As the world navigates the coronavirus outbreak, a few key technologically advanced tools are front and center in the fight to contain COVID-19. Digital tools like telehealth, consumer-facing AI-based chatbots and remote patient monitoring could play a key role in assisting with containing the virus and helping people who think they might have been exposed. Some […]
Allows for broadband-delivered house calls to Medicare recipients Congress is employing broadband in the fight against the coronavirus. The COVD-19 supplemental funding packagethat was signed by President Trump Friday (March 6) included a provision waiving telehealth restrictions for Medicare beneficiaries so they can still get diagnostic care and treatment while limiting possible exposure and spread of […]
On March 6, President Donald Trump signed an emergency funding bill in response to the coronavirus outbreak, which includes $500 million in waivers for Medicare telehealth restrictions, according to The Hill. Five things to know: 1. The bill includes $8.3 billion in emergency funding, with $7.76 billion going to federal, state and local agencies. Around $2.2 […]
The industry of telehealth is expanding for many reasons, including increased access to technology, a demand for more affordable health services and the desire for convenient care. Research findings projected a compound annual growth rate between 2014 and 2020 of 18.4% for telehealth services. Telehealth can reduce initial hospital admissions, readmissions, length of stay and mortality rates. By expanding telehealth services […]
Our Health Care Group examines provisions in the emergency coronavirus spending bill Congress has sent to the President that affect how the Department of Health and Human Services can reimburse for telehealth under Medicare Part B. Under what circumstances has Congress allowed HHS to waive telehealth restrictions? Will originating-site restrictions be waived? Can we finally […]
With the coronavirus threatening to become a pandemic, health systems and telehealth vendors see this as an opportunity to bring connected health to the forefront – and reshape the future of healthcare. By Eric Wicklund March 05, 2020 – As Congress votes on a funding package that includes Medicare waivers for some telehealth services and the Health Information and Management Systems […]
The decision to waive restrictions on telemedicine for Medicare beneficiaries was praised by the American Telehealth Association. President Donald Trump signed an $8.3 billion emergency funding measure to stem the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak Friday morning. The president signed the bill one day after the Senate approved the appropriations bill, which includes a provision to lift waive restrictions […]
The American Telemedicine Associationcommended Congress on March 5 for passing an $8.3 billion emergency funding package, which includes a provision to waive telehealth restrictions for Medicare beneficiaries, to combat the U.S. COVID-19 outbreak. Here are six things to know about the federal funding and how healthcare organizations are using virtual care technology to combat the outbreak: […]
“Caution is appropriate. Preparedness is appropriate. Panic is not.” (~ U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams, commenting on the coronavirus) The recent coronavirus outbreak is gaining world attention as it spreads, with increasing focus on outbreaks and containment efforts throughout the United States. On March 6, 2020, President Trump signed into law an emergency $8.3 billion […]
Feb 13, 2020 Billing & payments Coding Safety Today, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) took further action to ensure America’s healthcare facilities and clinical laboratories are prepared to respond to the threat of the 2019-Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). Specifically, CMS developed a new Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) code for providers and laboratories to test patients for […]
Emergency Triage, Treat, and Transport (ET3) is a voluntary, five-year payment model that will provide greater flexibility to ambulance care teams to address emergency health care needs of Medicare beneficiaries following a 911 call. Under the ET3 model, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will pay participating ambulance suppliers and providers to 1) […]