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 increases patient participation in genetic counseling

More patients preferred using telehealth to complete genetic counseling than usual methods, according to a study presented at the 2018 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting.

Telehealth saves $4.1M for Spectrum Health

The implementation of telehealth services has saved Spectrum Health, one of Michigan’s largest health systems, more than $4 million in three years.

American Academy of Pediatrics selects SnapMD as telehealth provider

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has selected SnapMD as its provider of telehealth technology.

Phoning it in: Telehealth costs $110 less than a primary care visit

Virtual health visits cost $110 less than conventional primary care appointments, while also reducing patient wait times and helping address the nursing shortage, according to CNBC.

Avizia, Regroup partner expand telehealth-related behavioral services

Telehealth provider Avizia and Regroup, an integrated telepsychiatry company, have partnered to expand the quality and reach of virtual behavioral healthcare services.

30% of patients who used telehealth receive in-person care within a year

A study conducted by Zipnosis and Washington-based MultiCare Health System showed healthcare organizations could increase patient acquisition by using virtual care.

TeleHealth Services launches virtual assist to address nurse shortages

TeleHealth Services has announced the launch of iCare Navigator, an interactive patient engagement system that uses virtual health coaches trained by artificial intelligence (AI) to address the shortage of nurses.

Telehealth can reach underserved populations—including those in prison

Telehealth can connect providers with patients who face significant barriers to care—including those in correctional facilities.

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