
- Increased mobility: For many, getting to a doctor’s office can be a barrier. If you have a chronic illness, instances may arise where you have trouble traveling or even simply standing up. With care at your fingertips, patients can minimize these visits. For older generations – who may not have access to reliable transportation – this need can be even greater.
- Increased access to care: Some patients are lucky to live in areas where there is a plethora of quality care to choose from. But unfortunately, many patients, especially in rural areas, struggle to access quality health care. Telehealth allows all patients, regardless of their location, to have access to the best care for their needs. However, it’s essential that increased broadband accessibility also be prioritized so rural residents have access to telehealth services.
- Increased follow up: Telehealth continues the patient doctor relationship well beyond the doctor’s office or checkup. Patients can more frequently monitor their progression and treatment with their provider. This can be especially important after hospitalizations, changes in care routine or major rehabilitation milestones.
- S 368 Telehealth Modernization Act: This bill is one small step toward solidifying telehealth developments and COVID-19 protections for decades to come by enacting permanent telehealth flexibilities under the Medicare program related to the COVID–19 public health emergency.
- S 620 Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP Telehealth Expansion Bill: A major part in extending telehealth across the nation is studying the results of recent COVID-19 measures. This bill would support data reporting to Congress on the results of telehealth services under the Medicare, Medicaid, and Children Health Insurance Programs (CHIPs) during the COVID-19 emergency.
- HR 1406 Telehealth Data Reporting Bill: This bill would require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to collect, analyze, and report qualitative and quantitative data on the use of telehealth during the COVID-19 public health emergency.