Blog » Virginia Telehealth Network

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

Posted on November 20, 2024 by Amanda Colocho

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in concert with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a third extension of telemedicine flexibilities for the prescribing of controlled medications through December 31, 2025. Under this new regulation, providers can continue prescribing Schedule II-V controlled substances via telemedicine without having conducted an in-person evaluation of the […]

Artificial Intelligence in Health Care Delivery

Posted on October 30, 2024 by Amanda Colocho

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 by Amanda Colocho

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 […]

Bay Rivers Telehealth Alliance Receives Inaugural VTN Innovator Award

Posted on September 26, 2024 by Amanda Colocho

During the 2024 Virginia Telehealth Network Summit, Bay Rivers Telehealth Alliance (BRTA) received the inaugural VTN Innovator Award for its work to expand access to behavioral health care in the Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck regions of rural Virginia. The VTN Innovator Award celebrates the unique and groundbreaking ways health care providers, clinics, and organizations […]

Advancing Rural and Small-Town Health Care

Posted on August 28, 2024 by Amanda Colocho

Earlier this year under the leadership of House Speaker Don Scott, the Virginia House of Delegates launched the Select Committee for Rural and Small-Town Health Care to study challenges faced by rural counties and small towns in accessing quality health care. The committee is tasked with developing actionable recommendations by November 15, 2024, that will […]

Best Practices for Equitable Patient Support

Posted on August 21, 2024 by Amanda Colocho

As the conversation around health equity grows louder, it is imperative to understand the unique challenges patients face and explore actionable solutions to bridge the gap. We recently shared best practices for building a foundation for equitable initiatives through learning and understanding. While awareness and knowledge are essential, meaningful change requires taking concrete actions to […]

Approaching Equity in Your Practice

Posted on July 30, 2024 by Amanda Colocho

Each July, as part of BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month, health care organizations and professionals bring awareness to the unique challenges Black, Indigenous, and people of color face in accessing mental health care. During this observance, those in the field can advocate for mental well-being within their communities by sharing information that destigmatizes therapy and […]

CMS Issues Proposed Rule Governing Telehealth for 2025

Posted on July 22, 2024 by Amanda Colocho

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently put forth a proposed rule that would extend certain telehealth waivers through 2025. Among them: Federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics would continue to be able to bill for non-behavioral health telehealth services. Providers would continue to be allowed to report enrolled practice addresses […]

Telehealth Continues to Offer More Accessible Care According to Virginia’s Health Care Providers

Posted on June 27, 2024 by Amanda Colocho

As part of ongoing efforts to monitor the impact of telehealth on Virginia’s patients and health care providers, the Virginia Telehealth Network (VTN) conducts a periodic “Benchmarking Telehealth Usage in Virginia” survey of actively practicing licensed health care providers across the Commonwealth. This research effort offers context regarding Virginia’s current and future needs with virtual […]

Successes and barriers in virtual reproductive health care in Virginia

Posted on June 11, 2024 by Amanda Colocho

Birth in Color Telehealth Listening Project Report Cover Photo. Source: Birth in Color Like many states, Virginia has vast deserts when it comes to OBGYN and reproductive health care, causing disparities in access to care for many. To gain a comprehensive understanding about the effectiveness in using telehealth in reproductive and maternal health care, reproductive […]