From September 15 to 21, AmplifyMD will join the American Telemedicine Association (ATA) in celebrating Telehealth Awareness Week (TAW). TAW is an opportunity for solution providers, health systems, physician groups, patient advocates, policymakers, and other stakeholders to promote telehealth’s tremendous value in improving healthcare outcomes.
The week will be filled with national and regional events hosted by the ATA and many health systems nationwide. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with experts, share experiences, and learn about the latest trends and innovations in telehealth. I encourage you to learn more!
A Critical Moment for Telehealth
This year, we’re facing a legislative crossroads that could shape the future of telehealth in America. Four years ago, the federal government introduced telehealth flexibilities that significantly improved access to services for millions of Americans and spurred a burst of innovation and investment into virtual care technology. However, if Congress does not take action to extend these flexibilities, they will expire on January 1.
The ATA, the American Hospital Association, the American Medical Association, leading health systems, technology innovators, and patients overwhelmingly support making these telehealth flexibilities permanent. But without congressional action, millions of patients could lose access to telehealth services.
What’s at Risk?
Several critical telehealth flexibilities are at risk if Congress does not vote to extend them before December 31st. The ATA has highlighted several key areas, including:
- Waiving geographic and originating site restrictions
- Maintaining coverage for audio-only services
- Allowing Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) and Federal Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) to be reimbursed for telehealth services
- Delaying the elemental health prior in-person requirements
- Maintaining the expansion of the Medicare Telehealth Providers list to include physical, occupational, and speech therapy (PT/OT/ST) to ensure these providers can be reimbursed for telehealth services
- Accessing virtual cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation services
- Preserving the Acute Hospital Care at Home Program
- Allowing virtual diabetes prevention platforms and supplies to participate in the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program
Get Involved
As healthcare professionals and telehealth solution providers, we are vital in advocating for telehealth. I encourage everyone to engage with policymakers, participate in discussions, and support all of the various initiatives promoting telehealth as a standard care modality. By advocating for telehealth, you are contributing to a future where everyone has access to the care they need, when and where they need it.
For more information and to participate in Telehealth Awareness Week events, visit the American Telemedicine Association website.
Meena Mallipeddi
Meena Mallipeddi is the Co-founder and CEO of AmplifyMD, where she champions the transformative potential of virtual care to enhance health outcomes, particularly in underserved communities. She also hosts The Seamless Connection, a bi-weekly podcast, and serves on the American Telemedicine Association’s Leadership Council. She was recently named to Inc. Magazine’s Female Founders 250 list.
