Infectious Disease AdvisorPandemic Expansion of Medicare Telehealth Coverage Set to End March 31

This article details the impending March 31, 2025 expiration of Medicare telehealth coverage expansions that began during the COVID-19 pandemic. The feature examines the clinical and operational implications for healthcare providers and patients if Congress fails to extend or make permanent these telehealth flexibilities, which have become integrated into care delivery across multiple specialties.

Key Clinical Considerations

• Access disruption risk: Approximately 380 health systems currently offer hospital-at-home services through Medicare, with studies showing faster recovery, fewer readmissions, and lower mortality rates compared to traditional inpatient care.
• Provider adoption metrics: AMA survey data indicates 80% of physicians utilized telehealth in 2022 (up from 14% in 2016), with nearly 70% expressing the desire to continue offering these services.
• Specialty impact variation: Some telehealth services have already expired (cardiac/pulmonary rehabilitation), while others remain permanent (mental health services), creating inconsistent care delivery models.
• Interstate licensure barriers: The article highlights ongoing challenges with state licensing requirements for telehealth providers, creating potential continuity of care issues for patients who travel or relocate.
• Reimbursement uncertainty: The temporary nature of telehealth funding creates operational challenges for healthcare organizations regarding infrastructure investment, staffing, and budget planning.

Clinical Practice Impact

• Practices must prepare contingency plans for potential telehealth policy changes while continuing to advocate through professional organizations.
• Consider reviewing your current telehealth utilization patterns and identifying which patient populations would be most vulnerable to access disruption.
• Develop communication strategies to inform patients about potential changes and alternative care pathways.
• For patients with chronic conditions currently managed via telehealth, consider scheduling in-person visits before March 31 to establish continuity plans if telehealth coverage lapses.

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