Telehealth

The Federal Communications Commission on Sept. 29 awarded a total of $41.1 million to 72 healthcare organizations as part of its $100 million Connected Care Pilot Program.

While 94 percent of clinicians use telehealth in their practices, some hospitals and health systems still haven't integrated a single, fully integrated platform to support virtual care, according to a recent Amwell survey. 

Aetna is bringing Mount Laurel, N.J.-based Array AtHome, the largest telepsychiatry practice in the country, into its provider network.

“Now is the time to permanently expand access to these services for the millions of people in the U.S. who need a safe, effective, and convenient option to access their care,” said Joseph C. Kvedar, MD, Chair of the Board…

Asynchronous virtual care solutions — such as text messaging solutions and chatbots powered by artificial intelligence — can help support clinicians, address staff shortages and streamline the delivery of convenient, quality healthcare.

A slew of virtual healthcare providers have made millions from selling online COVID-19 consultations, as well as prescriptions for hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin, The Intercept reported Sept. 28. 

Philadelphia-based Thomas Jefferson University launched the Jefferson Center for Connected Care to reduce disparities in telehealth through research and innovation.

Patients who are older, male, Black, non-English-speaking or don't have a college education were less likely to choose telehealth options for their eye care during the pandemic, according to a study published Sept. 23 in JAMA Ophthalmology.

In recent 2022 Medicare physician payment schedule comments, the American Medical Association is pushing the federal government to extend telehealth coverage.

Winston-Salem, N.C.-based Novant Health launched a digital health program to reduce the number of COVID-19 patients admitted to its hospitals, the company said Sept. 23.