Articles related to TELEHEALTH

Uncover the sweeping developments in telemedicine prescribing of controlled substances and how they impact your pharmacy. The DEA and SAMHSA recently extended the ability for clinicians to prescribe controlled medications through telemedicine until November 11, 2023. Initially, this extension was set to expire on May 11, 2023, as the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) ended. Previously, in-person visits were necessary for these prescriptions. The new rule offers continuity of care for patients, according to Christopher M. Jones, the Director of the CDC’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. The rule might be extended or shortened depending on when the DEA and SAMHSA’s final regulation is effective. In March, these agencies had proposed reverting to the initial in-person prescribing requirement for controlled medications. The Ryan Haight Online Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act of 2008 instated this requirement to mitigate the risk of dependence on these medications. However, the agencies received almost 40,000 comments when they proposed to reinstate in-person visits, many emphasizing the benefits of telemedicine. Telemedicine enables more individuals to access treatments they otherwise couldn’t. This feedback has influenced the decision to maintain the telemedicine option for at least another six months. This extension gives the agencies time to consider […]

Navigate the rapidly changing landscape of patient communication, as we explore the ins and outs of charging for MyChart messages. The COVID-19 pandemic has swiftly transformed the dynamics of healthcare communication. Consequently, healthcare providers increasingly rely on telehealth visits and digital communication tools to connect with patients. A significant offshoot of this shift is the growing trend of charging for MyChart messages. Healthcare systems have begun charging for the time providers spend responding to messages. Some hospitals have even expressed plans to bill up to $50 for MyChart messages. This new approach was permitted through changes to the 2020 Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes. The revised codes introduced three new time-based categories, thereby allowing providers to bill for time spent addressing patient-initiated messages over a week. Despite these changes, not all services come with a price tag. As per the Cleveland Clinic, any work taking under five minutes or any service that leads to an in-person consultation will not be charged. Furthermore, no fees apply to prescription refill requests, appointment requests, and follow-up care related to a surgery performed within the last 90 days. However, specific services can be billed. For instance, messages necessitating a clinical assessment, ordering a test […]

The convenience and comfort telehealth delivers for managing nonurgent and routine care for mental health, chronic disease, or pain is too good to revert back to always in-person appointments. And telehealth is changing the way providers compete — every system is now in direct competition with an expanded list of players. It’s also changing the way consumers select providers. For example, they are moving their care to those that can provide their entire health history online.

The rate and scope of technology adoption in the healthcare process are hotly debated topics. These include the following in the case of refraction:

Pandemic-era telemedicine exceptions that currently allow telehealth prescription of Schedule II narcotics and stimulants without an initial in-person evaluation are to be ended on May 11.

On May 11th, the public health emergency that loosened some controls on telehealth and remote prescribing comes to an end. What will be the impact on telepsychiatry? Some of the flexibilities introduced by the Ryan Haught Act will continue, but others sunset, and practices will need to adjust.