Telehealth Policy Updates

By Amanda Via, senior product manager of digital health, Premier Health

The end of 2022 provided additional clarity surrounding the future of telehealth. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 was passed and extended many of the telehealth flexibility waivers through December 31, 2024. While there are many changes to note, a few are top of mind that will allow our organization to continue providing telehealth access for our patients. 

One of the key components of the extension is the language that will continue the expansion of originating sites which allows Medicare beneficiaries to receive telehealth from any geographic location. 

In addition to the originating site expansion, eligibility will be expanded for practitioners, .allowing physical therapists, occupational therapists, audiologists, and speech pathologists to provide telehealth services to Medicare beneficiaries.

Audio-only services will continue when appropriate. As patients become increasingly adept with telehealth, they prefer video for enhanced telehealth visits.

The extension of some of the waivers and flexibilities signals to providers that telehealth will continue beyond the public health emergency. These extensions through the end of 2024 allow for further discussion and evaluation of telehealth delivery. One clear data point is that patients continue seeking care that fits their schedules. With this extension, we will continue to meet our patients when and where they need us as we continue to innovate with telehealth. 

Back to the March 2023 issue of Premier Pulse