/ en Fri, 25 Apr 2025 21:29:37 -0500 Mon, 21 Apr 25 16:41:00 -0500 /fact-sheets/2025-02-07-fact-sheet-telehealth <div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-8"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/New-normal-vast-majority-of-hospitls-continue-to-use-telehealth.png" data-entity-uuid="4982c706-02b2-4af6-8ee7-9d6bea526a6e" data-entity-type="file" alt="New normal: vast majority of hospitals continue to use telehealth. Percent of hospitals offering telehealth services, 2018 to 2022. 2018: 72.6%. 2019: 78.3%. 2020: 85.1%. 2021: 86.0%. 2022: 86.9%. Note: AHA analysis of survey respondents to the 2018-2022 AHA Annual Survey. Telehealth services may be offered through the health system, a joint venture, or through the hospital itself." width="377" height="408" class="align-right">Telehealth is now a routine way for patients to access health care services and for providers in remote and other areas to access specialty consults that expand their ability to treat patients in their local communities. Telehealth adoption has grown significantly over the past five years due to waivers that enabled more services to be delivered via telehealth under more circumstances and for the providers of those services to be reimbursed. It has been proven safe and effective, and both patients and clinicians report high satisfaction. Prior concerns that telehealth would add utilization — and therefore cost — to the health care system have not been borne out.</p><p>Unfortunately, without congressional action, patients and providers may soon lose access to important telehealth services. <span><strong>We urge Congress to not send the health care system backward and instead make permanent the telehealth flexibilities granted during the pandemic.</strong></span></p><h2>AHA Position</h2><p>As outlined in our <a href="/fact-sheets/2025-02-07-fact-sheet-2025-telehealth-advocacy-agenda">telehealth advocacy agenda</a>, the AHA supports:</p><ul><li><span><strong>Permanently adopting expanded access to telehealth:</strong></span> Permanent adoption of telehealth flexibilities will provide a firm foundation to preserve access and support further reform. We urge Congress to lift geographic and originating site restrictions, allow Rural Health Clinics and Federally Qualified Health Centers to serve as distant sites, expand practitioners who can provide telehealth, remove arbitrary in-person visit requirements for behavioral health, and allow the continuation of audio-only telehealth services.</li><li><span><strong>Expanding the telehealth workforce:</strong></span> Expanding the telehealth workforce will serve as a force multiplier to increase access for areas with health care staffing shortages. Specific policies (like codifying virtual supervision flexibilities), removing barriers to cross-state licensure and eliminating dangerous reporting requirements (like provider home addresses) will increase the telehealth workforce.</li><li><span><strong>Ensuring fair and adequate telehealth reimbursement:</strong></span> Virtual care still has costs, including for both personnel, technology, and office space out of which many telehealth providers work. Appropriate reimbursement is necessary to preserve increased access to care.</li><li><span><strong>Supporting telehealth for rural and medically underserved areas:</strong></span> One barrier to expanding telehealth to these populations has been a lack of access to enabling technologies (like broadband, reliable Wi-Fi or smartphones), as well as education to support digital literacy. As such, we encourage cross-agency collaboration to develop training and infrastructure investment. Additionally, arbitrary requirements, like mandatory in-person visit requirements for behavioral health or prior to prescribing of controlled substances, have limited access for communities that may not have a practitioner available in person. We have urged for the development of a new, streamlined special registration process to waive in-person visit requirements for prescribing controlled substances.</li></ul><h2>Key Facts</h2><ul><li>Recent data from the Kaiser Family Foundation indicates that while utilization of telehealth has declined since 2020, utilization remains higher than pre-pandemic levels. In the last quarter of 2023, over 12.6% of Medicare beneficiaries received a telehealth service.<a href="#fn1"><sup>1</sup></a></li><li>There is a growing body of evidence showing that telehealth does not result in additive or duplicative care. A study of over 35 million records by Epic found that for most telehealth visits across 33 specialties, there was no need for an in-person follow-up visit within 90 days of the telehealth visit.<a href="#fn2"><sup>2</sup></a></li><li>Recent data suggest that the United States will face a physician shortage of up to 86,000 physicians by 2036.<a href="#fn3"><sup>3</sup></a> Telehealth is a critical supporting element to address the growing shortage of physicians.</li><li>Patients across geographies and settings, including both rural and urban areas, have benefited from the increased access and improved convenience provided by telehealth services since patients could receive care from their homes. In fact, data from the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE) showed that most patients using telehealth in 2020 (92%) received telehealth from their home.<a href="#fn4"><sup>4</sup></a> >/li></li><li>The availability of audio-only telehealth is a critical option to ensure access to care when patients may not have access to technology or bandwidth for video visits. A 2021 report from ASPE found that the majority of surveyed respondents 65 and older used audio-only visits (56.5%) compared to video visits, partly driven by the fact that over 26% of Medicare beneficiaries reported not having computer or smartphone access at home.<a href="#fn5"><sup>5</sup></a></li><li>The lack of broadband infrastructure exacerbates access challenges for certain areas. The Federal Communications Commission reports that over 22% of Americans in rural areas lack access to appropriate broadband (fixed terrestrial 25/3 Mbps) compared to 1.5% in urban areas.<a href="#fn6"><sup>6</sup></a></li><li>Misperceptions about telehealth contributing to fraud, waste and abuse are not supported by data. A recent Office of the Inspector General report found that only 0.2% of all telehealth providers were “potentially high-risk” for fraud, waste and abuse previously.<a href="#fn7"><sup>7</sup></a> Policies should support the 99.8% of providers safely and compliantly delivering services.</li></ul><h2>Resources</h2><ul><li><a href="/news/perspective/2024-10-18-taking-action-extend-telehealth-and-hospital-home-programs">Taking Action to Extend Telehealth and Hospital-at-home Programs</a></li><li><a href="/lettercomment/2024-03-20-aha-urges-cms-remove-telehealth-provider-home-address-reporting-requirements">CMS Urged to Remove Telehealth Provider Home Address Reporting Requirements</a></li><li><a href="/lettercomment/2023-09-11-aha-comments-cms-physician-fee-schedule-proposed-rule-calendar-year-2024">AHA Comments on CMS’s Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule for Calendar Year 2024</a></li><li><a href="/news/headline/2024-04-10-aha-urges-congress-make-telehealth-flexibilities-permanent">AHA urges Congress to make telehealth flexibilities permanent</a></li><li><a href="/2024-08-12-aha-comments-340b-drug-pricing-program-irf-payments-physician-fee-schedule-and-telehealth">AHA Comments on 340B Drug Pricing Program, IRF Payments, Physician Fee Schedule and Telehealth</a></li><li><a href="/2023-10-10-aha-letter-support-senate-connect-health-act-2023-s-2016">AHA Letter of Support for Senate CONNECT Health Act of 2023 (S. 2016)</a></li><li><a href="/lettercomment/2023-01-30-ahas-feedback-senate-re-connect-act">AHA’s Feedback to the Senate Re: The CONNECT Act</a></li><li><a href="/lettercomment/2022-12-01-aha-letter-dea-regarding-request-release-special-registration-telemedicine-regulation">AHA Comments on the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act</a></li><li><a href>AHA Letter to DEA Regarding Request for Release of Special Registration for Telemedicine Regulation</a></li></ul><hr><h3>Notes</h3><ol><li id="fn1"><a href="https://www.kff.org/medicare/issue-brief/what-to-know-about-medicare-coverage-of-telehealth/" target="_blank">https://www.kff.org/medicare/issue-brief/what-to-know-about-medicare-coverage-of-telehealth/</a></li><li id="fn2"><a href="https://epicresearch.org/articles/telehealth-visits-unlikely-to-require-in-person-follow-up-within-90-days" target="_blank">https://epicresearch.org/articles/telehealth-visits-unlikely-to-require-in-person-follow-up-within-90-days</a></li><li id="fn3"><a href="https://www.aamc.org/media/75236/download?attachment" target="_blank">https://www.aamc.org/media/75236/download?attachment</a></li><li id="fn4"><a href="https://aspe.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/documents/a1d5d810fe3433e18b192be42dbf2351/medicare-telehealth-report.pdf" target="_blank">https://aspe.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/documents/a1d5d810fe3433e18b192be42dbf2351/medicare-telehealth-report.pdf</a></li><li id="fn5"><a href="https://aspe.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/documents/4e1853c0b4885112b2994680a58af9ed/telehealth-hps-ib.pdf target=">https://aspe.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/documents/4e1853c0b4885112b2994680a58af9ed/telehealth-hps-ib.pdf</a></li><li id="fn6"><a href="https://www.fcc.gov/reports-research/reports/broadband-progress-reports/2020-broadband-deployment-report" target="_blank">https://www.fcc.gov/reports-research/reports/broadband-progress-reports/2020-broadband-deployment-report</a></li><li id="fn7"><a href="https://oig.hhs.gov/oei/reports/OEI-02-20-00720.pdf" target="_blank">https://oig.hhs.gov/oei/reports/OEI-02-20-00720.pdf</a></li></ol></div><div class="col-md-4"><a href="/system/files/media/file/2025/02/Fact-Sheet-Telehealth-20250207_0.pdf" target="_blank" title="Click here to download the Fact Sheet: Telehealth PDF." system files media file><img src="/sites/default/files/2025-04/cover-fact-sheet-telehealth-april-2025.png" data-entity-uuid data-entity-type="file" alt="Fact Sheet: Telehealth page 1." width="695" height="899"></a></div></div></div> h2 { color: #003087; } h3 { color: #9d2235; } Mon, 21 Apr 2025 16:41:00 -0500 Telehealth /news/headline/2025-04-04-senators-reintroduce-bipartisan-bill-expanding-telehealth-services <p>A bipartisan group of 60 senators April 2 <a href="https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-wicker-lead-bipartisan-group-of-60-senators-in-introducing-legislation-to-expand-telehealth-access-make-permanent-telehealth-flexibilities">reintroduced</a> the CONNECT for Health Act, AHA-supported legislation that would expand patient access to telehealth services through Medicare while removing barriers to adoption. The bill would also make permanent COVID-19 telehealth flexibilities currently set to expire Sept. 30. The lead sponsors of the bill are Sens. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Mark Warner, D-Va., Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., Peter Welch, D-Vt., and John Barrasso, R-Wyo. </p> Fri, 04 Apr 2025 16:03:33 -0500 Telehealth /concord/case-studies/thyme-care <div></div><div> /* Banner_Title_Overlay_Bar */ .Banner_Title_Overlay_Bar { position: relative; display: block; overflow: hidden; max-width: 1170px; margin: 0px auto 25px auto; } .Banner_Title_Overlay_Bar h1 { position: absolute; bottom: 40px; color: #003087; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, .8); width: 100%; padding: 20px 40px; font-size: 3em; box-shadow: 0 3px 8px -5px rgba(0, 0, 0, .6); } @media (max-width:991px) { .Banner_Title_Overlay_Bar h1 { bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; font-size: 2.5em; } } @media (max-width:767px) { .Banner_Title_Overlay_Bar h1 { font-size: 2em; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; padding: 10px 20px; } } @media (max-width:530px) { .Banner_Title_Overlay_Bar h1 { position: relative; background-color: #63666A22; } } /* Banner_Title_Overlay_Bar // */ .Banner_Title_Overlay_Bar h1 { color: #fff; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, .0); box-shadow: none; } @media (max-width:530px){ .Banner_Title_Overlay_Bar h1 { background-color:#000; } } <header class="Banner_Title_Overlay_Bar"><img src="/sites/default/files/2023-06/Concord_Investing_banner1_1170x250.jpg" alt="Banner Image" width="1168" height="250"><div><h1>Transforming the Cancer Care Experience</h1></div></header></div><div class="raw-html-embed"> /* CntMenuSub */ .CntMenuSub{ margin:20px 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; color: #afb1b1; letter-spacing: 1.5px; font-weight: 400; font-size: 11.2px; } .CntMenuSub a{ text-decoration:none } .CntMenuSub .CntMenuBar{ border-bottom: 1px solid lightblue; } /* if includes a logo */ @media (min-width:361px){ .CntMenuSub.CntMenuSubLogo .CntMenuBar{ margin-top: 10px; float: left; width: calc(100% - 425px); } } @media (max-width:767px) and (min-width:361px){ .CntMenuSub.CntMenuSubLogo .CntMenuBar{ float: left; width: calc(100% - 0px); } .CntMenuSub.CntMenuSubLogo img{ width: auto; } } /* // */ .CntMenuSub .CntMenuBar a:after{ content: "|"; padding: 0 3px 0 6px; color: #555; } .CntMenuSub .CntMenuBar a:last-child:after{ content: ""; } .CntMenuSub .CntMenuSubHome, .CntMenuSub .CntMenuSubParent{ text-transform: uppercase; color: #555; opacity: .9; } .CntMenuSub .CntMenuSubParent{ } .CntMenuSub .CntMenuSubChild{ } .CntMenuSub .CntMenuSubCurrent{ opacity: .7; } .CntMenuSub .CntMenuSubHome:hover, .CntMenuSub .CntMenuSubParent:hover{ text-transform: uppercase; color: #d50032; } /* CntMenuSub // */ <div class="container CntMenuSub"> <div class="col-md-1">   </div> <div class="col-md-10 row CntMenuBar"> <a class="CntMenuSubHome" id="CntMenuSubHome"></a> <a class="CntMenuSubParent" id="CntMenuSubParent" href="./"></a> <span class="CntMenuSubChild" id="CntMenuSubChild"></span> </div> <div class="col-md-1">   </div> </div> var url = window.location.pathname; var path = url.split('/').slice(-3, 2).join('/'); var pathreplace = path.replace(/-/g, " "); document.getElementById("CntMenuSubHome").innerHTML =(pathreplace); var url = window.location.pathname; var path = url.split('/').slice(-2, 3).join('/'); var pathreplace2 = path.replace(/-/g, " "); document.getElementById("CntMenuSubParent").innerHTML =(pathreplace2); var url = window.location.pathname; var path = url.split('/').slice(1, 2).join('/'); var pathreplace2 = path.replace(/-/g, " "); document.getElementById("CntMenuSubParentOnly").innerHTML =(pathreplace2); var y = document.getElementsByTagName("h1"); document.getElementById("CntMenuSubChild").innerHTML = y[0].innerHTML; </div><div class="row sp_Resource1"> .sp_Resource1 { /*padding: 25px 0 0px 0;*/ } .sp_Resource1 h2 { margin-top: 0px; } .sp_Resource1 h3 { margin: 10px 0 0 0; color: #555; font-size: .7em; text-transform: uppercase; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: 3px; } .sp_Resource1 h4 { color: #002855; line-height: 1.2em; font-size: 30px; margin: 10px 0 15px 0 } .sp_Resource1 p, .sp_Resource1 ul li { font-size: 16px; } .sp_Resource1_holder { background-color: ; padding: 0; overflow: auto } .sp_Resource1 .sp_Resource1_holder img { margin: auto; display: block; box-shadow: 10px 10px 14px -6px rgba(0,0,0,0.75); -webkit-box-shadow: 10px 10px 14px -6px rgba(0,0,0,0.75); -moz-box-shadow: 10px 10px 14px -6px rgba(0,0,0,0.75); } @media (max-width:767px) { .sp_Resource1 .sp_Resource1_holder img { width: 100%; max-width: 150px; } } .sp_Resource1 .btn { margin-top: 20px; } .sp_Resource1_holder h2 span { color: #d50032; display: block; position: relative; font-size: .8em; } <div class="col-md-10 col-md-offset-1 sp_Resource1_holder"><div class="text-align-center col-sm-4 col-md-3"><a href="https://20041330.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/20041330/Thyme%20Care%202024%20Impact%20Report.pdf?utm_source=aha&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=aha-concord-portcos&utm_term=2025&utm_content=casestudy" target="_blank" title="Thyme Care’s Impact Report on Improving the Cancer Care Journey"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025-04/thyme_care_cancer-care-journey_impact-report-247x320.jpg" alt="Cover image" width="247" height="320"></a> </div><div class="col-sm-8 col-md-9"> Scan </h3> --><h2><span>Case Study</span> <a href="https://20041330.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/20041330/Thyme%20Care%202024%20Impact%20Report.pdf?utm_source=aha&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=aha-concord-portcos&utm_term=2025&utm_content=casestudy" target="_blank" title="Thyme Care’s Impact Report on Improving the Cancer Care Journey">Thyme Care’s Impact Report on Improving the Cancer Care Journey</a></h2><p>Thyme Care’s Impact Report showcases their 2024 key outcomes in oncology care, highlighting powerful data on cost reduction, acute care utilization, social barriers, and member experience. This free resource helps organizations understand how Thyme Care’s comprehensive, value-based approach can meaningfully improve care quality, lower costs, and enhance the patient experience.</p><p><a class="btn btn-wide btn-primary" href="https://20041330.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/20041330/Thyme%20Care%202024%20Impact%20Report.pdf?utm_source=aha&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=aha-concord-portcos&utm_term=2025&utm_content=casestudy" target="_blank" title="Thyme Care’s Impact Report on Improving the Cancer Care Journey"><span>Read Case Study</span></a><span> </span></p></div></div><div class="col-md-1"> </div></div> /* y-hr3 */ .y-hr3{ clear: both; } .y-hr3 div:nth-child(2) { border-top: solid 2px lightgrey; margin: 50px 0px; height: 0px } /* y-hr3 // */ <div class="row y-hr3"><div class="col-md-3"> </div><div class="col-md-6"> </div><div class="col-md-3"> </div></div><div class="row spacer"><div class="col-sm-8 col-md-offset-2"><div><a href="https://www.thymecare.com/oncologygroups?utm_source=aha&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=aha-concord-portcos&utm_term=2025&utm_content=casestudy" target="_blank" title="Thyme Care"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025-04/thyme-care-logo-834x313.jpg" alt="Thyme Care logo" width="417" height="157"></a><h3><a href="https://www.thymecare.com/oncologygroups?utm_source=aha&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=aha-concord-portcos&utm_term=2025&utm_content=casestudy" target="_blank" title="Thyme Care">Thyme Care</a></h3><p>Thyme Care is the leading value-based care enabler, collaborating with providers and payers to transform the experience and outcomes for cancer patients. By combining a technology-enabled Care Team and a partnership with 1000+ oncologists, Thyme Care creates a collaborative care model that supports patients with cancer while reducing the total cost of care.</p><p>If you would like to learn more about Thyme Care visit <a href="https://www.thymecare.com">Thymecare.com</a> or <a href="mailto:michele@thymecare.com?subject=I%20would%20like%20to%20learn%20more%20about%20your%20solution&body=I%20would%20like%20to%20learn%20more%20about%20the%20work%20your%20company%20is%20doing%20with%20hospitals%20and%20health%20care%20providers." title="Contact Michele Lee">contact Michele Lee</a>.</p></div></div></div> /* y-hr3 */ .y-hr3{ clear: both; } .y-hr3 div:nth-child(2) { border-top: solid 2px lightgrey; margin: 50px 0px; height: 0px } /* y-hr3 // */ <div class="row y-hr3"><div class="col-md-3"> </div><div class="col-md-6"> </div><div class="col-md-3"> </div></div> Tue, 01 Apr 2025 11:41:00 -0500 Telehealth /aha-center-health-innovation-market-scan/2025-04-01-innovative-rural-hospitals-think-beyond-tradition-improve-access-care <div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-8"><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Innovative-Rural-Hospitals-Think-Beyond-Tradition-to-Improve-Access-to-Care.png" data-entity-uuid="e778c7ba-7645-47e7-92fc-159ef664d4dd" data-entity-type="file" alt="Innovative Rural Hospitals Think Beyond Tradition to Improve Access to Care. Drones fly over fields in a rural community in Virginia to deliver lifesaving medications with a computer monitor in the foreground displaying radiology images that AI is helping radiologists provide faster diagnoses." width="100%" height="100%"><h2>AI Helps to Improve Speed of Radiology Reviews</h2><p>Last year, <a href="https://www.chiefhealthcareexecutive.com/view/how-mercy-is-using-ai-to-improve-patient-care" target="_blank" title="Chief Healthcare Executive: https://www.chiefhealthcareexecutive.com/view/how-mercy-is-using-ai-to-improve-patient-care">Mercy</a> — a large health system serving many rural communities across Missouri and surrounding states — expanded its use of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve patient access and outcomes in radiology. By integrating Aidoc, an AI-powered clinical decision-support platform, into its imaging workflow, Mercy now can provide faster diagnosis of life-threatening conditions such as pulmonary embolisms and brain bleeds across its network of more than 50 hospitals, many of them in rural or underserved areas.</p><p>The AI platform reviews scans in real time and automatically flags critical findings for radiologists and emergency teams. This reduces turnaround times for high-risk cases and helps to ensure that patients in rural facilities receive the same rapid care available in larger urban centers. According to Mercy leaders, the AI implementation has enhanced clinical efficiency and supported more timely interventions — particularly in emergency departments (EDs) where staffing can be stretched thinly.</p><h3>Key Takeaway</h3><p>Artificial intelligence can be a vital force multiplier for rural hospitals. AI helps to improve diagnostic speed, enhance care team coordination and ensures that patients with high-acuity conditions receive timely attention.</p><h2>Drones Deliver Lifesaving Medications in Virginia</h2><p>In partnership with Zipline, a logistics drone company, Wise County, Virginia, launched a pilot program with <a href="https://cardinalnews.org/2024/12/26/nearly-a-decade-after-historic-drone-test-in-wise-county-drone-scare-shows-need-for-drone-identification/" target="_blank" title="Nearly a decade after historic drone test in Wise County, drone scare shows need for drone identification">Cardinal News: Remote Area Medical</a> to deliver essential medications to remote communities. Using autonomous drones, the health department now can transport insulin, antibiotics and other critical supplies across rugged terrain in less than 30 minutes — a journey that otherwise might take hours by car.</p><p>The program, which began during the COVID-19 pandemic, has grown into a model for how unmanned aerial vehicles can support rural health equity. Because the drones are not hindered by poor roads, weather or distance, they help to ensure continuity of care for patients who manage chronic conditions or need urgent medications.</p><h3>Key Takeaway</h3><p>Explore logistics innovations like drones to reduce delays and transportation costs in rural care delivery. Investing in or partnering with drone logistics providers can help eliminate last-mile delivery challenges, particularly for pharmacy and lab services, and enhance health equity in hard-to-reach communities.</p><h2>Nurse-Run Telehealth Hubs in North Dakota</h2><p><a href="https://www.trinity-health.org/newsroom/press-releases/trinity-health-revolutionizes-nursing-practice-through-virtual-connected" target="_blank" title="Trinity Health: Trinity Health Revolutionizes Nursing Practice Through a TogetherTeam Virtual Connected Care™ Delivery Model">Trinity Health</a> in Minot, North Dakota, operates mobile nurse-run telehealth hubs in converted vans that travel to underserved towns across the state. Equipped with diagnostic tools, mobile internet and tablets connecting to remote physicians, these vans serve as a lifeline for patients in areas that lack nearby clinics.</p><p>Staffed by advanced practice nurses, the vans provide on-site assessments, collect vitals, administer vaccines and facilitate virtual consults with physicians at Trinity’s main facilities. This hybrid care model bridges the gap between virtual and hands-on services.</p><p>The program has improved appointment adherence and helped to identify serious conditions sooner, reducing ED usage and supporting chronic disease management.</p><h3>Key Takeaway</h3><p>Mobile, nurse-led clinics are a scalable solution to rural provider shortages. Leveraging nurses and physician extenders in mobile units allows systems to reach new populations, increase care continuity and reduce unnecessary ED visits at a relatively low capital cost.</p><h2>Digital Front Doors in Rural Ohio</h2><p>Memorial Health System in Marietta, Ohio, accelerated its digital transformation during the COVID-19 pandemic by implementing a <a href="https://www.trinity-health.org/newsroom/press-releases/trinity-health-revolutionizes-nursing-practice-through-virtual-connected" target="_blank" title="Trinity Health: Trinity Health Revolutionizes Nursing Practice Through a TogetherTeam Virtual Connected Care™ Delivery Model">comprehensive patient intake platform</a>. This initiative enabled patients to complete appointment scheduling, registration and billing processes remotely, enhancing convenience and safety.</p><p>The digital system streamlined front-end operations, reducing the need for manual data entry and minimizing lobby congestion. Patients now can check in and complete necessary forms from their homes, decreasing errors and enhancing privacy. This transformation not only improved operational efficiency, but also strengthened infection control measures by reducing in-person interactions. Memorial Health System's experience underscores the importance of digital solutions in enhancing patient engagement and streamlining health care delivery, particularly in rural settings where access to care can be challenging.</p><h3>Key Takeaway</h3><p>Prioritize digital inclusion alongside digital transformation. Implementing a digital front-door strategy can significantly enhance patient access, satisfaction and operational efficiency in rural health care settings.</p><h2>The Future of Access: Innovation with Intent</h2><p>Whether it’s drones delivering medications or nurses driving virtual care on wheels, rural hospitals are innovating to close the gap between providers and patients. These creative solutions are designed to keep patient needs, geographic barriers and economic realities top of mind.</p><p>As workforce shortages, financial constraints and care disparities persist in rural America, hospital leaders must think beyond traditional infrastructure. Strategic investment in technology — paired with thoughtful implementation — can transform how care is delivered and experienced, regardless of ZIP code.</p></div><div class="col-md-4"><p><a href="/center" title="Visit the AHA Center for Health Innovation landing page."><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/logo-aha-innovation-center-color-sm.jpg" data-entity-uuid="7ade6b12-de98-4d0b-965f-a7c99d9463c5" alt="AHA Center for Health Innovation logo" width="721" height="130" data-entity- type="file" class="align-center"></a></p><p><a href="/center/form/innovation-subscription"><img src="/sites/default/files/2019-04/Market_Scan_Call_Out_360x300.png" data-entity-uuid data-entity-type alt width="360" height="300"></a></p></div></div></div>.field_featured_image { position: absolute; overflow: hidden; clip: rect(0 0 0 0); height: 1px; width: 1px; margin: -1px; padding: 0; border: 0; } .featured-image{ position: absolute; overflow: hidden; clip: rect(0 0 0 0); height: 1px; width: 1px; margin: -1px; padding: 0; border: 0; } h2 { color: #9d2235; } Tue, 01 Apr 2025 06:00:00 -0500 Telehealth /news/headline/2025-02-14-dea-and-hhs-delay-implementation-buprenorphine-final-rule <p>Today the Drug Enforcement Administration and Department of Health and Human Services <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection/2025-02793/expansion-of-buprenorphine-treatment-via-telemedicine-encounter-and-continuity-of-care-via">announced</a> that the effective date for the <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/01/17/2025-01049/expansion-of-buprenorphine-treatment-via-telemedicine-encounter">final rule</a> regarding telemedicine prescribing of buprenorphine will be delayed from Feb. 18 to March 21.  As outlined in the <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/regulatory-freeze-pending-review/">Jan. 20 White House memorandum</a> announcing the regulatory freeze, the agencies decided to delay the implementation of rules to review any questions of fact, law and policy. </p><p>The DEA and HHS clarified that the waiver provisions outlined in the <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/11/19/2024-27018/third-temporary-extension-of-covid-19-telemedicine-flexibilities-for-prescription-of-controlled">third extension</a> of telemedicine flexibilities for prescribing controlled substances will remain in effect to waive in-person visit requirements through Dec. 31, 2025.<br><br>The agencies are soliciting comments on whether the effective date of the buprenorphine final rule should be extended beyond March 21. Comments are due Feb. 28.</p><p>Once implemented, the DEA’s final rule for the telemedicine prescribing of buprenorphine will enable practitioners to prescribe a six-month initial supply of Schedule III-V medications to treat opioid use disorder via audio-only telemedicine interaction without a prior in-person evaluation. Additional information on the buprenorphine final rule can be found in the <a href="/advisory/2025-01-22-telemedicine-prescribing-controlled-substances">AHA Member Advisory</a>.</p> Fri, 14 Feb 2025 16:03:43 -0600 Telehealth <div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-8"><p>In December, Congress passed a legislative package to fund the government through March 14 and extend key health care provisions through the end of March. Congressional action is needed once again to fund the government and ensure long-term stability for these critical health care programs. At the same time, House and Senate Republicans are planning a strategy to use the budget reconciliation process to accomplish some of their legislative priorities, and Congress must raise the debt ceiling in the coming months. As part of these strategies, they are considering proposals that would reduce funding for hospital care, including reductions to the Medicaid program, jeopardizing access to the 24/7 care and services that hospitals provide.</p><h2>Action Needed</h2><p><strong>Please ask your senators and representatives to prevent Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payment cuts from taking effect; extend enhanced low-volume adjustment and Medicare-dependent hospital programs that expand access to care in rural areas; and extend telehealth and hospital-at-home waivers. These policies are currently set to expire at the end of March and must be extended.</strong></p><p><strong>In your discussions with your legislators, please continue to share the valuable role your hospital or health system plays in the community they represent and urge them to reject cuts that would jeopardize access to hospital care and services that patients rely on.</strong></p><p>More details and resources to support your advocacy efforts on these important issues follow.</p><h2>Health Care Extenders</h2><p>Congress passed a legislative package in December that extended some key health care provisions through the end of March, but additional congressional action is needed.</p><ul><li><strong>Prevent Medicaid DSH Cuts.</strong> The Medicaid disproportionate share hospital (DSH) program provides essential financial assistance to hospitals that care for our nation’s most vulnerable populations — children, the impoverished, disabled and elderly. Without congressional action, billions in cuts would take effect April 1. <strong>See the </strong><a href="/system/files/media/file/2020/02/fact-sheet-medicaid-dsh-0120.pdf"><strong>Medicaid DSH fact sheet</strong></a><strong> for more details.</strong></li><li><strong>Extend Key Rural Programs.</strong> The enhanced low-volume adjustment and Medicare-dependent hospital programs provide rural, geographically isolated and low-volume hospitals additional financial support to ensure rural residents have access to care. Without congressional action, these programs will expire on April 1. <strong>See the </strong><a href="/fact-sheets/2022-08-30-fact-sheet-rural-hospital-support-act-s4009-assistance-rural-community"><strong>rural programs fact sheet</strong></a><strong> for more details.</strong></li><li><strong>Extend Telehealth and Hospital-at-Home Waivers.</strong> Congress has extended telehealth waivers and the hospital-at-home program through March 31, but additional action is needed. See the <a href="/advocacy/advocacy-issues/2024-10-31-advocacy-issue-telehealth-waivers">telehealth</a> and <a href="/fact-sheets/2024-08-06-fact-sheet-extending-hospital-home-program">hospital-at-home fact sheets</a> for more details.</li></ul><h2>Critical Issues for the 119th Congress</h2><p>Following our Feb. 5 advocacy update webinar for members, we are providing new fact sheets and primers on emerging issues of significant importance for hospitals and health systems. We will be providing updates, new resources and data on these and other issues to help your advocacy efforts throughout the year.</p><h3>Reject Cuts to Medicaid</h3><p>Republican leaders continue to have discussions about how to use reconciliation — a <a href="/issue-landing-page/2025-02-07-budget-reconciliation-process-resource-page">budget tool</a> that gives Congress a fast-track mechanism to avoid the Senate filibuster and pass legislation with a simple majority. House and Senate Republicans are expected to use the budget reconciliation process to try to pass key agenda items on taxes, energy and border security, and they may look to health program funding as a way to pay for this legislation. <strong>Such proposals could significantly reduce federal spending for the Medicaid program. Even a small portion of possible reductions could have wide-ranging negative consequences for the health and well-being of both Medicaid enrollees and the broader health care system.</strong></p><p>The AHA has developed a number of resources hospitals and health systems can use as part of their advocacy efforts, including the following:</p><ul><li><a href="/fact-sheets/2025-02-07-fact-sheet-medicaid">General Fact Sheet on Medicaid</a></li><li><a href="/fact-sheets/2025-02-07-fact-sheet-medicaid-provider-taxes">Fact Sheet on Medicaid Provider Taxes</a></li><li><a href="/fact-sheets/2025-02-07-fact-sheet-medicaid-hospital-payment-basics">Fact Sheet on Medicaid Hospital Payment Basics</a></li><li><a href="/fact-sheets/2025-02-07-fact-sheet-capita-caps-medicaid-program">Medicaid Per Capita Caps</a></li></ul><h3>Extend Enhanced Premium Tax Credits</h3><p>The federal government offers enhanced premium tax credits (EPTCs) to help eligible individuals and families purchase coverage on the health insurance marketplaces. These policies are scheduled to expire at the end of 2025. <strong>Congress should extend the EPTCs before the end of the year</strong> as they have increased access to health care coverage and high-quality care for patients and communities served by hospitals, health systems and other providers. <strong>Download the AHA fact sheet, which includes new data on the negative impact of not extending the </strong><a href="/fact-sheets/2025-02-07-fact-sheet-enhanced-premium-tax-credits"><strong>EPTCs</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p><h3>Reject Site-neutral Payment Cuts</h3><p>Congress is considering several bills that would impose billions in Medicare site-neutral payment reductions for services provided in hospital outpatient departments. <strong>Congress should reject site-neutral proposals</strong> because they would reduce patient access to vital health care services, particularly in rural and other medically underserved communities. <strong>See AHA resources on the detrimental impact of </strong><a href="/advocacy/advocacy-issues/2023-09-11-advocacy-issue-site-neutral-payment-proposals"><strong>site-neutral policies</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p><h3>Protect the 340B Drug Pricing Program</h3><p>For more than 30 years, the 340B Drug Pricing Program has provided financial help to hospitals serving vulnerable communities to manage rising prescription drug costs. However, some in Congress and the pharmaceutical industry want to see the program scaled back. <strong>Congress should protect the 340B program</strong> for all providers and ensure the program continues to help stretch limited resources and provide more comprehensive services to more patients. <strong>Download the AHA fact sheets on the </strong><a href="/340b-drug-savings-program"><strong>340B program</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p><h2>Further Questions</h2><p>Visit the <a href="/advocacy/action-center">AHA Action Center</a> for more resources on these issues and other priorities important to hospitals and health systems. Watch for more Action Alerts and resources from the AHA to assist your advocacy efforts. If you have further questions, please contact AHA at 800-424-4301.</p></div><div class="col-md-4"><p><a href="/system/files/media/file/2025/02/Contact-Your-Lawmakers-and-Urge-Them-to-Extend-Key-Health-Care-Policies-Set-to-Expire-Next-Month.pdf" target="_blank" title="Click here to download the Action Alert ACTION NEEDED: Contact Your Lawmakers and Urge Them to Extend Key Health Care Policies Set to Expire Next Month PDF."><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Page-1-Contact-Your-Lawmakers-and-Urge-Them-to-Extend-Key-Health-Care-Policies-Set-to-Expire-Next-Month.png" data-entity-uuid="2dd3d759-0b56-4a54-8cdb-d635ee169360" data-entity-type="file" alt="Action Alert: ACTION NEEDED: Contact Your Lawmakers and Urge Them to Extend Key Health Care Policies Set to Expire Next Month page 1." width="696" height="900"></a></p></div></div></div> Fri, 07 Feb 2025 15:04:02 -0600 Telehealth /fact-sheets/2025-02-07-fact-sheet-telehealth-waivers <div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-8"><h2>Background</h2><p>At the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government moved quickly to ensure hospitals and health systems were able to leverage telehealth services to respond efficiently and effectively to a wave of unprecedented need. These actions included the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) waiving certain regulatory requirements and Congress providing significant legislative support to ensure hospitals and health systems could rapidly deploy virtual services.</p><h2>AHA Take</h2><p>The telehealth flexibilities granted resulted in significant benefits to patient care and are needed now more than ever to ensure patients’ continued access to high-quality care. Currently, there is a patchwork of temporary waivers for telehealth services that, barring further action, will expire in March 2025. If this occurs, we risk a telehealth “cliff” that would negatively impact patient access in all communities.</p><p>Recognizing both the immediate and potential long-term benefits of telehealth, we urge Congress, CMS and other executive agencies to take action to make critical telehealth flexibilities permanent.</p><h3>Statutory Waivers</h3><p>The American Relief Act passed at the end of 2024 extended many telehealth waivers for three months. These will expire on March 31, 2025, absent congressional action.</p> table, th, td { border: 1px solid; } th { background-color: #002855; color: white; } <table><thead><tr><th>Topic Area</th><th>Pre-pandemic Permanent Statute</th><th>Waiver</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr></tr><tr><td>Eligible Geographic and Originating Sites</td><td>Patients had to be located in a rural area or health provider shortage area and had to be physically located in a specific setting (e.g., physician’s office) to participate in a telemedicine visit.</td><td>Patients can be in any geographic area (rural or metropolitan) and in any setting, including the beneficiary’s home, at the time of a telehealth visit.</td></tr><tr><td>Audio-only Services</td><td>All telehealth visits had to be performed using real-time audio-visual telecommunications technology, with limited exceptions.</td><td>Allows for expansion of audio-only services for evaluation and management visits and other specified services.</td></tr><tr><td>Eligible Provider Types</td><td>There were limitations on the types of providers who could perform telehealth services.</td><td>Additional providers are allowed to perform telehealth services, including Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists.</td></tr><tr><td>Eligible Distant/ Provider Sites</td><td>Providers at Federal Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and Rural Health Centers (RHCs) could not provide telehealth services to patients in other locations.</td><td>FQHCs and RHCs are allowed to serve as distant sites for telehealth services.</td></tr><tr><td>Tele-behavioral Health Visits</td><td>Patients had to receive an in-person evaluation six months before initiating tele-behavioral health treatment and also needed an in-person visit annually thereafter.</td><td>In-person evaluation is not required prior to initiating tele-behavioral health treatment.</td></tr></tbody></table><h3>Regulatory Waivers</h3><p>CMS has issued temporary telehealth waivers, that without further action, will expire on Dec. 31, 2025, without intervention.</p><table><thead><tr><th>Topic Area</th><th>Pre-pandemic Permanent Regulation</th><th>Waiver</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Virtual Supervision</td><td>Clinical supervision of telehealth required immediate in-person availability of the supervising practitioner.</td><td>CMS allows clinical supervision of telehealth diagnostic tests, physicians’ services and some hospital outpatient services to be met through virtual presence using real-time audio/video technology.</td></tr><tr><td>Virtual Supervision of Residents in Teaching Settings</td><td>Teaching physicians could meet requirements for supervising key or critical portions of resident services through virtual presence instead of physically in person, but only for services furnished in residency training sites in non-Metropolitan Service Areas (non-MSAs).</td><td>Flexibilities for virtual supervision of residents were extended to include MSAs, as well as non-MSAs.</td></tr><tr><td>Virtual Supervision of Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab Services</td><td>Clinical supervision of cardiac rehab, intensive cardiac rehab, and pulmonary rehab services required immediate in-person availability of the supervising practitioner.</td><td>CMS allows clinical supervision of pulmonary and cardiac rehabilitation to be met through virtual presence using real-time audio/video technology.</td></tr><tr><td>Reporting of Provider Home Address</td><td>Providers who administer telehealth services from their home were required to report their home address on enrollment, billing and claims forms.</td><td>Providers are not required to report home addresses on enrollment, billing and claims forms.</td></tr><tr><td>Payment for Virtual Outpatient Therapy Services</td><td>CMS restricted the ability to bill for telehealth therapy services.</td><td>CMS allows institutional providers to provide therapy services, including outpatient physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech language pathology via telehealth to patients in their homes.</td></tr></tbody></table><p>DEA also issued temporary waivers regarding prescribing of controlled substances. Without action, these waivers will expire in 2025.</p><table><thead><tr><th>Topic Area</th><th>Pre-pandemic Permanent Regulation</th><th>Waiver</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>In-person Visit Requirements for Prescribing of Controlled Substances</td><td>Prior to prescribing controlled substances, the prescribing practitioner was required to conduct one in-person evaluation of the patient prior to prescribing. This could be waived through a special registration process per statute, but DEA has not finalized a regulation on what this special registration process would entail.</td><td>The in-person evaluation requirement is temporarily waived. (Note: we recommend creation of a special registration process to waive the in-person visit requirement.)</td></tr></tbody></table><h2>Take Action</h2><p>The AHA urges Congress, CMS and the DEA to permanently adopt telehealth policies.</p><h2>Other Resources</h2><ul><li><a href="/news/perspective/2024-10-18-taking-action-extend-telehealth-and-hospital-home-programs">Taking Action to Extend Telehealth and Hospital-at-home Programs</a></li><li><a href="/lettercomment/2024-03-20-aha-urges-cms-remove-telehealth-provider-home-address-reporting-requirements">CMS Urged to Remove Telehealth Provider Home Address Reporting Requirements</a></li><li><a href="/lettercomment/2024-09-09-aha-comments-cms-physician-fee-schedule-cy-2025-proposed-rule">AHA Comments on CMS Physician Fee Schedule CY 2025 Proposed Rule</a></li><li><a href="/news/headline/2024-04-10-aha-urges-congress-make-telehealth-flexibilities-permanent">AHA Urges Congress to Make Telehealth Flexibilities Permanent</a></li><li><a href="/2024-08-12-aha-comments-340b-drug-pricing-program-irf-payments-physician-fee-schedule-and-telehealth">AHA Comments on 340B Drug Pricing Program, IRF Payments, Physician Fee Schedule and Telehealth</a></li><li><a href="/2023-10-10-aha-letter-support-senate-connect-health-act-2023-s-2016">AHA Letter of Support for Senate CONNECT Health Act of 2023 (S. 2016)</a></li><li><a href="/lettercomment/2023-01-30-ahas-feedback-senate-re-connect-act">AHA’s Feedback to the Senate Re: The CONNECT Act</a></li><li><a href="/lettercomment/2023-12-12-aha-comments-support-patients-and-communities-reauthorization-act">AHA Comments on the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act</a></li><li><a href="/lettercomment/2022-12-01-aha-letter-dea-regarding-request-release-special-registration-telemedicine-regulation">AHA Letter to DEA Regarding Request for Release of Special Registration for Telemedicine Regulation</a></li></ul></div><div class="col-md-4"><p><a href="/system/files/media/file/2024/05/fact-sheet-telehealth-waivers.pdf" title="Telehealth Waivers"><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Page-1-Fact-Sheet-Telehealth%20Waivers-20250207.png" data-entity-uuid="39b6ad7e-bed7-4dac-b0c8-ef00ea98859d" data-entity-type="file" alt="Fact Sheet: Telehealth Waivers page 1." width="695" height="900"></a></p></div></div></div> h2 { color: #003087; } h3 { color: #9d2235; } Fri, 07 Feb 2025 12:45:00 -0600 Telehealth /fact-sheets/2025-02-07-fact-sheet-2025-telehealth-advocacy-agenda <div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-8"><p>Telehealth has long provided increased access to care and convenience for patients, but waivers allowed broader portions of the population to experience the benefits of virtual care. The increased availability of telehealth services has transformed care delivery, expanded access for millions of Americans and increased convenience in caring for patients.</p><p>Given current health care challenges, including major clinician shortages, telehealth holds tremendous potential to leverage geographically dispersed provider capacity to support patient demand.</p><p>The AHA continues to work with Congress and the administration to enact telehealth reform to help providers and beneficiaries be able to utilize these services on a permanent basis. Given the pending expiration of several waivers, we urge Congress to act to extend this critical lifeline for treatment and work towards a permanent pathway for provision of telehealth services.</p><p>Below are the AHA’s telehealth advocacy priorities for 2025.</p><h2>Permanently Adopting Enhanced Telehealth Policies</h2><ul><li>Permanently eliminate originating and geographic site restrictions allowing telehealth visits to occur at any site which the patient is located, including urban areas and the patient’s home.</li><li>Permanently eliminate in-person visit requirements for tele-behavioral health, which would ensure that patients do not need an in-person visit before initiating virtual treatment.</li><li>Permanently remove distant site restrictions on federally-qualified health centers and rural health clinics, which would ensure that they can continue to provide telehealth services.</li><li>Permanently continue payment and coverage for audio-only telehealth services.</li><li>Permanently expand eligible telehealth provider types to include physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists and audiologists.</li></ul><h2>Expanding Telehealth Workforce</h2><ul><li>Permanently allow for virtual supervision by modifying the definition of direct supervision to include virtual presence of the supervising clinician.</li><li>Permanently allow for virtual supervision of residents across geographies to include both Metropolitan Service Areas and Non-Metropolitan Service Areas.</li><li>Permanently allow for virtual supervision for certain hospital outpatient services to include cardiac rehabilitation, intensive cardiac rehabilitation and pulmonary rehabilitation services.</li><li>Permanently remove the requirement for telehealth providers to report their home address on enrollment and claims forms when administering services from their home.</li><li>Remove unnecessary barriers to cross-state licensure.</li></ul><h2>Ensuring Fair and Adequate Telehealth Reimbursement</h2><ul><li>Permanently cover virtual outpatient therapy services, diabetes self-management training, and medical nutrition therapy services to patients’ homes.</li><li>Expand eligible virtual services beyond professional services.</li></ul><h2>Supporting Telehealth for Rural and Underserved Areas</h2><ul><li>Permanently remove the in-person visit requirements for prescribing of controlled substances through the creation of a new, streamlined Special Registration Process for Telemedicine</li><li>Expand cross-agency collaboration on digital infrastructure (to include broadband) and digital literacy initiatives.</li></ul></div><div class="col-md-4"><p><a href="/system/files/media/file/2024/05/fact-sheet-2024-telehealth-advocacy-agenda.pdf" target="_blank" title="Click here to download the Fact Sheet: 2025 Telehealth Advocacy Agenda PDF."><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Page-1-Fact-Sheet-2025-Telehealth-Advocacy-Agenda.png" data-entity-uuid="1e6e57a9-77ad-4e6d-a904-5630cfdfe9a8" data-entity-type="file" alt="Fact Sheet: 2025 Telehealth Advocacy Agenda page 1." width="695" height="900"></a></p></div></div></div> h2 { color: #003087; } Fri, 07 Feb 2025 11:30:00 -0600 Telehealth /news/headline/2025-01-15-hhs-dea-release-rules-related-telemedicine-prescribing-controlled-substances <p>The Department of Health and Human Services and Drug Enforcement Administration published a series of rules Jan. 15 related to telemedicine prescribing of controlled substances, including a <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection/2025-01099/special-registrations-for-telemedicine-and-limited-state-telemedicine-registrations" target="_blank">special registration proposed rule</a> and a <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection/2025-01049/expansion-of-buprenorphine-treatment-via-telemedicine-encounter" target="_blank">final rule on telemedicine prescribing of buprenorphine</a>. </p><p>The proposed rule for special registration outlines three types of registration to waive in-person visit requirements prior to virtual prescribing of controlled substances and a state registration for every state in which a patient is treated by the special registrant. Providers would need to apply for the special registrations. The DEA also proposes that providers be required to review nationwide prescription drug monitoring programs after three years. Comments on the proposed rule are due March 15. </p><p>The DEA’s final rule for the telemedicine prescribing of buprenorphine will enable practitioners to prescribe a six-month initial supply of Schedule III-V medications to treat opioid use disorder via audio-only telemedicine interaction without a prior in-person evaluation. Practitioners can then prescribe additional medication via other telemedicine encounters (real-time, two-way audio-visual) or after an in-person encounter. The agency finalized a stipulation that providers will need to complete a review of the PDMP for the state where the patient is located. Requirements for the special registration proposed rule would not apply to clinicians prescribing buprenorphine for OUD.</p> Wed, 15 Jan 2025 15:30:52 -0600 Telehealth /news/headline/2025-01-14-hhs-guidance-offers-solutions-protect-telehealth-platforms-cybercriminals <p>The Department of Health and Human Services Health Sector Cybersecurity Coordination Center Jan. 8 released <a href="/system/files/media/file/2025/01/hc3-analyst-note-tlp-clear-securing-telehealth-challenges-and-solutions-january-8-2025.pdf">guidance</a> on cybersecurity for telehealth applications. The guide highlights the challenges of securing telehealth platforms due to vulnerabilities that can expose them to a range of cyberattacks, such as data breaches, structured query language attacks, ransomware, phishing and more. The guide lists several ways to secure and protect patient information. <br><br>“As health care providers integrate telehealth platforms to better serve patients remotely and improve patient outcomes, especially for patients in rural or underserved areas, cyber adversaries consider these platforms an extension of a provider’s ‘attack surface,’” said John Riggi, AHA national advisor for cybersecurity and risk. “If not properly secured and network segmented, the telehealth platform’s technical infrastructure may be visible and accessible on the internet and provide access to a provider’s main networks. Using multi-factor authentication, zero-trust architecture, robust encryption and other steps recommended in the advisory will help protect provider networks and patient data.” <br><br>For more information on this or other cyber and risk issues, contact Riggi at <a href="mailto:jriggi@aha.org">jriggi@aha.org</a>. For the latest cyber and risk resources and threat intelligence, visit <a href="https://aha.org/cybersecurity">aha.org/cybersecurity</a>.</p> Tue, 14 Jan 2025 16:07:01 -0600 Telehealth