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Telehealth Extension and Evaluation Act
12/29/2022, 11:18 PM
Summary of Bill HR 7573
Telehealth services allow patients to receive medical care remotely, using technology such as video calls and online platforms. This has become increasingly important during the COVID-19 pandemic, as many people have been unable or unwilling to visit healthcare facilities in person.
The Telehealth Extension and Evaluation Act aims to extend the temporary telehealth flexibilities that were put in place during the pandemic. This includes allowing healthcare providers to offer telehealth services to patients across state lines, as well as expanding the types of services that can be provided remotely. In addition to extending these flexibilities, the bill also calls for a comprehensive evaluation of the impact of telehealth services on patient outcomes, healthcare costs, and access to care. This evaluation will help policymakers determine the effectiveness of telehealth services and make informed decisions about their future use. Overall, the Telehealth Extension and Evaluation Act seeks to promote the use of telehealth services in the United States, while also ensuring that these services are effective and accessible to all patients. It is an important piece of legislation that has the potential to improve healthcare delivery and outcomes for millions of Americans.
Congressional Summary of HR 7573
Telehealth Extension and Evaluation Act
This bill expands and otherwise modifies coverage of telehealth services under Medicare until two years after the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency.
Specifically, the bill (1) allows federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics to serve as the distant site (i.e., the location of the health care practitioner), (2) allows for Medicare payment of certain audio-only services and of outpatient critical access hospital services consisting of telehealth behavioral therapy, (3) conditions payment for certain high-cost laboratory tests and durable medical equipment that are ordered via telehealth on at least one in-person visit during the preceding 12-month period, and (4) allows Schedule II through V controlled substances to be prescribed online if a practitioner has conducted a telehealth evaluation with video.
The bill also generally extends any Medicare telehealth flexibilities that were granted during the COVID-19 public health emergency until two years after the emergency ends.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) must report on the effects of changes that were made during the emergency period with respect to the provision or availability of telehealth services under Medicare. The CMS must also award grants to state Medicaid programs to allow them to report on similar information.
