Telehealth

UPMC expressed support for two broadband bills in the Pennsylvania legislature that aim to increase internet access across the state, according to the Pittsburgh-based health system's July 14 blog post.

Baptist Health South Florida and home developer CC Homes, both in Coral Gables, Fla., have partnered to provide free virtual healthcare services and digital exam kits to new homebuyers. 

Amwell on July 13 announced the winners of its annual Client Awards, which recognize organizations that have made exceptional contributions to expand digital care delivery prior to and during the coronavirus pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated telemedicine expansions and provisions but as states approach emergency order expirations, the status of coverage and regulations remains uncertain. 

CMS released its telehealth guidance for electronic clinical quality measures for telehealth-eligible clinicians in 2021.

The Department of Veterans Affairs plans to ramp up its telehealth services at Walmart locations across the country once the coronavirus pandemic "winds down," according to VA Secretary Robert Wilkie, Military.com reports. 

Traditional retailers Walgreens, Walmart and CVS have entered the healthcare arena in a variety of ways, including telehealth.

At $1.7 billion, telehealth companies led financing activity for the first half of 2020's record $6.3 billion in digital health funding, according to a recent Mercom Capital Group report.

Rhode Island healthcare providers are urging lawmakers to expand telemedicine regulations ahead of the state's Aug. 2 expiration of the executive order requiring insurers to cover virtual care, according to Providence Journal.

Since the coronavirus pandemic started, female physicians have been 25 percent more likely to adopt telemedicine than male physicians, according to a July 9 Doximity report.