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 […]
Read More… from Advancements in Telehealth: A Recap of Progress in 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, […]
Read More… from Medicare Waivers Set to Expire May Be Extended Through 2026
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 […]
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 […]
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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 […]
Read More… from Best Practices for Creating a Safe Space in a Virtual Therapy Session
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 […]
Read More… from Bay Rivers Telehealth Alliance Receives Inaugural VTN Innovator Award
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 […]
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 […]
Read More… from Best Practices for Equitable Patient Support
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 […]
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 […]
Read More… from CMS Issues Proposed Rule Governing Telehealth for 2025