The benefits of telemedicine have long been stifled by fear, regulation, cost and technology. Yet, the old saying is true: Out of any disaster, some good will come.

Over the past few years, telemedicine has begun to take its rightful place in healthcare, an evolution that has been accelerated by the public’s growing acceptance of technology as part of our daily lives. And with COVID-19, acceptance expands again as telemedicine becomes a resource for frontline health workers. It is proving itself vital to helping them reach where they are needed most.

In this new environment, regulations are being relaxed to bring telemedicine services to those affected by the crisis. Will the recent advances continue after the crisis is over? We hope so. As our society continues to maintain social distancing for no one knows how long, it only makes sense that virtual telemedicine becomes a more integral part of our new reality.

Eliminate barriers to realize the benefits of telemedicine.

Whitepaper: 6 Ways to Eliminate Barriers to Telemedicine

#1 Change Regulations & Reimbursement

#2 States must act to increase access to telemedicine for Medicaid patients

#3 Physicians, particularly specialists, must be able to work across state lines

Barriers and Benefits of Telemedicine

How can we bring the benefits of telemedicine to patients?

These changes are just the beginning

Many relaxed requirements were implemented to bring the benefits of telemedicine to patients during the COVID-19 emergency. We hope there will be enough public support to continue them even after the emergency is over—especially since experts predict the disease will recur in waves across the U.S. in future seasons.

There is more to be done.

Though telemedicine parity laws are currently in effect in 39 states and the District of Columbia, inconsistencies still exist and billing for all payers—Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance—varies from state to state. The American Telemedicine Association (ATA) supports long-term changes to regulations as well. In September 2020, the ATA published remote healthcare recommendations to help policymakers create new guidelines. We support their efforts to change the national conversation so that patients across the country can see the benefits of telemedicine. We believe it is possible for hospitals to provide expert care, anywhere.

Let’s get started.

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