What is Telehealth?
The distribution of health-related services and information via electronic information telecommunication technologies. (Wikipedia)
Having a Doctor’s visit through phone or audio video enabled device.
Telemedicine versus telehealth
Telemedicine was commonly used in the past, but now we refer to these visits as telehealth.
Telehealth encompasses more than just doctor appointments, which can include therapies, counseling, chronic disease management, home health, and more.
You may hear the terms used interchangeably, know it is the same thing.
Public Health Emergency and Telehealth
Telehealth became very popular during the COVID-19 pandemic as a way to continue to see patients without exposing them.
The public health emergency is set to expire on May 11,2023. Announced by the White House on January 30th
How will Telehealth change after PHE ends?
The flexibilities set in place due to the PHE for Medicare patients will remain in place until December 2024. The extension of these flexibilities, especially for those in a rural environment, will remain because of the bipartisan Consolidated Aproppriations Act 2023
Medicaid flexibilities each state is responsible for deciding which ones to keep and implement for their state.
Will telehealth still exist after the PHE ends?
Absolutely, telehealth has been around for at least 60 years! Telehalth will still be a thing patients and doctors utilize long after the PHE is over.
Where to go to get the most up to date info
- CMS
- Center for connected health policy
- HHS