This week, the President signed an Executive Order intended to support the continued development of telehealth in the US. The document extends the availability of teleheatlh services after the public health emergency ends, directs the HHS to reveal a new payment model that will include telehealth services and commits to improving healthcare services to rural areas.
There was also a press conference highlighting the expansion of telehealth services at the Veterans Administration. VA Secretary Dr. David Shulkin gave a demonstration and said, “We can provide telehealth services in 50 different specialities, from ‘tele-dermatology’ to ‘tele-intensive care’ to ‘tele-dentistry.’ “
This is seen as a signal to Congress that the administration will be quite receptive to any legislation that supports long-term use of telemedicine which is being strongly pushed in Congress now. At a time where all politicians are looking to appeal to voters, telehealth policy changes are almost certain.
Are we ready?