Healthcare Industry Calls for Telehealth Flexibility Extension
Why It Matters
Companies from athenahealth to Zoom, along with major health systems such as Cleveland Clinic and UCHealth, are asking for a two-year extension of pandemic-era telehealth flexibilities. This is due to the December 31 deadline approaching, and the organizations are imploring Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., to take action before year’s end.
The Current Situation
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services have already released a temporary rule extending the current policy flexibilities regarding telemedicine prescribing of controlled substances through the end of 2025. However, this extension only provides temporary relief, and the healthcare industry is seeking a more permanent solution.
The Signers’ Plea
In a letter sent to lawmakers, over 60 organizations, including HIMSS, the Alliance for Connected Care, American Telemedicine Association, ATA Action, the Connected Health Initiative, the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society, and the Partnership to Advance Virtual Care, are urging Congress to extend telehealth flexibilities for at least one year or more. They argue that patients and practitioners seek assurance that services will continue without interruption after the statutory deadline of December 31, 2024.
The Importance of Telehealth
Enhanced access to telehealth services serves as a lifeline to patients across the country, allowing patients to access critical health care services even when they have barriers to accessing in-person care, such as weakened immune systems, transportation challenges, and geographic distance.
The Future of Telehealth
ATA, which has been leading a charge to secure telehealth access in the post-pandemic era, believes that with 27 days left, the time for Congress to act is now. "The ball is squarely in Congress’ court," said Kyle Zebley, senior vice president of public policy, the ATA and executive director of ATA Action.
The Larger Trend
Last month, ATA said it expects bipartisan support for telehealth and virtual care services to continue through the final days of the Biden Administration and the transition to the Trump Administration on January 20, 2025.
On the Record
"By eliminating lingering uncertainties around telehealth access, including through Medicare and tax policy provisions, policymakers can ensure the uninterrupted delivery of safe, convenient, and timely virtual care services, support overburdened healthcare providers, and provide clinically appropriate care to millions of patients in need," said Zebley.
Conclusion
The healthcare industry is urging Congress to take action and extend telehealth flexibilities beyond the December 31 deadline. With the deadline fast approaching, it is crucial that lawmakers act swiftly to ensure the continued delivery of safe, convenient, and timely virtual care services.
FAQs
Q: What is the current deadline for telehealth flexibilities?
A: December 31, 2024
Q: Who is calling for the extension of telehealth flexibilities?
A: Companies from athenahealth to Zoom, along with major health systems such as Cleveland Clinic and UCHealth, and over 60 other organizations
Q: What is the current policy regarding telemedicine prescribing of controlled substances?
A: The Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services have released a temporary rule extending the current policy flexibilities regarding telemedicine prescribing of controlled substances through the end of 2025.
