About Telehealth
Telehealth connects patients to vital health care services through videoconferencing, remote monitoring, electronic consults, and wireless communications. It has long been a key tool in expanding access to rural and underserved communities by offering more timely care for those who might otherwise have to wait weeks or travel long distances for an appointment. Patients in urban and suburban areas also benefit, especially vulnerable patients without reliable access to transportation, for whom virtual follow-up visits could be key to managing chronic conditions. By increasing access to physicians and specialists, telehealth helps ensure patients — regardless of where they live — receive the best possible care. Hospitals and health systems continue to invest in technology, training, and patient education to ensure this innovative mode of care is available to expand access to care throughout the state.
CMS Updates FAQs on End of COVID-19 PHE
On May 19, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services updated its frequently asked questions on the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency and related waivers and flexibilities, including revised responses to questions about the use of telehealth for certain therapy services and mental health services.
Telehealth Flexibilities Extended for Hospital Outpatient Therapies
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued updated frequently asked questions on the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) extending telehealth flexibilities for hospital outpatient therapies.
FCC Finalizes Changes to Rural Health Care Telehealth Program, Proposes Additional Changes
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has issued a final rule updating its Rural Health Care Program, which supports rural providers with the costs of broadband and other communications services. The final rule adopts changes to improve the accuracy of urban and rural rates, funding cap rules and invoicing for the program.
CHA Comments on CY 2022 OPPS Proposed Rule
CHA has submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on the calendar year 2022 outpatient prospective payment system (OPPS) proposed rule.
CMS Issues CY 2022 Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued its calendar year (CY) 2022 physician fee schedule (PFS) proposed rule on July 13. Comments on the rule are due by 2 p.m. (PT) on Sept. 13.
SAMHSA Offers Telehealth Guide for Treatment of Serious Mental Illness and Substance Use Disorders
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has released a new guide on telehealth treatment.
John Muir Health takes test inventories to a new level
Hospitals went above and beyond to care for those in need during the global COVID-19 pandemic — but not every role gets the credit it deserves. At John Muir Health, a comprehensive approach to test processing and materials in the laboratory helped to speed diagnosis and save lives.
Tenet Health Brings TeleER to the Central Coast
Hospitals went above and beyond to care for those in need during the global COVID-19 pandemic — even reaching outside their four walls. At Tenet Health Central Coast, an innovative new TeleER program meant patients were tended to without setting foot in the hospital.
FCC COVID-19 Telehealth Program Application Portal to Open April 29
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced it will begin accepting applications for Round 2 of the COVID-19 Telehealth Program on April 29. The application portal will be open for seven calendar days, closing on May 6.
Modernize Telehealth Policies to Increase Access to Care, Reduce Overall Health Care Costs
Californians, regardless of where they live, deserve convenient and rapid access to necessary medical care. But in communities throughout the state, many are unable to get the care they need. In the attached issue brief, we outline ways to ensure all Californians are able to access the care they rely on.