Telehealth became an important aspect of clinical response to COVID-19 during the early days of the pandemic and remains an essential tool for physicians to connect with patients. At the Becker’s Healthcare Telehealth Virtual Forum on Nov. 2-3, healthcare executives from across the U.S. gathered to discuss the big challenges and opportunities in telehealth and […]
Supporters of digital Diabetes Prevention Programs say the PREDICTS trial proves that telehealth and mHealth tools can improve clinical outcomes for people at risk of developing the chronic disease. By Eric Wicklund November 04, 2020 – A year-long study conducted by the University of Nebraska and Wake Forest University has found that a telehealth platform can help reduce […]
That is a $390M increase in Medicare home health reimbursement, according to a new final rule that also expands coverage of telecommunications tech and keeps the PDGM’s behavioral adjustment. By Jacqueline LaPointe November 04, 2020 – CMS has finalized a 1.9 percent, or $390 million, increase in Medicare home health reimbursement in 2021. The boost in reimbursement is […]
As the health care industry continues to navigate through challenges in an uncertain and rapidly-evolving landscape, we’ve learned that what worked a year ago may no longer make sense in today’s socially distanced, shelter-in-place environment. Changing consumer needs — and expectations — have dictated many of this year’s latest trends, reflecting an urgency for safe, […]
CMS since March has expanded the number of services Medicare will cover when provided via telehealth to help support access to healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are the 146 additional services, and their respective codes, that CMS will cover when provided via telehealth through the duration of the public health emergency: 1. 77427: radiation management 2. 90853: group […]
Federal health IT officials outlined their top goals and priorities for the next five years with a big focus on pushing the industry to make more patients’ health data accessible through smartphone apps. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published Friday the final 2020-2025 Federal Health IT Strategic Plan (PDF). The plan is designed to align goals and […]
November 02, 2020 – A bill introduced last week in the Senate aims to establish Medicare and Medicaid coverage for telehealth programs that monitor the health of expectant mothers. The Connected Maternal Online Mothering Services (MOM) Act (S.4859) would establish coverage for remote patient monitoring programs for pregnant women that track blood pressure, blood glucose and pulse rates […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Whole person care is considered critical to payer strategies, but how can payers ensure it remains central to evolving population health and telehealth strategies? By Kelsey Waddill November 02, 2020 – As the healthcare environment faces major changes, payers may face challenges in maintaining their focus on whole person care across all strategies. Given the influence of the […]
COVID-19 has created a telehealth boom, and it’s fantastic. The pandemic has pushed telehealth forward at least 10 years — no small feat, given healthcare lags about 10 years behind other industries in digital innovation. But, as is often the case with U.S. healthcare, we’re over-relying on the latest trend and ignoring the fact that it’s only a […]
The telehealth revolution has arrived, faster than even its most ardent proponents anticipated. Virtual doctor visits are on track to top 1 billion by the end of this year. That would be 30 times the figure from just three years ago. People with diabetes have been among the most enthusiastic adopters of remote care. At […]
CMS finalized 2021 payment updates for home health agencies Oct. 29. Four takeaways on the changes, which are effective Jan. 1: 1. CMS will increase payments to home health agencies by about 1.9 percent, or $390 million, for 2021. 2. CMS also finalized home infusion therapy rates for 2021. The rates will result in a 0.7 percent […]
The Canadian province is launching a community paramedicine program in five communities, which will use local paramedics and a telehealth platform to connect with seniors on long-term care waiting lists. By Eric Wicklund November 02, 2020 – Ontario’s government is investing roughly $5 million in a telehealth program aimed at bringing healthcare into the home for seniors on […]