The Pundits Are Wrong About This Being Telemedicine’s Moment by Chris Gallagher, Access Physicians

It’s been here all along. Government is just catching up.

With social distancing and stay home orders the new normal, the COVID-19 pandemic has thrust telemedicine and telehealth into the spotlight. But, we should be clear about one thing. This is not technology’s moment. Rather, it’s time for the practice of medicine to advance with a paradigm shift.

The President’s March 16 guidance to slow the spread of the virus was followed quickly by temporarily loosening the restrictions on Medicare coverage for telehealth so that beneficiaries can still connect with their health care professionals…but from a safe distance within their own homes. With the federal actions, the rural originating site limitation on Medicare payment is removed. Tele-services can now be provided no matter where the beneficiary is located geographically or what type of care delivery site, which, for the first time allows beneficiaries to receive telehealth services from their home.