Dear Colleagues,
We hope you're doing well, have navigated this summers' interesting weather thus far, and have found ways to enjoy the perks of a Northeast landscape during our sunnier months!
We're here with another edition of Northeast Connections to help you prepare for a late summer and fall filled with telehealth opportunities and events! As you've come to expect, the NETRC team has what you need to catch up, and lots of telehealth updates to share with you this month! T his edition aims to help you digest the multitudes of things happening across the telehealth landscape; including: NETRC23 Conference Updates, A NEW NETRC.org Design, NCTRC member Resources, Upcoming Webinars & Events for 2023, & so much more!
As always, please don't hesitate to reach out with your telehealth questions, success stories, or just to say hello; we hope to hear from you!
On behalf of the entire NETRC Team – Be Well,
Reid Plimpton, MPH - Project Manager
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Upcoming Webinars & Events |
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Chart Your Course Forward With Us at NETRC 2023! |
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The 9th Annual NETRC Conference will begin with registration and check in between 8 and 9am, Monday September 18th. We'll hit the ground running that morning with a mixture of plenary speakers and breakout sessions, and day 1 will end with our networking reception from roughly 5pm-630pm. Day 2 will feature much of what you come to expect from NETRC events, with another day full of plenaries and breakout sessions, and concluding with at least 2 optional "post conference workshops". Join us this fall for:
- Presentations from Regional and National Telehealth Leaders
- Over 15 Breakout Sessions featuring regional success stories, innovative efforts, lessons learned, and other topics to be identified
- Networking and Collaborative Connection opportunities
- Engaging Sponsor and Exhibitor Interaction possibilities
- & so much more!
Venue: This year's conference will be held at The Doubletree by Hilton, in Nashua, New Hampshire ($159 per night + taxes/fees), conveniently located just 20 minutes from the Manchester Airport (MHT). Offering free shuttle service including to and from Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, this hotel in Nashua, NH is located 10 minutes from the Historic District and features a full-service spa, heated indoor pool, and fitness center.
Registration Pricing
Full Registration $275
September 18th only $225 (full day)
September 19th only $110 (half-day)
CME Post Conference Workshop $40
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Industry Partner and Exhibitor Opportunities |
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We've created a variety of opportunities for you to network and gain exposure throughout the conference, including a unique exhibitor space layout. The Exhibitor space for Platinum, Diamond & Gold Sponsors will be in the Ballroom Foyer, or the Somerset Ballroom, Silver & Bronze Sponsors will be in the Somerset Ballroom or Trafalgar room. The agenda will include dedicated time on both days of the conference for attendees to visit with sponsors and exhibitors woven throughout the session blocks.
All sponsorships include an exhibit booth and 1-3 registrations for the full conference. To learn more, download our Sponsor & Exhibitor Prospectus. You don't want to miss this, reserve your sponsor space now!
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The NETRC Team is excited to announce a new face to our virtual space; recent visitors might have noticed, NETRC.org has gotten a facelift! Our new site features all the same resources and pages you know & love; along with a brand new landing page, resources and more for Patients and Consumers of telehealth! |
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Federal Legislation
Telemental Health Care Access Act of 2023
HR 3432 (Rep. Matsui D-CA) - Provides that the geographic restriction in Medicare won’t apply to both mental health and behavioral health services after the public health emergency (PHE) ends. Also eliminates the requirement for an in-person visit within six months of an initial telehealth mental health service and subsequently as determined by the Secretary. Requires a report to Congress on the utilization of mental and behavioral health services furnished through telehealth under the new section, with recommendations related to fraud and abuse and funding for the Office of Inspector General for oversight activities. (Status: 5/17/23 – Introduced in House)
Protect Telehealth for Medicare
HR 3440 (Rep. Pappas D-NH)/ SB 1636 (Sen. Manchin D-WV) - To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to protect access to telehealth services under the Medicare program. (Status: HR 3440: 5/17/23 – Referred to House Committee on Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means; S 1636 – Referred to Senate Committee on Finance)
Health Care Fairness for All Act
HR 3129 (Rep. Sessions R-TX) - Specifies that the telehealth COVID flexibilities in Medicare that were originally extended until Dec. 31, 2024, would be deemed to continue to apply after December 1, 2024. This would include the allowance for audio-only telehealth services, waiver of the geographic and originating site requirements, and allowance for FQHCs/RHCs as distant sites, as well as physical therapists, occupational therapists, audiologists and speech language pathologists as distant site providers. (Status: 5/9/23 – Referred to House Committee on Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means; Education and the Workforce)
Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act
HR 3305 (Rep Underwood D-IL)/S 1606 (Sen Booker D-NJ) - Creates integrated telehealth models in maternity care services providing for the adoption of and use of telehealth tools that allow for screening, monitoring and management of common health complications with respect to an individual receiving medical assistance during such individual's pregnancy and for not more than a 1-year period beginning on the last day of the pregnancy. (Status: HR 3305: 5/15/23 – Referred to House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Education and Workforce, Veterans’ Affairs, Natural Resources; Judiciary/S 1606: 5/15/23 – Referred to Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions)
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Resources from around the NCTRC |
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In case you missed it: CCHP’s 50 State Report Release The Spring 2023 updated summary of findings from the policy data CCHP chronicles in its Policy Finder is now available. Additionally, CCHP has created a state summary chart showing where states stand on many key telehealth policies, as well as an infographic highlighting our key findings. The information for this summary report is based on information CCHP has collected between January and March 2023 in the Policy Finder on CCHP’s website. Temporary policies tied to the COVID-19 emergency are excluded from the analysis, unless they have been made permanent or extended for multiple years. Historically CCHP has provided these bi-annual summary reports in the Spring and Fall each year to provide a snapshot of the progress made in the past six months. Commencing in Fall 2023, the summary report will be exclusively offered in the Fall, with three distinct rounds of updates to each jurisdiction in the Policy Finder in the interim, ensuring the information on the CCHP website remains current and up to date.
The most notable shift observed in this Spring 2023 edition was the expanded inclusion of additional telehealth modalities for specific use cases in many Medicaid programs. In most instances states already reimbursed for these modalities in a limited capacity, but we saw the policies broaden or be refined in this Spring 2023 update. Audio-only reimbursement was one modality that saw growth. Throughout the pandemic, Medicaid programs commonly allowed for reimbursement of audio-only as a temporary policy but many have now begun to transition it to their permanent policy, although often in a limited capacity (for example only for mental health services).
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The National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) Presents: New Telehealth Resources for Health Centers
NACHC is excited to collaborate with National Health Center Telehealth Resource Center (TRC) to pilot a project intended to provide technical assistance (TA) to health centers who are determining how and if they will sustain telehealth operations and virtual modalities coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic and Public Health Emergency designation (PHE). Find out more about this joint project below.
TA products available:
3. Direct Telehealth Billing Technical Assistance/Triage –Targeted TA for FQHC telehealth billing questions now has a dedicated consultative service available triaged by the Center for Connected Health Policy, email: FQHCquestions@cchpca.org
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Upcoming Webinars and Events |
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HIMSS is hosting its annual 2023 Healthcare Cybersecurity Forum at the Westin Copley Place in Boston, MA from September 7–8 and as a preferred HIMSS partner, NETRC has secured a 50% registration discount exclusively for healthcare providers, government employees, and academics. When registering, use our discount code HIMSSPTNR. Learn more and Register Today!
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ATA's 3rd Annual #TelehealthAwarenessWeek
We are proud to join the American Telemedicine Association® in recognizing the 3rd annual Telehealth Awareness Week®, taking place September 17-23, 2023!
As virtual care continues to play a critical role in supporting access to safe, quality healthcare services for all, this special event will highlight the value of telehealth in an omnichannel care delivery system with perspectives shared by leaders representing diverse patient and provider communities.
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Join Project ECHO: Aging, Community, and Equity to learn about the impact of the pandemic on the mental and physical well-being of older adults living in rural communities and share potential solutions. There is no cost to participate. Please see the flyer for additional information.
Intended audience:
- Medical, behavioral, and social service providers
- Nursing facility, home health, home care, and hospice
- Transportation and other community-based organizations
- Any other individuals or groups across the long-term care continuum
Time: 2nd Wednesday of every month 12:30pm-2:00pm EST (January 2023 – October 2023)
The project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $475,000 annually with 100% funded by HRSA/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, HRSA/HHS or the U.S. Government.
This project is funded by HRSA and is brought to you by CARE2, a collaboration between Medical Care Development and University of New Hampshire Institute for Health Policy and Practice.
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2023 North Country
Leadership Summit
Enhancing Equitable Healthcare in Rural Communities
You don't want to miss the 2023 North Country Leadership Summit on September 27-28, a collaboration between Adirondack Health Institute (AHI) and the North Country Telehealth Partnership, a joint effort between AHI and Fort Drum Regional Health Planning Organization (FDRHPO). Learn More and Register Today!
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NCTRC Webinar - The Crystal Ball Project: Telehealth Technology in 3-5 Years Aug 17, 2023 02:00 PM EST
Presented by: Jordan Berg, Principle Investigator for the National Telehealth Technology Assessment Center (TTAC)
Description: Healthcare is in a period of profound change. These changes are driven by technology, staff shortages, the need for outcome and cost improvement, and, to an increasing extent, by consumer demand. This webinar will provide an overview of the six key technologies that will have a significant impact on healthcare delivery over the next 3 to 5 years as identified by our Crystal Ball panel.
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2023 New England Rural Health Conference
New Horizons in Rural Health Equity
November 8th and 9th at the Killington Grand Resort Hotel in Killington, Vermont
Get ready for NERHA's Fall 2023 Conference and block out November 8th & 9th on your calendars! We can't wait to share with you all that NERHA has planned for this year's conference, it's sure to be the biggest event yet. To learn more & register, click here
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Featured Telehealth News
A larger news compilation can be found on the NETRC site here.
Telephone vs Video Telehealth Preferences: Teletherapists vs. Medical Colleagues
Telehealth.org July 31, 2023 Link
One of the most noticeable shifts in mental health care since 2020 has been the exponential increase in telehealth service delivery. The forced shift to telehealth exposed differing preferences between practitioner disciplines for telephone vs. video telehealth technologies. This article will summarize these differences and make related recommendations for telehealth expansion in the future.
New research indicates that an app-based monitoring tool for postoperative oncologic patients was not inferior to in-person follow-up.
HealthcareITNews July 31, 2023 Link
The CEO of Amwell, Cleveland Clinic's partner in the telehealth initiative, discusses how the organizations are expanding their virtual care and remote patient monitoring efforts and where they see telemedicine in five years.
Video Telehealth Use Is More Common Among Urban Veterans
mHEALTHINTELLIGENCE July 31, 2023 Link
Results of a cohort study indicated that despite a wide uptake in video telehealth (VTH) use during the COVID-19 pandemic, urban veterans used this modality more, specifically veterans of American Indian and Alaska Native descent.
Hybrid Virtual Care Lessens Negative Environmental Impacts
mHEALTHINTELLIGENCE July 28, 2023 Link
Using hybrid virtual care yields a 25 percent fall in carbon emissions and a 35 percent drop in water consumption, a case study indicates.
APAC shifting to tech-enabled distributed model of care: Philips
HealthcareITNews July 27, 2023 Link
Many health facilities are already delivering acute and intensive care virtually or at home.
Full HIPAA Enforcement Will Be Reinstated on August 10
Telehealth.org July 27, 2023 Link
The COVID-related discretionary enforcement of HIPAA for telehealth service delivery will end on August 10, 2023, according to the US Department of Health and Human Services’ Office for Civil Rights (OCR). The announcement is titled, Expiration of Notifications of Enforcement Discretion and Transition Period for Telehealth.
Telehealth Yields Higher No-Show Rates for Behavioral Health Patients
mHEALTHINTELLIGENCE July 26, 2023 Link
New research indicated difficulties behavioral health patients initially face when using telehealth technology, which yields higher no-show rates.
'It's going to get worse': Providers tap into health tech tools to prevent maternal health emergencies
FIERCEHealthcare July 26, 2023 Link
One in three counties in the U.S. is considered a maternal healthcare desert.
Since that statistic was dropped back in October 2022 by March of Dimes, care in corners of the country has only continued to dry up. In response to the crisis, providers are using every seed in their seed bag and looking to "multimodal" technology strategies to predict health emergencies before they happen.
Does Your Website or App Use Illegal Tracking Technologies? Warnings by FTC & HHS Office for Civil Rights
Telehealth.org July 26, 2023 Link
In the modern digital age, healthcare professionals and organizations face an evolving landscape of opportunities and challenges. Among the most discussed issues is the use of online tracking technologies in the healthcare sector. Notably, the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Office for Civil Rights (OCR), and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) have issued warnings about the potential privacy and security risks these technologies present.
Community Health Systems improves chronic condition outcomes with RPM
HealthcareITNews July 25, 2023 Link
Remote patient monitoring has helped the health system boost patient engagement, improve patient care quality through evidence-based therapies and reduce clinicians' workloads.
Digital Therapeutics Provide Benefits but Require Further Research
mHEALTHINTELLIGENCE July 25, 2023 Link
While digital therapeutics can overcome common care barriers, an assessment of abilities and reimbursement efforts should be considered.
When physicians and health IT leaders embrace an 'AI as an ally' mindset
HealthcareITNews July 24, 2023 Link
Dhruv Suyamprakasam, leader of a virtual healthcare company, discusses why he believes ChatGPT enhances productivity for providers of virtual and in-person care.
Hybrid Care Model Provided Effective Prenatal Care During the PHE
mHEALTHINTELLIGENCE July 24, 2023 Link
Various prenatal health outcomes among mothers and newborns during the PHE were not impacted by the implementation of a hybrid care model.
Collaboration Enhances Teledermatology for Underserved Areas
mHEALTHINTELLIGENCE July 20, 2023 Link
A collaboration between George Washington University and Pfizer Global Medical Grants increases access to virtual dermatologic care.
Understanding Your Responsibilities Under the New US Federal NCSIP 2023 Cybersecurity Plan
Telehealth.org July 20, 2023 Link
As licensed mental health and addiction professionals, our responsibility to our clients extends beyond the therapy or counseling room. The Biden-Harris Administration’s National Cybersecurity Strategy
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Recommended Telehealth Research/Resources
Check out the complete Telehealth Library Database on the NETRC site here.
Brief History of Telehealth and Telemedicine-
Upper Midwest Telehealth Resource Center; 2023 Link
Rural-Urban Disparities in video telehealth use during rapid mental health care virtualization among American Indian/ Alaska Native
Kusters IS, Amspoker AB, Frosio K, et al; 2023 Link
Telehealth Privacy Tips for Patients
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration ; 2023 Link
Patient Satisfaction with Telehealth at an Academic Medical Center Primary Care Clinic
Verma H, Hasegawa D, Tepper DL, Burger AP, Weissman MA.; 2023 Link
CMS Resource: Maximizing Access to Affordable, High-Quality Health Care Coverage Preparing for Launch: Early Lessons Learned from Health Centers on Selecting New Technology and Tools for Virtual Care
Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services; 2023 Link
Preparing for Launch-Early Lessons Learned from Health Centers on Selecting New Technology and Tools for Virtual Care
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration Bureau of Primary Care 2023 Link
Information for Critical Access Hospitals
Medicare Learning Network Link
DEA's Proposed Rules on Telemedicine Controlled Substances Prescribing after the PHE Ends
A legal guide for practitioners, policymakers, and telemedicine companies
Nathaniel M. Lacktman,. Health Care Law Today 2023 Link
The State of AI in Maine Digital Report
The Roux Institute Northern Eastern University, 2023 Link
Customizable Communications Toolkit
National Rural Health Resource Center. 2023 Link
NCTRC Annual Report 2022
7 Essential Recommendations for FQHC Leaders to Ensure Success and Sustainability
oatmeal health, 2023 Link
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The Northeast Telehealth Resource Center has been made possible by grant numbers G22RH30352 and 1 U1UTH42523‐01‐00 from the Office for the Advancement of Telehealth: HRSA / DHHS. |
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