Telehealth Services Extended and Evaluated for Medicare Beneficiaries
This act extends the availability of telehealth services under Medicare for two years beyond the COVID-19 emergency period. It introduces new rules for ordering high-cost medical equipment and lab tests via telehealth, requiring a prior in-person visit. Additionally, the act mandates studies to evaluate the impact of telehealth on patients and the healthcare system.
Key points
Telehealth services under Medicare will be extended for an additional two years after the COVID-19 emergency, ensuring continued remote access to healthcare.
New requirements mandate an in-person visit within 12 months before ordering high-cost durable medical equipment or laboratory tests via telehealth to prevent misuse.
Critical Access Hospitals gain more flexibility in providing telehealth services, including behavioral health, improving access in rural areas.
Prescribing certain controlled substances (e.g., for opioid use disorder) via telehealth is permitted, provided specific guidelines and diversion control plans are followed.
Comprehensive studies will be conducted on telehealth utilization in Medicare and Medicaid programs to assess its impact on costs, quality of care, and identify potential fraud.
Expired
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