Telehealth & Virtual Care Archives - HIT Leaders and News

Telehealth

Shutdown Stalemate Puts Telehealth Reimbursement at Risk

With Congress nearing another funding impasse, the future of federal telehealth reimbursement is again in question. Lawmakers have until 11:59 p.m. Tuesday to avert a government shutdown, and among the unresolved provisions is whether to temporarily extend Medicare’s authority to pay for telehealth services. A lapse in funding, even if brief, would introduce reimbursement uncertainty for thousands of providers and potentially disrupt access for Medicare beneficiaries who now rely on virtual care as a core clinical touchpoint.

Alabama Doctor Charged with $6 Million Telemedicine Health Care Fraud Scheme

Telehealth & Virtual Care

The recent health care fraud charges against Alabama physician Tommie Robinson highlight an escalating compliance crisis in telemedicine-enabled durable medical equipment (DME) and genetic testing referrals. Robinson, who has agreed to plead guilty, is accused of approving over $6 million in medically unnecessary orders between 2018 and 2021, orders that were allegedly generated by telemarketers, devoid of clinical evaluation, and submitted to Medicare through DME suppliers and labs.

Telehealth on a Ticking Clock: What Happens If Congress Lets Medicare Flexibilities Expire?

Telehealth & Virtual Care

With fewer than 60 days until expiration, critical telehealth and hospital-at-home flexibilities granted under the COVID-19 public health emergency are at risk of vanishing. If Congress fails to pass a healthcare extender package by June, the rollback could disrupt care for millions of Medicare beneficiaries and place dozens of digital health platforms in limbo.

ATA Action Acquires Digital Therapeutics Alliance: A New Era for Digital Health Advocacy

ATA Action, the advocacy arm of the American Telemedicine Association, has acquired the Digital Therapeutics Alliance (DTA), marking a significant consolidation in the digital health policy landscape. The deal, unanimously approved by the boards of both organizations, creates a powerful unified voice to champion the integration of telehealth and digital therapeutics across the U.S. healthcare system.

Reimagining Telehealth with AI: A Glimpse into the Future of Virtual Care

The COVID-19 pandemic changed the way we think about healthcare, pushing telehealth to the forefront almost overnight. While the initial focus was simply to keep care accessible during lockdowns, telehealth has since grown into a cornerstone of modern medicine. Now, with artificial intelligence (AI) stepping onto the scene, virtual care is set to become even more dynamic, personalized, and far-reaching. Let’s dive into how AI is transforming telehealth and what lies ahead in a post-pandemic world.

Congress Extends Telehealth Provisions in Spending Bill, But Long-Term Certainty Remains Elusive

In a significant win for telehealth advocates, Congress has passed a federal government spending bill that includes short-term extensions for critical telehealth provisions through September 30, 2025. The move ensures that millions of Americans, particularly those in underserved communities, will continue to have access to essential healthcare services delivered virtually. However, the temporary nature of these extensions has reignited calls for more permanent solutions to stabilize and expand telehealth access.

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.

HIMSS Telehealth Community Evolves into the HIMSS Virtual Care Community

As healthcare technology continues to advance, the HIMSS Telehealth community is evolving to better reflect the expanding landscape of virtual health. To reflect the expanding role of remote and technology-enabled healthcare services, the HIMSS Telehealth Community is now the HIMSS Virtual Care Community.

DEA Announces Three New Telemedicine Rules that Continue to Open Access to Telehealth Treatment while Protecting Patients

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration is announcing three new rules to make permanent some temporary telemedicine flexibilities established during the COVID-19 public health emergency while also establishing new patient protections.

HIMSS: Urge Congress to Extend Medicare Telehealth Flexibilities

Unless Congress acts, telehealth flexibilities that have allowed clinicians to provide millions of Americans access to high-quality virtual care since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic will expire at the end of this year.

The Rise of Telehealth: Transforming Healthcare Delivery

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly accelerated the adoption of telehealth, revolutionizing healthcare delivery worldwide.

Amazon Clinic is Now Amazon One Medical’s Pay-Per-Visit Telehealth Service

Amazon One Medical now offers customers two ways to get convenient, high-quality health care: Pay-per-visit telehealth for 30+ common conditions (like pink eye, the flu, or a sinus infection), or Membership where customers pay a monthly or annual fee for on-demand virtual care, easy booking of same and next-day appointments at One Medical offices, and a differentiated primary care experience.

Avel eCare Acquires Hospitalist Telemedicine Provider ‘Horizon Virtual’

Avel eCare, the nation’s leading provider of clinician-to-clinician telemedicine services, continues to expand its nationwide leadership in telemedicine with the acquisition of Horizon Virtual, a Minnesota-based virtual hospitalist services provider.

The Joint Commission Launches Telehealth Accreditation

The Joint Commission announced it is launching a new Telehealth Accreditation Program for eligible hospitals, ambulatory and behavioral healthcare organizations, effective July 1, 2024.

Cedars-Sinai Launches Virtual Healthcare for Children and Spanish Speakers

Cedars-Sinai is expanding virtual healthcare for children and Spanish speakers in California through its mobile app Cedars-Sinai Connect, a fast-growing online option that allows patients to quickly access top healthcare professionals for acute, chronic and preventive care.

Telehealth

Shutdown Stalemate Puts Telehealth Reimbursement at Risk

Alabama Doctor Charged with $6 Million Telemedicine Health Care Fraud Scheme

Telehealth on a Ticking Clock: What Happens If Congress Lets Medicare Flexibilities Expire?

ATA Action Acquires Digital Therapeutics Alliance: A New Era for Digital Health Advocacy

Reimagining Telehealth with AI: A Glimpse into the Future of Virtual Care

Congress Extends Telehealth Provisions in Spending Bill, But Long-Term Certainty Remains Elusive

Telehealth’s Future: MGMA Advocates for Permanent Access

HIMSS Telehealth Community Evolves into the HIMSS Virtual Care Community

DEA Announces Three New Telemedicine Rules that Continue to Open Access to Telehealth Treatment while Protecting Patients

HIMSS: Urge Congress to Extend Medicare Telehealth Flexibilities

The Rise of Telehealth: Transforming Healthcare Delivery

Amazon Clinic is Now Amazon One Medical’s Pay-Per-Visit Telehealth Service

Avel eCare Acquires Hospitalist Telemedicine Provider ‘Horizon Virtual’

The Joint Commission Launches Telehealth Accreditation

Cedars-Sinai Launches Virtual Healthcare for Children and Spanish Speakers

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