 home health final rule on Thursday, October 29, 2020.  There were minimal changes compared to the home health proposed rule that was released in July 2020. Probably the best news in the rule was the 1.9% aggregate increase (or $390 million) in reimbursement that agencies will realize in 2021. Although the […]

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Executive Order Aimed Toward Spurring Federal Changes That Will Support Access to Telehealth Post-Pandemic

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Executive Summary: Tracking Telehealth Changes State-by-State in Response to COVID-19 – October 15, 2020

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues across the United States, states, payers, and providers are looking for ways to expand access to telehealth services. Telehealth is an essential tool in ensuring patients are able to access the healthcare services they need in as safe a manner as possible. In order to provide our clients with quick and […]

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