Dear Colleagues,
We hope you're doing well and have enjoyed a wonderful start to 2023! We're here with another edition of Northeast Connections to help you prepare for another year filled with telehealth opportunities and events!
The end of 2022 was filled with exciting telehealth updates and opportunities and December continued the theme; Between Federal Policy Movement, Request for Comments on upcoming Federal efforts, and State level programmatic opportunities, there was lots of important considerations for telehealth afoot for all avenues of care. 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 (save the date!), 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
|
|
Upcoming Webinars & Events |
Open Funding Opportunities |
|
|
|
SAVE THE DATE! NETRC's 9th Annual Conference: 9/18-9/19/2023 |
|
|
|
We're thrilled to announce the dates of our 9th annual conference, which will be held in on September 18th-19th, 2023 in Nashua NH!
- Registration and Hotel Booking information
- Speaker Updates
- Sponsor and Industry Partner Opportunities
- and so much more!
|
|
|
|
The Call for Nominations for our 3rd Annual "Michael Edwards Memorial Award for Advancing Telehealth in the Northeast" is now open
Go here to learn more and submit your nomination!
|
|
|
|
Call For Breakout Presentation Abstracts NOW OPEN!
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.
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. Share your Story Today!
|
|
|
|
Resources from around the NCTRC |
|
|
|
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
National Health Center Telehealth Resource Center (TRC):
A NACHC-TRC Joint Project for FQHCs Telehealth Operations
•FQHCs are encouraged to reach out to their TRC for their telehealth questions. Check NCTRC website to find your TRC.
This project supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $1,656,250 with 0 percentage financed with non-governmental sources. 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. For more information, please visit HRSA.gov.
|
|
|
|
CCHP is now making a factsheet available summarizing the findings from our new FQHC section. CCHP searched statute, state Medicaid manuals, administrative code and fee for service polices between July and early September 2022, for relevant policies. In some categories, the factsheet reports a certain number of states that are reimbursing for a specific modality or the prospective payment system (PPS) rate. Note that CCHP only counts states as providing reimbursement if official and explicit Medicaid documentation was found confirming they are reimbursing FQHCs specifically for a certain modality. A broad statement that all providers are reimbursed or any originating site is eligible without an explicit reference to FQHCs was insufficient. Additionally, a state Medicaid program was counted as reimbursing FQHCs even if they do so in a very limited way, such as only for mental health.
KEY FINDINGS INCLUDE:
- Definition of Encounter/Visit: The majority of Medicaid programs do provide a definition for a FQHC ‘encounter’ or ‘visit’ that stipulates that it is a face-to-face interaction. This does not necessarily preclude use of telehealth as live video can also be considered ‘face-to-face’.
- Same-Day Visits: CCHP examined each state Medicaid program’s policy on ‘same day encounters/visits’. Many states have limitations around FQHCs claiming more than one encounter in a single day for a single patient. This is thought to be a limitation applicable to telehealth because it is common for a patient to visit a FQHC for a primary care visit, and upon examination require a specialty service (such as mental health). CCHP observed that most state Medicaid programs do indeed have limitations around same day encounters, particularly if the services occur at the same location and are both considered the same type of encounter (for example, a medical encounter). However, there are often allowances for multiple encounters if the service is considered a different type of encounter, for example a mental health encounter.
- FQHCs as Originating Sites: 36 states and DC explicitly allow FQHCs to serve as originating sites for telehealth-delivered services. If a state does reimburse a facility fee, it is common for FQHCs to be eligible to collect the fee, however not every state Medicaid program reimburses the facility fee
- FQHCs as Distant Site: 34 states and DC explicitly allow FQHCs to be distant site providers. This was often stated in Medicaid manuals or regulations as a clarification so that there could be no confusion about their eligibility for reimbursement.
- FQHCs Collecting the Prospective Payment System (PPS) Rate: In some cases, policy addressed whether or not FQHCs would be eligible for the prospective payment system (PPS) rate. Twenty state Medicaid programs and DC explicitly clarify that FQHCs are eligible for the PPS rate when serving as distant site providers.
- Store and Forward Reimbursement: The vast majority of states did not specify or excluded store-and-forward from an eligible service FQHCs could be reimbursed for. Only 4 state Medicaid programs explicitly reimburse FQHCs for store-and-forward.
For more detailed explanations, examples of each topic area above, and a chart reporting whether each state reimburses FQHCs for the specific modalities or PPS rate, see the Telehealth Policies and FQHCs Factsheet.
For each state’s specific FQHC policies,
along with links to source materials,
|
|
|
|
In a letter addressed to State Health Officials released in early January 2023, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) clarifies its policy for coverage and payment of interprofessional consultations (eConsults). According to the CMS letter, interprofessional consultations are defined as:
“a situation in which the patient’s treating physician or other qualified health care practitioner requests the opinion and/or treatment advice of a physician or other qualified health care practitioner with specific specialty expertise to assist the treating practitioner with the patient’s care without patient face-to-face contact with the consulting practitioner”.
The letter opens the door for states to reimburse interprofessional consultations and provides them flexibility to develop their own methodology to do so.
This is a significant reversal from previous CMS policy on the issue of interprofessional consultations. In a similar letter to State Medicaid Directors issued in November 2018, CMS had prohibited coverage and payment for interprofessional consultations, citing the need for the patient to be present for specialty consultations to be covered. This resulted in state Medicaid programs with previously existing (often innovative) interprofessional consultation reimbursement, such as Connecticut, questioning and even halting their coverage in Medicaid for the service in some cases. However, this latest 2023 letter, which supersedes the policy communicated in the 2018 letter, communicates the opposite, allowing state Medicaid and CHIP program coverage of interprofessional consultations, delivered both in a synchronous and asynchronous format. Although it should be noted that it will be up to each state if and how they implement the allowance. There is no requirement to provide interprofessional consultation coverage for Medicaid or CHIP.
For payment under Medicaid and CHIP, the CMS letter specifies that interprofessional consultations must be for the direct benefit of the patient, and directly relevant to the patient’s diagnosis and treatment. The extent to which state Medicaid programs reimburse for interprofessional consultations though, will be left up to the states. CMS suggests states consider physician services, services of other licensed practitioners, and rehabilitative services as well as health home state plan options when deciding what to cover for interprofessional consultations. CMS also notes that states may need to file a state plan amendment (SPA) to enact coverage for interprofessional consultations, and regardless whether a SPA is needed to communicate coverage, it will undoubtedly be required to let CMS know how the payment methodology will be handled. CMS explains in the letter that they did implement payment for interprofessional consultations in the Medicare program according to their own methodology in January 2019 using CPT codes 99447-99449. These codes and their methodologies for payment under Medicare, along with behavioral health integration (BHI) codes (99493, 99494, 99484), can be referenced or even copied by states in designing their own.
CMS also urges states in the letter to eliminate any restrictions on same-day billing (i.e. the ability of a single beneficiary to see more than one Medicaid provider in the same day), as that can act as a barrier to interprofessional consultations and prevent integration of behavioral healthcare into primary care. CMS’ letter also requires states develop mechanisms for documentation of interprofessional consultations, particularly when the beneficiary is not present. Using this documentation, states should also establish an oversight and monitoring strategy in order to guard against fraud, waste and abuse according to the letter.
Finally, at one point, CMS states in the letter “for consultations that cross state lines, consulting practitioners must be an enrolled Medicaid or CHIP provider in the state in which the beneficiary resides, though they need only be licensed/credentialed in the state in which they are practicing.” We are uncertain whether this sentence indicates that the consulting provider needs to only be licensed in the state they are physically located in, rather than licensed in the patient state. Additionally, many Medicaid programs typically require enrolled providers to be licensed in the state. CCHP has reached out to CMS for clarification on this point and will provide any updates on the topic through our weekly newsletters.
For further information about CMS’ policy clarification on interprofessional consultations, read the full CMS letter to State Health Officials. Also stay tuned to the Medicaid section of CCHP’s State Policy Finder to see how states respond.
|
|
|
|
Office of the Advancement of Telehealth
Announcements:
Telehealth Policies after the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
|
|
|
|
ICYMI: CCHP's UPDATED 50 STATE TELEHEALTH POLICY REPORT |
|
|
|
In early 2023, the Center for Connected Health Policy (CCHP) released its bi-annual summary of state telehealth policy changes for Fall 2022. Additionally, we are also making available a summary chart showing where states stand on many key telehealth policies, as well as an infographic highlighting our key findings. The most current information in CCHP’s online policy finder tool may be exported for each state into a PDF document. The Fall 2022 summary report adds in two new jurisdictions, Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands, and covers updates in state telehealth policy made between July and early September 2022. Note that in some cases, after a state was reviewed by CCHP, it is possible that the state may have passed a significant piece of legislation or implemented an administrative policy change that CCHP may not have captured. In those instances, the changes will be reviewed and catalogued in the upcoming Spring 2023 edition of CCHP’s Summary Report. As in previous editions, information in the policy finder remains organized into three categories: Medicaid reimbursement, private payer laws and professional requirements. Additionally, for this edition, CCHP received support from the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) through funding from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to create a specific category on federally qualified health center (FQHC) Medicaid fee-for-service policies. FQHCs have many unique rules that apply to them that sometimes effect their ability to utilize telehealth, such as the definition of a visit/encounter in the Medicaid program. The new FQHC category takes these considerations into account and will help FQHCs be able to more easily navigate to the policies that specifically affect them.
|
|
|
|
Federal Public Health Emergency Considerations |
|
|
|
With the passage of HR 2617 (Federal Omnibus Bill), On December 23 rd, the House of Representatives approved a $1.7 trillion spending package; Included in the legislation were a number of changes that have the potential to impact telehealth providers across the nation.
HR 2617 includes several provisions impacting telehealth, including extending some of the telehealth COVID-19 telehealth flexibilities. In the budget bill passed for FY 2022, Congress had included a 151-day extension after the end of the public health emergency (PHE) for some COVID-19 telehealth flexibilities. However, with the passage of HR 2617, these flexibilities will now last until December 31, 2024. The main telehealth provisions in the bill include:
-
For Medicare:Some telehealth flexibilities in Medicare are extended to December 31, 2024. These flexibilities include:
- temporary suspension of the geographic site requirement,
- continuing to allow the home as an eligible originating site,
- allowing certain providers, including FQHCs and RHCs to continue to be eligible telehealth providers during this period,
- delaying the in-person mental health visit requirement for services that take place when the patient is not in a geographically eligible location or at home that is found in non-pandemic telehealth policies, and
- continuing to allow audio-only to be used to provide some services.
- A study on telehealth and Medicare program integrity that will include a medical record review of claims from January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2024. Elements to be examined include the types of services furnished, where they were furnished, and duration of services.
-
For the VA:Development of a strategic plan to ensure effectiveness of telehealth delivered by the VA to their enrollees.
-
Other Items:Extension of safe harbor for absence of deductible for telehealth in health savings accounts for another 2 years (for plans after December 31, 2022 and before January 1, 2025).
|
|
|
|
NEW Telemedicine for Physical Exams Video Now Live!
Collaboratively developed by the NETRC and colleagues at MaineHealth, this training demonstrates best practices, including:
• General tips and tricks, such as using in-home devices, having a helper, and other “rooming” considerations
• Best practices for working with an interpreter
• Head, Eyes, Ears, Nose, and Throat exam
• Respiratory, Cardiovascular, Abdominal, Neurologic, Skin, Musculoskeletal, and Psychiatric exams
• Exam documentation
|
|
|
|
TelehealthLocator Data Collection Still Open!
We are excited to share that the development of a new public facing tool, TelehealthLocator, is underway! TelehealthLocator will provide a single point of access to view and overlay gaps in access to care, broadband, and telehealth availability by service type. WIM Tracking, in collaboration with the TelehealthLocator TRCs, is working to determine what telehealth services are offered across a 24-state and 6 territory region, including the NETRC region.
We'd appreciate your assistance! Follow this link to complete an online form to identify the services your facility offers in-person and via telehealth. You will be updated when the information you provide is available in the tool.
Please contact a NETRC staffer or WIM Tracking directly with questions at the contact information below
|
|
|
|
NEW RESOURCE: Vermont Emergency Department TelePsychiatry Needs Assessment |
|
|
|
The report, the Vermont Emergency Telepsychiatry Network Needs Assessment 2022, was supported by a grant from the Mental Health & Suicide Prevention initiative of the VT COVID-19 Response Fund of The Vermont Community Foundation.
Vermonters of all ages are presenting to EDs with mental health needs and waiting days before they can get admitted to psychiatric inpatient care or discharged. EDs throughout the US are experiencing similar problems, and some have implemented telepsychiatry to meet the needs of the community.
This needs assessment bridges the gap between a basic understanding that more telepsychiatry services are needed in Vermont EDs and a specific understanding of what form those services should take, who would be served, what resources would be needed, and who could guide the process.
The Vermont Emergency Telepsychiatry Network (VETN) has been formed to develop a statewide system helping Vermont EDs provide timely psychiatric assessment and treatment via telehealth for individuals with mental health needs. There is much work to be done. The VETN Advisory Board is in the process of following the six recommendations listed in this report.
If you would like to join our collaborative effort, or simply stay informed, please visit reach out to project lead Ali Johnson, MBA ( alij@vpqhc.org). |
|
|
|
NEW Continuing Education Opportunity from AHRQ |
|
|
|
Cancer Diagnostic Process Cohort
AHRQ is currently recruiting for the Cancer Diagnostic Process Cohort!
They are recruiting ambulatory and primary care facilities to participate in the AHRQ Safety Program for Telemedicine: Improving the Diagnostic Process. Beginning in June 2023, this is a free 18-month program that seeks to improve the cancer diagnostic process, specifically closing the loop to improve diagnostic verification, timeliness, and communication with the patient.
Applications must be submitted by May 25, 2023, 11:59 p.m. ET.
To learn more and apply click Here
|
|
|
|
The Rural Health Value team has released the annual update of the Catalog of Value Based Initiatives for Rural Providers. This is your “go to” resource for staying current on CMMI payment demos that are germane for rural health care organizations and clinicians. Please share this resource as appropriate with your networks and stakeholders:
One-page summaries describe rural-relevant, value-based programs currently or recently implemented by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), primarily by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and its Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation (CMMI). (2023)
Related resources on the Rural Health Value website:
Contact information:
Clint MacKinney, MD, MS
Co-Principal Investigator
|
|
|
|
Advanced Nursing Education Workforce (ANEW) Program
About the Program
Funding Opportunity Number: HRSA-23-014
Dates to Apply: 02/14/2023 to 04/07/2023
Bureau/Office: Bureau of Health Workforce
Status: Open Estimated Award Date: 07/01/2023
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) released a new Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). The Advanced Nursing Education Workforce (ANEW) Program aims to increase the number of primary care nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and certified nurse midwives trained and prepared to provide primary care services, mental health and substance use disorder care, and maternal health care. The grants will support the training and graduation of advanced practice registered nursing (APRN) students and trainees in these disciplines.
HRSA will award approximately $34 million to up to 53 grantees over a period of four years.
Eligible applicants include:
- Accredited schools of nursing
- Nursing centers (nurse managed health clinics/centers)
- Academic health centers
- Domestic faith-based and community-based organizations
- Tribes and tribal organizations
- State or local governments and other nonprofit private or public entities determined appropriate by the HHS Secretary, such as Rural Health Clinics
Please view the NOFO for a complete eligibility information.
The application deadline is April 7, 2023.
Have questions?
Join the technical assistance webinar to learn about this funding opportunity, including application requirements:
Thursday, March 9, 2023
3:00 – 4:30 p.m. ET
|
|
|
|
New Funding Opportunity Available!
Nurse Education, Practice, Quality and Retention (NEPQR)-Pathway to Registered Nurse Program (PRNP) (HRSA-23-016)
HRSA will award approximately $8.9 million to up to 8 cooperative agreements over a period of four years.
Eligible Applicants:
Eligible applicants are accredited schools of nursing such as baccalaureate nursing programs and community colleges that train associate degree nurses, health care facilities, including federally qualified health centers, or nurse-managed health clinics or a partnership of such a school and facility. Please view the NOFO for a complete eligibility information.
The application deadline is April 27, 2023.
|
|
|
|
Applications due May 18, 2023. HRSA’s Federal Office of Rural Health Policy has announced a new funding opportunity that supports hospitals in the Mississippi Delta region in implementing projects that will improve their financial sustainability and allow for increased access to care in rural communities. Through the Delta Health Systems Implementation Program, FORHP will award approximately $2,020,000 across 5 awards. Hospitals will implement projects focused on financial and operational improvement, quality improvement, telehealth, and workforce development. Interested applicants may attend live webinars on Wednesday, April 5 2023, from 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. ET or Thursday, April 13, 2023 from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. ET.
|
|
|
|
Advanced Nursing Education Workforce (ANEW) Program (HRSA-23-014)
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) released a new Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). The Advanced Nursing Education Workforce (ANEW) Program aims to increase the number of primary care nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and certified nurse midwives trained and prepared to provide primary care services, mental health and substance use disorder care, and maternal health care. The grants will support the training and graduation of advanced practice registered nursing (APRN) students and trainees in these disciplines.
HRSA will award approximately $34 million to up to 53 grantees over a period of four years.
Eligible applicants include:
- Accredited schools of nursing
- Nursing centers (nurse managed health clinics/centers)
- Academic health centers
- Domestic faith-based and community-based organizations
- Tribes and tribal organizations
- State or local governments and other nonprofit private or public entities determined appropriate by the HHS Secretary, such as Rural Health Clinics
The application deadline is April 7, 2023.
|
|
|
|
HRSA Rural Health Care Coordination Program – May 15. HRSA’s Federal Office of Rural Health Policy announced a new funding opportunity that supports the development of integrated care coordination networks to improve and expand delivery of health care services through care coordination strategies in rural areas. Through the Rural Health Care Coordination Program, FORHP will make approximately 10 awards totaling up to $3 million to address gaps in service, enhance systems of care, and expand capacity of the local rural health care system. Interested applicants may attend a technical assistance webinar on Thursday, April 6, 2023, from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. ET.
|
|
|
|
DOJ Mentoring for Youth Affected by Opioid and Other Drug Misuse – May 4. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) will make an estimated 15 awards with total funding of $16.5 million. Rural communities and federally recognized Tribes are priority for grants in two categories: 1) mentoring strategies at project sites as part of a prevention, treatment, and support approach; and 2) statewide and regional mentoring strategies to build capacity in targeted regions. To learn more click here
|
|
|
|
Upcoming Webinars and Events
|
|
|
|
A New Era for Substance Use Treatment: Effective Recovery via Telehealth
Date: Tuesday, April 4, 2023 Time: 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm EDT
Webinar Description:
The Health Resources and Services Administration’s (HRSA), Office of Intergovernmental and External Affairs (HRSA IEA) in Region 1 invites you to a webinar that will highlight leading telebehavioral health research and effective virtual service delivery to address as related to substance use disorder (SUD) treatment and enhance access to primary health care. Attendees will learn about unique circumstances and methods for utilizing telehealth for SUD treatment and discover telehealth implementation opportunities with regards to patient engagement and positive working relationships.
Learning Objectives:
- Gain awareness of HRSA telebehavioral health programs and resources
- Highlight telebehavioral health research and its efficacy
- Understand the unique considerations and strategies for utilizing telehealth during group visits/care
- Explore opportunities to expand telehealth integration into patient interactions
Presenters:
Matthew Salaga, Public Health Analyst | HRSA Office of Intergovernmental and External Affairs | Region 1
Danielle Louder, Program Director | Northeast Telehealth Resource Center
Gus Crothers, Owner, CEO | Groups Recover Together
Nancy Roget, Executive Director | CASAT
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
How to Maximize the Value & Sustainability of Your Telehealth Investment
The sudden spike in demand for telehealth meant practices needed to quickly adapt to new workflows, technology, and training. However, this is leading many to question whether these swiftly developed telehealth programs will be sustainable in the years to come.
The benefits of telemedicine have proven to be effective in not only patient outcomes but also in patient acquisition and retention rates, all of which have an impact on the bottom line. So, to ensure sustainability, virtual care delivery models need to scale and adapt to patient’s increasing expectations for telehealth.
Join this webinar and learn:
-How Geisinger was able to do the visits of 10 clinics with the cost of 1 clinic
-How Hospital Medicine Solutions has maximized the value of a hybrid care model
-How telehealth integration into a care delivery model can deliver cost savings in the post-pandemic environment
How to streamline, consolidate and support technology solutions for telehealth
To learn more and to register click here
|
|
|
|
Expanding Access To Genetic Services By Engaging With Communities
April 26 & 27
Location: Virtual
4/26: 8:30am – 4:00pm
4/27: 8:30am –
Spanish Interpretation provided by Equal Access Language Services, LLC
To learn more and to register go here
|
|
|
|
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 we have planned for this year's conference, it's sure to be the biggest event yet.
New England Rural Health Association's Annual Fall Conference
"New Horizons in Rural Health Equity"
November 8th & 9th at
Killington Grand Resort Hotel, Killington VT
|
|
|
|
Featured Telehealth News
A larger news compilation can be found on the NETRC site here.
USING TELEHEALTH TO IMPROVE HEALTHCARE ACCESS IN RURAL AMERICA
Healthleaders March 14, 2023 Link
HealthLeaders Innovation and Technology Editor Eric Wicklund talks with Danielle Louder, a program director at the Northeast Telehealth Resource Center and member of the Maine Connectivity Authority, about healthcare access in a rural state like Maine and how telehealth and digital health are closing gaps in care.
Collab to Expand Medicaid Access to Virtual Maternal-Fetal Healthcare
mHEALTHINTELLIGENCE March 21, 2023 Link
In-home and telehealth services provider MedArrive is joining forces with Ouma Health to extend virtual maternal-fetal care services to Medicaid beneficiaries.
MENTAL HEALTHCARE BY VIDEO FILLS GAPS IN RURAL NURSING HOMES
healthleaders March 21, 2023 Link
Patients don't have to travel to a clinic. They don't even have to get cleaned up and leave their bedrooms.
Springing Forward to Look At 2023 State Telehealth Legislation Trends!
As the first quarter of the year begins to wind down, now is a good time to check in on the state telehealth legislation that has been introduced thus far in 2023.
HOW TO USE NEW TECHNOLOGY TO MAKE A MEANINGFUL CONNECTION
healthleaders March 21, 2023 Link
With the nation's maternal mortality rate rising, hospitals are turning to text messages to make a connection with at-risk mothers.
Telemedicine will become default, with more virtual treatments, expert says
HealthcareITNews March 20, 2023 Link
Sean Mehra, a telehealth specialist, predicts the next 10 years of virtual care – and explains why the trend of virtual-first is the way to go, in the view of many.
DEA Proposed Regulations Post-PHE-Video
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has published two proposed regulations to address how telehealth may be used to prescribe controlled substances in a post-PHE environment. The DEA is proposing new exceptions that along with what is already in current law, will open up more ways for telehealth to be used to prescribe a controlled substance, but they are highly specific.
Telehealth Expands Care Access for Transgender, Gender-Diverse Youth
mHEALTHINTELLIGENCE March 20, 2023 Link
A recent study found that telehealth supported gender-diverse youth during the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing visit completion and lowering cancellation rates.
Hold off telehealth rule changes, health tech industry urges Medical Board of Australia
HealthcareITNews March 20, 2023 Link
MSIA warns of "serious unintended" consequences from the proposed changes.
Provider-Library Collab to Enhance Telehealth Access, Digital Literacy
mHEALTHINTELLIGENCE March 17, 2023 Link
Mount Sinai Health System and the New York Public Library are partnering to provide free classes to improve telehealth access and digital literacy in an effort to boost health equity.
HIMSSCast: Telehealth is improving the care experience for cancer patients
HealthcareITNews March 17, 2023 Link
Frank McGillin, CEO of The Clinic by Cleveland Clinic, discusses how connected health tools are enabling cost savings, convenience and other specialty care innovations.
Remote Tool Boosted Blood Pressure Management Amid Pandemic
mHEALTHINTELLIGENCE March 17, 2023 Link
A new study shows that a Mass General Brigham remote hypertension program improved blood pressure management during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Babylon Health rolls out programs for value-based care members to help manage chronic conditions
FIERCEHealthcare March 16, 2023 Link
Babylon Health, a digital primary care provider, has launched personalized programs for high-risk members living with chronic conditions.
Vendor notebook: New health assessment AI tools could improve outcomes and reduce costs
HealthcareITNews March 15, 2023 Link
Also: FDA approves TytoCare's wheeze detection device, Gates Foundation funds breathalyzer that can detect infectious disease, and Google announces radiotherapy AI plan with Mayo Clinic.
ONC: Majority of Office-Based Physicians Used Telehealth in 2021
mHEALTHINTELLIGENCE March 15, 2023 Link
A federal data report found that 87 percent of office-based physicians used telehealth in 2021, with 80 percent saying they will continue to use it after the COVID-19 pandemic is declared over.
Diving Deeper Into the DEA Telehealth Proposed Regulation Requirements
DEA Proposes In-Person Requirement, Resumes with Narrow Telehealth Allowances after PHE
HOW PROVIDERS SHOULD USE TECHNOLOGY TO MEET THE EPCS MANDATE
healthleaders March 14, 2023 Link
Digital health tools that allow providers to electronically prescribe controlled medications can improve care management and curb drug misuse if they're used correctly.
Virtual Behavioral Health Use Increases 45-Fold During Pandemic
mHEALTHINTELLIGENCE March 14, 2023 Link
New data shows that the share of behavioral health services delivered via telehealth rose from 1 percent in 2019 to 33 percent in 2022, with rates of virtual prescribing also reaching new heights.
|
|
|
|
Recommended Telehealth Research/Resources
Check out the complete Telehealth Library Database on the NETRC site here.
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
Telehealth Payer Resources Updated 1.5.23
Encouraging Health Information Technology Adoption in Behavioral Health: Recommendations Report
'Red Flags' and 'Red Tape': Telehealth and pharmacy-level barriers to buprenorphine in the United States
Textor. L, et. al, 2022. Link
Evaluation of Mental Health Mobile Applications
Telehealth for Rural Areas
Telehealth.HHS.gov, 2022. Link
Telehealth for American Indian and Alaska Native Communities
Telehealth.HHS.gov, 2022. Link
Power and Participation: How Community Health Centers Address the Determinants of the Social Determinants of Health
Cole M., Jolliffe M, Gottlieb B., MassGeneral Brigham Hospital, 2022. Link
Considerations for Fostering an Antiracist and Equitable Telehealth Enviornment
American Academy of Pediatrics, 2022. Link
Telehealth and Substance Use Disorder Services in the Era of COVID-19: Review and Recommendations
Office of National Drug Control and Policy, 2022. Link
HHS Guidance on HIPAA and Audio-Only Telehealth
US Health and Human Services, US Office of Civil Rights, 2022. Link
TTAC 2022 Telehealth Technology Survey Results
National Telehealth Technology Assessment Resource Center, 2022. Link
USDA Rural Placemaking Digital Toolkit
USDA, University of Kentucky, 2022. Link
Billing for Telehealth Encounters: An Introductory Guide on Medicare Fee-For-Service
Center for Connected Health Policy, 2022. Link
Addressing Virtual Care Disparities for Patients with Limited English Proficiency Digital Inclusion as Health Care- Supporting Health Care Equity with Digital Infrastructure Initiatives
Rodriguez, J.A., Shachar, C., Bates, D.W., 2022. Link
Consumer Experience Trends in Healthcare 2021
Addressing Virtual Care Disparities for Patients with Limited English Proficiency
Tan-McGrory, A. Schwamm, L., et. al. 2022. Link
Remote Monitoring of Patient- and Family-Generated Health Data in Pediatrics
Foster, C., Schinasi, D, et. al. 2022. Link
NETRC Regional Telehealth Legislation and Regulation Tracker- Center for Connected Health Policy, 2022 Link
University of New Hampshire TelePractice Center (TPC) TelePractice Training Videos- UNH TPC 2021 Link
FQHC Telehealth Playbook- MA FQHC Telehealth Consortium; 2021 Link
|
|
|
|
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. |
|
|
|
|
|
