Telehealth

Also known as telemedicine, this area of care helps connect doctors and patients remotely, without requiring in-person visits. This virtual care strategy is beneficial for managing chronic conditions, delivering lab test or diagnostic imaging results, post-surgical follow-ups, assessing skin conditions, online counseling and many other healthcare services. It also can improve care, care access and outcomes for patients.

DEA, HHS postpone permanent telehealth prescribing rule—again
The new rule was expected to go into effect on March 21 and would have expanded prescribing practices for buprenorphine, a non-opioid painkiller used to treat addiction.
Walgreens resolves $595M lawsuit over COVID testing
The dispute was with Everly Health, a telemedicine provider contracted to fulfill orders for COVID-19 tests during the pandemic. Walgreens was accused of violating provisions of a service agreement.
Congress hesitates on long-term telemedicine expansion admid advocacy push
Congress temporarily extended telemedicine provisions until March amid lobby efforts by the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) and others to make the provisions permanent.
DEA wants to permanently anchor some COVID-era prescription regulations
The Drug Enforcement Administration is proposing the adoption of some COVID-era prescription practices around certain controlled substances. The agency published a framework to guide any such changes Jan. 17.
Telehealth diabetes management offering now part of Amazon marketplace
The integration was announced during the annual JP Morgan Health Care Conference in San Francisco. The program works through Amazon Benefits Manager to remotely help patients with weight and blood pressure management.

Telehealth company introduces interactive chatbot for virtual visits

Florida-based telehealth provider MDLive is now incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into its virtual healthcare services with its new interactive chatbot named “Sophie,” according to a report by the Sun Sentinel.

CMS expands telehealth in new Medicare Advantage rule

A new proposed rule from CMS would expand Medicare Advantage and Part D telehealth benefits in 2020. The changes will likely make telehealth services more accessible to Medicare beneficiaries at home.

Walmart launches telehealth campaign with Doctor on Demand

Retail giant Walmart has partnered with consumer health and hygiene company RB to launch a telehealth initiative with Doctor on Demand, a virtual care provider.

Telehealth monitoring effective method for tuberculosis treatments

Telehealth monitoring of patients receiving tuberculosis treatments is more effective and cheaper than in-person monitoring, according to a study published in Emerging Infectious Diseases.

AHA supports $100M telehealth pilot

The American Hospital Association voiced its support for a $100 million telehealth pilot by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in written comments.

Telehealth models just as effective as in-person care when treating psoriasis patients

Telehealth models are just as effective as in-person visits with physicians when treating patients with psoriasis.

College students to study effects of telehealth, AI on the elderly

A University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) program and senior living community are partnering to research the effects of telehealth and artificial intelligence (AI) platforms on seniors in assisted living and memory care communities.

Most patients unaware if their insurance covers telehealth

While more telehealth initiatives are popping up across the healthcare space, consumers aren’t as clear on whether their insurance plans actually cover virtual care services.

Telehealth

DEA, HHS postpone permanent telehealth prescribing rule—again

Walgreens resolves $595M lawsuit over COVID testing

Congress hesitates on long-term telemedicine expansion admid advocacy push

DEA wants to permanently anchor some COVID-era prescription regulations

Telehealth diabetes management offering now part of Amazon marketplace