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.

CVS Health launches new virtual primary care service

CVS Health has launched its new virtual primary care offering with 24/7 on-demand care and scheduled mental health services.

NIH launches at-home COVID-19 test and virtual treatment program

A new at-home testing and treatment program for COVID-19 is on its way to selected communities.

Claire Ernst, director of government affairs, Medical Group Management Association (MGMA), explains the list of priorities for the association. These include staving off the large, planned 2023 Medicare reimbursement cuts, fighting for continuation of reimbursements for telehealth, and revamping prior authorizations.

VIDEO: Top priorities for the Medical Group Management Association in 2022

Claire Ernst, director of government affairs, Medical Group Management Association (MGMA), explains the list of priorities for the association, include staving off the large Medicare reimbursement cuts, continuation of telehealth reimbursements, and revamping prior authorizations.

Amazon’s $3.9B acquisition of One Medical under review in Oregon

The state of Oregon is taking a hard look at the proposed acquisition of One Medical by Amazon. The deal is valued at $3.9 billion.

VillageMD partners with Point32Health for primary care expansion

VillageMD, a value-based care primary services provider, is expanding access to care through a partnership with Point32Health to offer services in Massachusetts.

Telehealth for cardiovascular disease patients: 3 key benefits and 5 ongoing challenges

Telehealth can provide significant value when it comes to managing and monitoring patients with CVD or suspected CVD. A new scientific statement from the American Heart Association explores the latest details on this evolving treatment option.

The Nanox ARC cold-cathode, tomosythesis 3D X-ray system is currently pending FDA clearance. If cleared, it would be the first device of its kind to offer cold-cathode X-ray tube technology and the ability to slice through the anatomy in images similar to CT scans aid diagnosis. The new type of tube also could greatly reduce the size and weight of X-ray systems. The vendor sees this system as key to its larger plan to address health disparities and access to imaging world-wide. #Nanox

Can cold-cathode X-ray combined with teleradiology and AI eliminate health disparities?

The Israeli vendor Nanox says it has a vision for the future of healthcare. It seeks to address health disparities and access challenges with a new business model and innovative package of technologies. Hurdles loom, but opportunities abound.

PHE for COVID-19 will continue past January

The public health emergency enacted during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic will continue past January 2023.

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