Amanda Colocho » Virginia Telehealth Network

Medicare Telehealth Changes: Impacts, Challenges, and Strategies for Virginia Providers and Patients

Posted on March 17, 2025

During the Public Health Emergency, Congress enacted several temporary measures that waived certain restrictions concerning telehealth coverage under Medicare, greatly improving health care access for Medicare patients. While these waivers have been extended several times since their adoption, it is possible they will expire in 2025. Originally, Medicare telehealth waivers were set to expire on […]

2025 General Assembly Sine Die Update

Posted on March 5, 2025

Photo Caption: Dr. Karen Rheuban, VTN Board Chair, testifies during the 2025 Virginia General Assembly. The Virginia General Assembly adjourned its 45-day legislative session on the evening of February 22, 2025. Over the course of the session, the House of Delegates and Senate introduced a total of 1,994 bills – 1,236 in the House and […]

School-Based Telehealth Clinics Launch in Hampton and Harrisonburg

Posted on February 7, 2025

For many families, accessing timely health care isn’t as simple as making an appointment. Working parents may struggle to take time off, transportation challenges can make doctor visits difficult and long wait times for appointments can mean kids may go without the care they need. These barriers are especially tough on families with school-age children, […]

2025 Virginia General Assembly: Telehealth-Related Bills and Budget Amendments

Posted on January 23, 2025

Updated – February 20, 2025 In the 2025 Virginia General Assembly, legislators introduced numerous telehealth-related bills and budget items, driven by the work of the Joint Commission of Health Care, the House Select Committee on Rural and Small-Town Healthcare, and other legislative committees and commissions. While unfortunately, not every initiative expanding telehealth services was possible […]

Benchmarking EMS Engagement in Telehealth

Posted on January 17, 2025

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) are critical in providing timely and life-saving care to patients in emergency situations. As the health care landscape evolves, telehealth can play a vital role in expediting patient care during emergency situations. For instance, UVA Health utilizes a telestroke program that allows for real-time stroke evaluation, improving care efficiency during transport. […]

Advancements in Telehealth: A Recap of Progress in 2024

Posted on December 18, 2024

More and more individuals and organizations are recognizing telehealth’s potential, boosted by a Yale study validating that it offers the same effectiveness as in-person care in certain scenarios. This growing acceptance and application were evident by the various causes being advanced to support its growth. As the year comes to a close, let’s reflect on […]

Medicare Waivers Set to Expire May Be Extended Through 2026

Posted on December 17, 2024

UPDATED (12/18/2024): Federal waivers for Medicare telehealth policies were set to expire on December 31, 2024. This week, Congress reached a tentative budget deal, largely offsetting the 2.8% Medicare Physician Fee Schedule cut, providing a 2.5% payment increase while extending telehealth flexibilities and addressing pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). Extended telehealth flexibilities include removing geographic requirements, […]

DEA Grants Third Temporary Extension of Flexibilities for Tele-Prescribing Controlled Substances

Posted on November 20, 2024

UPDATE (January 27, 2025) — According to the Center for Connected Health Policy, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) released three new rules impacting prescribing controlled substances via telehealth, including the long-awaited regulations regarding establishing a telehealth prescribing registration process that was first mandated by Congress back in 2008. While the registration regulation is a proposed […]

Artificial Intelligence in Health Care Delivery

Posted on October 30, 2024

Across industries, artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the way we operate. For health care providers, deploying AI in their practice can enhance patient outcomes and streamline everyday clinical operations. However, it’s also important to be aware of the concerns surrounding AI in health care, including data privacy, biases, and regulatory and ethical issues. During the […]

Best Practices for Creating a Safe Space in a Virtual Therapy Session

Posted on October 16, 2024

In today’s digital age, virtual therapy has become an essential tool for providing mental health support. While it offers convenience and accessibility, it also presents unique challenges in creating the same level of emotional safety and connection as in-person sessions. For mental health providers, ensuring that patients feel secure, supported, and understood in a virtual […]

Author: Amanda Colocho

Posts by Amanda Colocho