Telehealth

Before 2020, few in the healthcare industry questioned the potential utility of telehealth. Its benefits were obvious, the technology itself was robust and well-developed — but all the same, it never quite hit mainstream adoption. Then COVID-19 changed everything.

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have invented a telehealth drone that can deliver lab tests, medicine and medical supplies in the country's most secluded regions, according to a March 15 article published by the university.

COVID-19-related telehealth rules for out-of-state providers may lead to unintended consequences such as fraud and limited patient access if made permanent, according to a recent Kaiser Health News analysis.

Hospitals and health systems across the U.S. scurried to launch and expand telehealth programs in March 2020. One year later, telehealth still holds a steady place in healthcare delivery, but its significance in the future is not set in stone.

FCC acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel submitted a proposal this week to launch the second round of the FCC's $250 million COVID-19 telehealth program. 

UnitedHealthcare rolled out a new virtual care option for individuals needing hearing assessments or hearing aids, according to a March 18 news release.

Expanded solution automates pre-visit workflows to drive efficiencies in care delivery

CMS released a notice March 17 walking back four telehealth service codes that the agency said were inadvertently included on its final list because of technical errors. 

Grand Rapids, Mich.-based Spectrum Health recently inked a partnership to integrate Tyto Care's portable patient examination device into the system's virtual care offerings.

Experts have highlighted telehealth's potential to assist rural patients who may not otherwise have conventinet access to healthcare services, but a recent study from nonprofit think tank Rand Corp. reveals urban, affluent Americans utilize telehealth significantly more than the rural…