AHA shares recommendations for improving, expanding access to telehealth

Apr 02, 2019 - 02:51 PM

The AHA today shared with House and Senate members of the Congressional Telehealth Caucus recommendations for improving and expanding access to telehealth. 
 
“Overall, the AHA appreciates your focus on expanding and improving access to telehealth services for patients,” AHA said in a response to a letter from the caucus seeking suggestions for potential legislation on the issue. “The recent changes made to Medicare coverage of telehealth are promising, but more can be done to build on this progress.”
 
Among other telehealth recommendations, AHA urged Congress to expand Medicare coverage; resolve legal and regulatory challenges; increase federal research regarding the cost-benefits of telehealth and add flexibility in new payment models; and improve the Federal Communications Commission Rural Health Care Program.
 
AHA also shared examples of how hospitals and health systems are using telehealth to improve care and lower costs, including through “hospital-at-home” programs.

Related News Articles

Headline
Forum on hospital capacity management set for July
The inaugural Hospital Capacity Management Leadership Forum, tailored to hospital and health system leaders responsible for hospital flow, will be held July 11…
Headline
AHA files amicus brief in case challenging HHS, CMS on provider taxes 
The AHA drafted and filed an amicus brief June 17 in the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in a case regarding Medicaid financing and provider taxes filed by…
Headline
AHA files amicus brief in appeals court supporting dismissal of online tracking case
The AHA May 27 filed an amicus brief in the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals supporting the dismissal of an online tracking lawsuit against a member hospital…
Chairperson's File
Chair File: Leadership Dialogue — The Role of Advocacy in Advancing Health Care with AHA Executive Vice President Stacey Hughes
Public
We’re at a watershed moment in health care, which gives us opportunities to strengthen how we serve patients and communities. Health care leaders must help…
Perspective
Hospitals Are Leading the Way to a Healthier America
Public
This week, more than 1,000 hospital and health system leaders came to Washington, D.C., united by a shared responsibility: to ensure every community has access…
Chairperson's File
Chair File: Supporting and Sharing the Healing Work of Hospitals and Their Care Teams
Public
More than 1,000 leaders from hospitals and health systems across the country will gather in Washington, D.C., early next week at the 2026 AHA Annual…