The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) telehealth website offers a number of resources for patients and providers looking to utilize services via telehealth. The website also offers funding opportunities related to telehealth and broadband programs, as well as a research section. The HHS research website allows a search of research articles and papers, provides access to the Medicare Telehealth Trends Dashboard, and also compiles recent research recap summaries regarding telehealth study findings. Recaps include telehealth research summaries specific to:
As policymakers continue to assess telehealth use and related policy changes, these research recaps can be beneficial to those looking to understand the latest findings and trends available within certain specialties and focus areas. For instance, health equity and quality-of-care are two important policy topics that remain top-of-mind for many policymakers, and both summaries offer helpful information on telehealth findings in these areas. The health equity document summarizes sociodemographic disparities in telehealth use, highlighting that research relates racial and ethnic disparities with lower use of overall telehealth but higher use of audio-only telehealth. Additionally, barriers to equitable telehealth access and geographic variations are described, showcasing how disparities in use are often not inherent to telehealth itself but rather a result of broader structural and policy limitations. Therefore, based on the research, policies ensuring affordable and accessible broadband as well as audio-only coverage can contribute to a more equitable telehealth policy landscape.
While concerns exist that some modalities may lead to higher quality care than others, it is important that any comparison in that regard should also factor in the absence of care altogether that may occur if each modality is not equally available to all patients. Additionally, the quality-of-care document states that studies show there are no significant differences between the quality-of-care delivered remotely and care delivered in-person for various conditions, stressing the importance of these findings in relation to telehealth’s ability to increase overall access to care. The people with low-incomes research recap also focuses on the use and need of audio-only visits for those with limited resources, and patients who might not otherwise have access to care. As the Medicaid research recap states: “Eliminating [telehealth] access barriers can help ensure that all patients receive reliable, high-quality care…Audio-only services may ease some of the underlying disparities in technology access so that people, including those with disabilities, can access health care.” The Medicare summary also speaks to quality-of-care and telehealth’s demonstrated potential in enhancing access to specialist care as well as managing chronic diseases, which also may lead to better patient outcomes. How telehealth contributes to quality-of-care is additionally discussed in relation to maternal health, with the recap referencing telehealth’s ability to improve prenatal care access and reduce health disparities in rural settings.
Another issue that often arises when contemplating telehealth policy is potential cost concerns. The economic impact telehealth research recap speaks to the importance of reimbursement policies in ensuring providers have the financial capacity to provide telehealth, as well as the direct costs on providers to set up and maintain telehealth technology and infrastructure. The document also highlights the potential of telehealth to decrease overall healthcare costs in relation to lower no-show appointment rates and reduced patient transportation costs. As mentioned in the quality-of-care document, telehealth has also been found to be effective at reducing avoidable and costly hospital admissions. The emergency care summary elaborates on such research, highlighting studies that show telehealth to triage emergency department (ED) patients may prevent unnecessary hospital visits and admissions, as well as telemedicine’s ability to improve ED adherence to sepsis protocols.
Despite the overwhelming evidence of telehealth’s ability to increase access to quality, necessary, and cost-effective care, as mentioned in the Medicare summary, challenges to telehealth use remain, such as providers having to navigate varying regulations and policies. The importance of ensuring access to audio-only services is again stressed, as Medicare research shows many patients have a preference for the modality. Restrictions on cross-state licensure for providers appears in some of the research recaps as well, for instance the behavioral health document mentions how such restrictions can limit telehealth access. The ability of telehealth to address healthcare workforce shortages, particularly in relation to behavioral health, is also discussed in the workforce summary. Overall, the recaps address many of the fundamental concerns and benefits of telehealth consistent with latest research, offering policymakers a roadmap to adopting clear policies that properly ensure telehealth access for all.
For more information on the research recaps, visit the HHS Telehealth Research website. |
|
CCHP knows that telehealth policy can be a complicated subject and from time to time questions about policies related to your specific situation may arise. You’re in luck…We’re here for you! Just submit your question via our easy to use contact us form, or send an email to info@cchpca.org
|
|
|