On April 2, 2020, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) launched the $200 million Coronavirus (COVID-19) Telehealth Program contemplated in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The Telehealth Program is distinguishable from the broader Connected Care Pilot Program, which will make an additional $100 million in federal universal service funds available for telehealth over the […]
In light of the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has updated its FAQs on Medicare coverage for telehealth services. April 13, 2020 – The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has updated its guidance document on Medicare reimbursement for telehealth services during the Coronavirus pandemic. In its 38-page FAQ update unveiled last week, […]
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is relaxing the telehealth rules again so that providers can practice at the top of their license; the agency is also postponing its new mHealth program for EMS providers to the fall. April 13, 2020 – The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is suspending more regulations tied to […]
SNFs are turning to telehealth to improve clinical and operational outcomes, particularly in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, but successful adoption requires an attention to details. April 13, 2020 – With a high-risk patient population and razor-thin business margins, skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) have been adopting telehealth platforms to reduce costly rehospitalizations and improve clinical […]
Health providers can apply starting Monday for $200 million in telehealth funds to fight the coronavirus pandemic, even as they fault eligibility restrictions and wrestle to apply regulations for using the aid. The eligibility and regulatory questions highlight the challenges the government faces in quickly distributing aid intended to fund broadband-connected devices such as video […]
The FCC will open its application portal today to hospitals interested in applying to its $200 million COVID-19 telehealth program. The program is part of the $2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, which President Donald Trump signed into law March 27. Under the program, hospitals and health centers can apply for up […]
Its updated Digital Health Implementation Playbook Series offers tips and best practices for making the most of virtual consult technologies. The American Medical Association has put together a new guide to help providers implement real-time virtual visits between clinicians and patients. WHY IT MATTERSThe 128-page update to AMA’s Digital Health Implementation Playbook Series comes as telehealth adoption […]
If home health and hospice providers discover an unexpected Medicare payment from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) later this week, they shouldn’t be too alarmed — it’s not a billing error. The surprise deposit isn’t a mistake, but rather a no-strings-attached bump to help maintain operational stability amid coronavirus disruption. CMS Administrator […]
Home health and hospice providers now have greater clarity on how much initial emergency assistance they’ll be getting from the CARES Act Provider Relief Fund, as well as when those direct deposits will hit their bank accounts. While details of the disbursements were originally scarce, it seems the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) started doling […]
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has eased a number of service restrictions on physicians who provide care for residents in skilled nursing and long-term care facilities. The changes join a growing list of so-called “blanket waivers” temporarily granted to healthcare providers and institutions during the COVID-19 crisis. The physician waivers specifically address staff […]
Home health and hospice providers now have greater clarity on how much initial emergency assistance they’ll be getting from the CARES Act Provider Relief Fund, as well as when those direct deposits will hit their bank accounts. While details of the disbursements were originally scarce, it seems the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) started doling […]
We are empowering medical providers to serve patients wherever they are during this national public health emergency. We are especially concerned about reaching those most at risk, including older persons and persons with disabilities. – Roger Severino, OCR Director. The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is […]