Medicare Telehealth Extension and Impact Evaluation Act
This act extends access to telehealth services under Medicare for two years after the COVID-19 emergency period ends. It introduces new rules for ordering high-cost medical equipment and lab tests via telehealth, requiring a prior in-person visit with the doctor. Additionally, the act mandates studies on the impact of telehealth services on Medicare and Medicaid programs to assess their effectiveness and safety.
Key points
Telehealth access under Medicare will be extended for two years after the COVID-19 emergency, allowing continued remote medical appointments.
New rules for high-cost medical equipment and lab tests ordered via telehealth: at least one in-person visit with the doctor within the last 12 months will be required.
Critical Access Hospitals will gain more flexibility in providing telehealth services, including behavioral health services.
Prescribing certain controlled substances (e.g., addiction medications) via telehealth will be allowed, but with strict guidelines and diversion control plans.
Detailed studies will be conducted on telehealth utilization in Medicare and Medicaid programs to evaluate its impact on costs, quality of care, and fraud detection.
Expired
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