Telehealth’s Future: MGMA Advocates for Permanent Access

The Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) has taken a strong stance in favor of telehealth, urging Congress to establish permanent or long-term access to this vital healthcare service. In a letter dated February 24, 2025, MGMA emphasized the importance of telehealth in improving patient care, expanding access, and addressing disparities in the healthcare system. This advocacy comes at a pivotal moment as temporary telehealth flexibilities, introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, are set to expire.

The Role of Telehealth in Modern Healthcare

Telehealth has revolutionized the way healthcare is delivered, offering patients the convenience of accessing care from the comfort of their homes. During the pandemic, telehealth proved to be a lifeline for millions, ensuring continuity of care while minimizing the risk of virus transmission. Beyond the pandemic, telehealth has demonstrated its potential to address long-standing challenges in the healthcare system, such as provider shortages, geographic barriers, and disparities in access to care.

For rural and underserved communities, telehealth has been particularly transformative. It has enabled patients to connect with specialists who may be located hundreds of miles away, reducing the need for costly and time-consuming travel. Additionally, telehealth has facilitated timely interventions for chronic disease management, mental health services, and preventive care.

Challenges and Barriers

Despite its benefits, the future of telehealth remains uncertain. Many of the temporary flexibilities that allowed for the rapid expansion of telehealth during the pandemic are tied to the public health emergency declaration. Without Congressional action, these provisions are set to expire, potentially rolling back progress and limiting access to telehealth services.

MGMA’s letter highlights several barriers that must be addressed to ensure the sustainability of telehealth. These include reimbursement policies, licensing requirements, and technology infrastructure. For example, inconsistent reimbursement rates between in-person and telehealth visits can discourage providers from offering virtual care. Similarly, state-specific licensing requirements can create administrative hurdles for providers who wish to offer telehealth services across state lines.

MGMA’s Advocacy and Proposed Solutions

In its advocacy, MGMA calls on Congress to take decisive action to secure the future of telehealth. The organization recommends the following measures:

1. Permanent Reimbursement Parity: Ensuring that telehealth services are reimbursed at the same rate as in-person visits to encourage provider participation.
2. Interstate Licensing Reform: Streamlining licensing requirements to allow providers to offer telehealth services across state lines.
3. Investment in Technology Infrastructure: Expanding broadband access in rural and underserved areas to support telehealth adoption.
4. Flexibility in Service Delivery: Allowing a wide range of services to be delivered via telehealth, including mental health care, chronic disease management, and preventive care.

Balancing Innovation and Oversight

While MGMA’s advocacy underscores the benefits of telehealth, it also acknowledges the need for appropriate oversight to ensure quality and prevent fraud. Policymakers must strike a balance between fostering innovation and maintaining accountability in the healthcare system.

Telehealth represents a critical component of modern healthcare delivery, with the potential to improve access, enhance patient outcomes, and reduce costs. MGMA’s call for permanent or long-term access to telehealth is a timely and necessary step toward realizing this potential. As Congress deliberates on the future of telehealth, it is imperative to prioritize policies that support its integration into the healthcare system while addressing barriers and ensuring equitable access for all.