Consumers are warming to the idea of home healthcare providers to get complex procedures and diagnostics done without having to step out—even beyond the pandemic. Though covid gave tailwinds to home health diagnostics, the industry is expected to continue growing at 15-19% a year to touch $13 billion by 2025 from $5.4 billion currently, according […]
Medicare home healthcare has been pivotal during the coronavirus pandemic, but it still needs to undergo changes to fully meet beneficiaries’ needs. By Kelsey Waddill October 30, 2020 – While the coronavirus pandemic has forced positive change elsewhere in the healthcare industry, Medicare home healthcare policies still have room to improve, a Commonwealth Fund study discovered. As the healthcare industry […]
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the effects of existing health disparities throughout the United States. While Hispanic/Latino individuals account for only 16% of the Rhode Island (RI) population, Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) data show that 45% of COVID-19 cases and 36% of individuals who have been hospitalized identify as Hispanic/Latino. Clínica Esperanza/Hope Clinic […]
Now that the initial wave of COVID-19 has passed and providers have mastered the telehealth billing requirements, it is time to turn attention to the 2021 Evaluation and Management (E&M) changes and their impact on a provider’s practice. Much of what was learned during the Public Health Emergency (PHE) will aid physicians as they transition […]
A bipartisan contingent of lawmakers has introduced the Home Health Emergency Access to Telehealth (HEAT) Act, a bill that would provide Medicare reimbursements for audio and video telehealth services furnished by home health agencies during the COVID-19 pandemic. “I know firsthand the benefits of home healthcare,” said U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (D-AL), who was joined by Reps. […]
Today, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a final rule [CMS-1730-F] that finalizes routine updates to the home health payment rates for calendar year (CY) 2021, in accordance with existing statutory and regulatory requirements. This rule also finalizes the regulatory changes related to the use of telecommunications technology in providing care under […]
In a new Healthcare Strategies podcast, Chris Waugh, chief innovation officer at Sutter Health, explains how the health system is creating a strategy that integrates virtual and in-person care to treat the whole patient. By Eric Wicklund October 29, 2020 – Health systems looking for the right balance between telehealth and in-person care shouldn’t think of one service […]
The public health emergency (PHE) for COVID-19 has brought about many changes to the way healthcare is practiced, delivered, and reimbursed. This article will discuss some of the major recent changes to telehealth on the federal level. Disclaimer: For consistency, the term “telehealth” is used throughout this article and is intended to include telemedicine, telepsychiatry, […]
Imagine an 87-year-old woman living in a senior living community. She falls on her way to the bathroom, hurting her hip and hitting her head. She is able to call for help and the night staff comes to her room. The young man on duty helps her back in bed but knows she needs medical […]
The public health emergency (PHE) for COVID-19 has brought about many changes to the way healthcare is practiced, delivered, and reimbursed. This article will discuss some of the major recent changes to telehealth on the federal level. Disclaimer: For consistency, the term “telehealth” is used throughout this article and is intended to include telemedicine, telepsychiatry, and […]
The coronavirus pandemic has brought upon unprecedented challenges for all Americans. This is particularly true for our vulnerable senior populations who are most at risk for complications due to COVID-19, many of whom have continued to stay isolated away from loved ones. I have long been an advocate for advancements in our healthcare, in particular, […]
Patients have the digital health literacy and tools needed to implement telehealth for after-hours patient-provider communication. By Sara Heath October 28, 2020 – Patients are receptive to the idea of using telehealth for patient-provider communication outside of traditional office hours, with about one-fifth saying it would likely get them answers to their health-related questions more quickly, according to […]
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, CMS implemented a number of waivers and flexibilities that allowed Medicare beneficiaries to access a wider range of telehealth services without having to travel to a health care facility. This review will be based on Medicare Parts B and C data and will identify program integrity risks associated with […]
When the coronavirus pandemic hit the United States early this year, it sent shockwaves across our economy and pushed many of the nation’s public health systems to the brink. Frontline health care workers, hospitals and patients suddenly were forced to confront a silent, deadly, fast-moving virus with no known cure and no vaccine. For millions […]
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Todd Young (R-IN) and Tom Carper (D-DE) today introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at improving health care for expectant mothers. The Connected Maternal Online Monitoring Services (MOM) Act requires the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) to provide coverage recommendations for remote devices to check blood […]