Dear Colleagues,
We hope this finds you well! Even for us, this edition of Northeast Connections is full to the brim, with new materials and updates on all things telehealth!
With that in mind, for once I'll be brief and let you digest all that is here, with one special call-out to information below- The NETRC team is elated to announce our Seventh Annual Telehealth Conference for 2021, and we're thrilled to return to our standard in-person format!
As always, please don't hesitate to reach out with your telehealth questions or success stories, or just to say hello!
On behalf of the entire NETRC Team – Be well,
Reid Plimpton, MPH - Project Manager
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Annual Conference Updates |
Federal Policy and Guidance Updates |
Open Funding Opportunities |
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Call for Abstracts!
We invite you to submit a proposal to present a breakout session (one hour, scheduled on September 23rd or 24th).
The proposal deadline is Friday, June 25th and Notifications will be made by Friday, July 9th.
Presentations will be selected to create an agenda covering a broad spectrum of topics for a diverse audience, with a focus on highlighting regional programs providing practical strategies and resources for successful and sustainable implementation. We'll also be looking for presentations which focus on the impact of telehealth from various perspectives, including patients, providers, health systems and more. Do you have innovations and outcomes to share from your organization's telehealth experience during the COVID-19 Pandemic Response? Send in your story!
Please note: NETRC is not able to accept proposals from representatives of for-profit companies. We encourage you to share this opportunity with customers and end-users. Travel and accommodations are not provided.
Questions about NETRC 2021? Please contact Phonse Allen-Laney at
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More Conference Information Coming Soon!
The NETRC 2021 Conference Materials will be continually released as available, including:
- Industry Partner Sponsorship Opportunities,
- Event Pricing,
- Full Event Agenda,
- and More!
The event will follow the social distancing protocols necessary, but will have the same fun & content packed agenda you've come to expect at a NETRC conference: 2 days full of information and use cases across the telehealth spectrum!
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NEW NETRC Regional Telehealth Success Stories!
Maine Rural Health Collaborative Expands Telehealth Services with NETRC Support;
The Maine Rural Health Collaborative (MRHC) was established in 2015 to work together to enhance health care services for Downeast and northern Maine communities. MRHC is comprised of six independent member hospitals, including three critical access hospitals. Members include Northern Maine Medical Center, Cary Medical Center, Houlton Regional Hospital, St. Joseph Hospital, Mount Desert Island Hospital, and Millinocket Regional Hospital. In early 2019, the MRHC and NETRC's parent organization Medical Care Development, began a collaborative effort to increase telehealth utilization among MHRC members; and in early 2020, the group was awarded a HRSA Rural Health Network Planning Grant, focused on the development of an e-consult network. Despite the shifting needs and realities due to COVID-19 Response, the MRHC continues to take big strides in their telehealth path, Click here to read more about their efforts!
Care Transformation Collaborative-Rhode Island and NETRC Reach Phase 3 on a State-Wide Telehealth Initiative;
Care Transformation Collaborative of Rhode Island(CTC-RI) is a non-profit primary care improvement organization originally convened by the Rhode Island Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner and the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. In July 2020, CTC-RI launched a three-phase project funded through UnitedHealthcare and Cares Act Funding, and contacted the NETRC team to request assistance. This project included a statewide telehealth needs assessment with responses from practices and patients, a telehealth webinar series, and funding for 21 practices (including adult, pediatric, and family practices) to participate in a 12-month learning collaborative (launched) in December 2020. To continue reading, click here
Maine
More NETRC developed regional success stories can be found here
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Hot Off the Press: Reimagine NY Commission's Action Plan for A Reimagined New York!
The Reimagine Action Plan focused on three critical areas—connectivity, telehealth, and work—the Reimagine New York Commission is advancing 21 actionable recommendations, the majority of which are already being implemented by New York State and external partners! Read more here
The NYS Telehealth Training Portal mentioned in the Reimagine NY Action Plan above is now live! This new & ever-growing tool was developed by the NETRC Team in collaboration with New York Department of Health, Stony Brook Medicine, and more! Check it out today: http://NYTelehealth.NETRC.org
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MA Rural Hospitals Eye Benefits of Telehealth Post-Pandemic |
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Shaun Robinson- Boston University Statehouse Program
BOSTON –
In rural Massachusetts communities from Nantucket to Berkshire County, local health care providers are playing a critical role in the state’s fight against COVID-19. Yet many of these facilities, which already were operating on thin profit margins and with small staffs, have faced outsized challenges as patients canceled elective procedures and doctors took on additional responsibilities.
This article features numerous interviews with health systems through Massachusetts and regional leaders as they prepare for the next step forward and consider Telehealth's role in their process; NETRC's own Andrew Solomon is featured in the article, here's a sneak peek:
“Providers who hadn’t adopted telehealth before are seeing benefits like reduced no-shows, and those kinds of things are big drivers for providers,” Solomon said. As demand increases and “consumers get more familiar with the potential benefits,” he added, “there will continue to be big drivers there.”
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"What Every Doctor Needs to Know About Telemedicine |
Telemedicine skyrocketed during the pandemic, and experts say remote care is here to stay. How can current providers and future physicians prepare to provide high-quality care from afar? There are basic, essential skills every doctor needs if they’re going to practice quality remote care. The AAMC’s new report, Telehealth Competencies Across the Learning Continuum, can be extremely helpful in guiding educators and clinicians. Click here to continue
Seen Above: Dr. Kim Noel, MD,MPH- Telehealth Leader and NETRC Colleague
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Federal and State Policy Updates |
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Policy Adjacent Updates:
In Mid-March, The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) published recommendations to Congress regarding the various waivers and guidance pertaining to telehealth as part of the COVID-19 PHE response. Specifically, MedPAC called on Congress to continue some Medicare COVID-19 telehealth coverage expansions temporarily to allow more time for study before making any policies permanent. In the closing chapter on the report, which focuses solely on telehealth, MedPAC advises that Medicare continue for a “limited duration (e.g. one to two years)” covering telehealth services regardless of patient location, including beneficiaries at home, as well as the over 140 telehealth services that were temporarily added to the Physician Fee Schedule, such as emergency department visits. MedPAC also recommends maintaining the allowance of audio-only interactions based on clinical assessment and potential for clinical benefit, for instance audio-only evaluation and management visits with established patients. For more information, view the full MedPAC March 2021 report to Congress: Medicare Payment Policy, and also watch CCHP's newest short video further reviewing the MedPAC recommendations for telehealth in Medicare. You can also find a recent mHealthIntelligence article on the report, here.
Federal Policy Updates
The 2021 Federal Legislative Session appears primed for telehealth policy discussion, as over 10 federal bill proposals have been put forth by various legislators just since the Biden Administration has taken office. While no bills have "hit the legislative floor" quite yet, multiple committees have held live-streamed "hearings" on various telehealth topics, and it's clear that the conversation is keen on many minds. See the News Stories section below, the news page on our website, or CCHP's legislative tracking page for real-time updates, and catch next months' edition of NETRC's "Northeast Connections" for the latest news!
CMS MLN Connects, March Edition: March 25, 2021: This edition of CMS's MLN Connects includes updates on coding and reimbursement considerations in the new CY2021Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) for multiple provider types, along with information on the CY2022 Shared Savings Applications, and more. Click here to read more.
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NEW: CCHP Releases Updated Telehealth Billing Guide!
As it did last year, the Center for Connected Health Policy (CCHP) is providing this informational billing guide to assist those who have questions regarding telehealth billing. The guide is primarily about Medicare fee-for-service billing as policies vary from state-to-state for Medicaid and commercial payers. The purpose of the guide is to clarify:
• Telehealth billing and how to get reimbursed
• Current legislation dictating billing requirements
• Requirements applicable during calendar year 2021
• The requirements relevant only during the periods of PHE extensions
• What may occur post-PHE
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New Resources for School-Based Telehealth
With schools beginning to expand reopening plans, and health centers thinking “what’s next” for their telehealth plans, we’ve heard lots of buzz around School Based Telehealth. With thanks to our colleagues at the School Based Health Alliance, The NETRC team has pulled together some of the more recent and exciting examples and tools of school based telehealth models for you to dive into!
Click Here to View Helpful Resources from New York, Michigan and West Virginia!
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Open Funding Opportunities |
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The Rural Health Care Program (Universal Service Administrative Company)
Application Deadline: Jun 1, 2021
Purpose: Provides funding to eligible healthcare providers in rural areas for telecommunications and broadband services necessary for the provision of healthcare.
Visit Here for more information
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Upcoming Funding Opportunities |
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FCC Emergency Broadband Benefit Program - Coming Soon!
The Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program lowers the cost of high-speed internet service to ensure people have the connectivity they need during the ongoing COVID-19 public health emergency. By the end of April, $3.2 billion in funding will be available to provide qualifying households discounts on their internet service bills and an opportunity to receive a discount on a computer or tablet. The EBB program is similar to the Lifeline program with expanded eligibility, internet vendors, and subsidies. This benefit is available directly to consumers on a first come, first serve basis.
Eligible patients and households may submit applications beginning around late April. Health centers and organizations are encouraged to begin preparing to increase awareness and help patients apply (e.g., outreach, internet access, and supporting applications completion). Organizations are encouraged to develop a plan now to support patients as funds are expected to go quickly.
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Upcoming Webinars and Events |
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HRSA- NETRC Telebehavioral Health Webinar Series Part 3:
Expanding Access to Medication—Based Treatment for OUD in Underserved Rural Areas Utilizing Telehealth
Thursday, April 15, 2021, 12:00 pm – 1:00pm pm EST
Webinar Description:
Even before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, only about 1 in 10 Americans with a substance use disorder (SUD) received needed treatment. Rural populations face additional challenges in accessing medications for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) due to a short supply of treatment programs and credentialed providers within a reasonable proximity. Today, the need to physically distance due to the COVID-19 pandemic presents further challenges for people seeking these services and the organizations providing them. This webinar discusses tips and promising strategies for addressing substance use disorder among vulnerable populations in rural areas with a focus on individuals with Opioid Use Disorder.
Featured Speakers:
This webinar series is a close collaboration between the HRSA Offices of Regional Operations in Boston and Denver, and the Northeast Telehealth Resource Center. The series’ goal is to highlight innovative work addressing behavioral health, with a focus on substance use disorder, being accomplished by HRSA grantees through telebehavioral health in the context of COVID-19.
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NYMAC Virtual Meeting, May 4th & 5th, 2021
Join the New York, Mid-Atlantic and Carribean (NYMAC) Regional Genetics Network for their Annual Meeting! This event is filled with interactive sessions with speakers from healthcare, public health, family organizations, and the Telehealth Resource Centers!
Click Here to see the Event Agenda & Here for the Meeting Brochure!
If you need help during the registration process, please email: NYMAC@ferre.org.
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The Medicolegal & Ethical Aspects of Telemedicine:
What Healthcare Providers Should Know
April 28, 2021 12:00PM ET
Join TeleSpecialists’ TeleNeurologist, Dr. Michelle Boudreau, as she reviews the medicolegal and ethical aspects of telemedicine to increase competence and improve patient care. This talk will cover:
- obtaining informed consent
- obtaining appropriate licensure and regulations
- respect for patients
- beneficence
- nonmaleficence
- justice when practicing telemedicine
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CCHP Spring Webinar Topics Announced!
Telehealth & Medicaid: A Policy Webinar Series returns this month with four new webinars featuring Medicaid experts. The webinars will take place at 2pm EST on:
April 30th
May 7th
May 14th, and
May 21st of 2021.
Stay tuned for more information about confirmed speakers for the Spring series. For more details, and to register for future webinars, visit CCHP’s Events page here.
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In Case You Missed It! Recently Recorded Webinars |
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NCTRC Telehealth HACK Webinar Series:
Did you miss our Telehealth Hack Webinar Series? Don't worry - the NCTRC has a dedicated page that includes recordings and slide decks of all past webinars. Webinar topics include early intervention, pandemic response, legal issues, and more!
Watch the Recordings of any event & view the slides here!
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HRSA ORO Region 1 & NETRC Webinar Series: Improving Pediatric Mental Health Care Access
Listen in to this great panel discussion on how HRSA Region 1 and 3 award recipients are improving Pediatric Mental Health Care Access. Speakers from DE, NH, and RI share their recent innovations and successes, followed by a lively Q&A session.
Watch the Recording here!
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Open Telehealth Job Opportunity |
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Diversity Specialist & Mental Health Clinician
As Counseling Associates continues to grow, they are seeking a dynamic Diversity Specialist to join their team of Mental Health professionals. The Diversity Specialist will have a dual-role as a mental health counselor and will work closely with clinical staff to grow cultural competency and challenge colleagues to develop further understanding of diversity and its role in this profession.
The right candidate will hold current licensure (LICSW / MLADC / LCMHC / Psychologist), have a passion for helping clients, and be driven to strengthen our cultural competency in a world where one's world view has been shaped by many different factors.
Counseling Associates takes a strengths-based, respectful approach to both their work with their clients and with each other. To effectively support their expanding integrative practice, they are looking for diverse providers with a commitment to both clinical excellence and professional growth.
This practice has supported their staff and client base during the Covid-19 conditions by using Office 365 for real time communication and Zoom for Healthcare for continuity with clients. They also support and encourage clinicians’ pursuit of professional interests and development of their practice, interests, and specialties.
Summary of Requirements – Applicants must possess the following:
- Masters or Doctoral clinical degree
- Licensed as a mental health professional in New Hampshire as LCMHC, LICSW, MLADC, or Psychologist
- Commitment to ongoing professional growth, ethics, and clinical excellence
- Excellent communication skills, professionalism, and collaborative abilities
- Available for a work schedule that is responsive to client needs
Signing bonus offered!
Contact Recruiting Manager, Andrea Lessard, at alessard@ca-mh.com with cover letter and resume.
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Featured Telehealth News
A larger news compilation can be found on the NETRC site here.
Boston Children’s to Launch Telehealth Pilot for Newborn Audiology Screening
mHealth Intelligence, March 31, 2021 Link
The hospital is using a grant from the CARES Act to create a telehealth program that provides audiologists for virtual screenings at Cape Cod Hospital.
FCC Approves Plan to Relaunch COVID-19 Telehealth Program
mHealth Intelligence, March 30, 2021 Link
The Federal Communications Commission will likely open the application window within a month for the second round of the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, with amended guidelines that promote transparency.
Support Builds to Add Telehealth Options for Critical Access Hospitals
mHhealth Intelligence March 29, 2021 Link
Telehealth advocates are rallying behind a bill that would allow rural and remote hospitals to use telehealth to treat patients in surrounding communities who are dealing with mental health issues.
New Bills Target Telehealth Coverage for Substance Abuse, Mental Health Services
mHhealth Intelligence March 29, 2021 Link
Lawmakers last week submitted bills on Capitol Hill that would expand telehealth access through the Comprehensive Addiction & Recovery Act (CARA) and mandate payment parity for telehealth services covered by private payers.
Congress to Get Another Shot at Telehealth Coverage for Specialists
mHealth Intelligence March 26, 2021 Link
Lawmakers have resubmitted the Expanded Telehealth Access Act, which would permanently extend Medicare coverage to telehealth services provided by physical and occupational therapists, audiologists and speech and language pathologists.
Study of 36.5M people reveals huge jump in pandemic telehealth use
HealthcareITNews March 25, 2021 Link
During the first four months of COVID-19, telehealth visits accounted for 23.6% of all interactions – compared with 0.3% of contacts during the same time period in 2019.
Congress Mulls Audio-Only Telehealth Coverage for MA, PACE Members
mHealth Intelligence March 25, 2021 Link
A new bill before Congress would establish Medicare coverage for audio-only telehealth services - otherwise known as phone calls - during the pandemic for Medicare Advantage and PACE program members.
Social Determinants of Health Stymied Pandemic Telehealth Use
mHealth Intelligence March 24, 2021 Link
Social determinants of health contributed to telehealth care access disparities among privately insured members at the beginning of COVID-19.
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Recommended Telehealth Research/Resources
Check out the complete Telehealth Library Database on the NETRC site here.
Alavi Z, Haque R, Felzer-Kim IT, et al. Community Ment. Health J. 57(1):57-63, 2021
Anthony Jnr B. Inform. Health Soc. Care 46(1):68-83, 2021
Bachireddy C, Chen C, Dar M. JAMA 323(20):2009-2010, 2020
Demeke HB, Merali S, Marks S, et al. MMWR Morb. Mortal Wkly Rep. 70(7):240-244, 2021
Elsner P. J. Dtsch. Dermatol. Ges. 18(8):841-845, 2020
Morris NP, Hirschtritt ME. Psychiatr. Serv. 71(12):1309-1312, 2020
Murphy AA, Karyczak S, Dolce JN, et al. Community Ment. Health J. 57(1):111-120, 2021
Nelson B, Kaminsky DB. Cancer Cytopathol. 128(12):879-880, 2020
Steeves-Reece AL, Elder NC, Graham TA, et al. J. Rural Health 37(1):227-230, 2021
Thronson LR, Jackson SL, Chew LD. JAMA Netw. Open 3(10):e2021767, 2020
Uscher-Pines L, Thompson J, Taylor P, et al. J. Med. Internet Res. 22(12):e22727, 2020
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The Northeast Telehealth Resource Center has been made possible by grant number G22RH30352 from the Office for the Advancement of Telehealth: HRSA / DHHS. |
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