Virginia Telehealth Network

Enhancing Telehealth for Patients who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Felecia Smith’s primary job is to help ensure that individuals who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing can get access to information. Her main objective for becoming a Virginia Telehealth Network member is to educate health care providers of their obligations to Deaf and Hard of Hearing patients and the ways in which their practices […]

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Up to The Minute: PHE Updates and Telehealth News

This round-up is dedicated to the latest news about telehealth use, the expiration of the Public Health Emergency (PHE), and the importance of maintaining access to telehealth moving forward. Below you will find new reports on how increased telehealth access is cutting health care costs in rural areas, information about a new bill that will […]

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Mental Health Awareness Month: Increasing Mental Health Resources

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As we approach the end of Mental Health Awareness Month in May, it’s important to reflect on the breadth and depth of mental health issues across the country. Virtually every adult agrees the country is facing a mental health crisis, as nearly a third of U.S. adults report feelings of depression and/or anxiety. Younger generations […]

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Tele-Prescribing Flexibilities Extended Just Ahead of PHE Expiration

DEA Proposed Rule, Flexibilities Telemedicine Prescriptions Post Public Health Emergency

Two days before a proposed rule change by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) regulating the prescribing of controlled substances via telemedicine was set to take effect, the agency issued a temporary rule to extend COVID-era telehealth prescribing flexibilities for another six months, through November 11, 2023.   Apparently, the DEA was listening. The agency received some […]

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In the News: Permanent and Proposed Rules Regarding End of PHE

Continued access to telehealth services will remain a priority for health care providers across the country when the Public Health Emergency (PHE) ends on May 11. This news roundup highlights extended legislative flexibilities regarding telehealth in Virginia, how telehealth has helped reduce fatal overdose risk, a new bill seeking to eliminate deductibles and increase telehealth, […]

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Enhancing Virginia’s State Telehealth Plan

VTN Executive Director Mara Servaites and VTN Board Chair Dr. Karen Rheuban present during the 2023 VTN Summit.

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) released Virginia’s first State Telehealth Plan in 2021 to promote an integrated approach to the introduction and use of telehealth services in the Commonwealth. By law, the Plan includes provisions for the use of remote patient monitoring services and store-and-forward technologies as well as the promotion of the inclusion […]

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In the News: Recent Studies Show Telehealth’s Role in Meeting Emerging Health Care Needs

This news roundup highlights various new studies about behavioral health needs and the industry’s effort to meet new demands, a new statistic showing the use of telehealth services by individuals who travel, a spike in telehealth care use for marginalized groups in the United States, and the concern for telehealth service apps. New Report Calls […]

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VTN-Led Initiative Now Offering Free Telemental Health Services Statewide

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There is a great need for behavioral and mental health services in Virginia. A Mental Health America report ranked Virginia 39th nationwide when it comes to the availability of mental health services for adults, with 125 out of 133 cities and counties in the state designated as Mental Health Professional Shortages Areas. To help expand […]

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In the News: How will the end of the PHE impact telehealth policies?

Telehealth continues to modify and adapt with changes at the state and federal level. This news roundup highlights Virginia legislators’ push to extend telehealth services, what’s next for telehealth at the federal level when the public health emergency ends, and various telehealth initiatives sprouting throughout Virginia to address gaps in health care. Senator Warner and […]

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How Virginia Health Catalyst is Expanding Teledentistry in Virginia’s Public Schools

Tooth decay is one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood. Untreated cavities can lead to pain, infection, missed school time, and even trouble eating, talking, or socializing. Despite the importance of oral health, not all children have equal access to dental care. But now, new advances in virtual dentistry is helping change that. […]

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