Telehealth

Physicians are holding their breath for when public health emergency orders are lifted, as it could mean a significant dropoff in telehealth coverage for Medicare and Medicaid patients.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a new law July 22 that permanently expands telehealth provisions made during the COVID-19 pandemic to be covered through 2027. 

Federally Qualified Health Centers provide healthcare services to nearly 30 million patients in the United States, many of whom are low income, use Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program, or are uninsured.

From therapy to a sprained ankle, retail giants are offering on-demand virtual care for as little as $15 without insurance. Here is how the cost, accessibility and offerings compare at Amazon, Walmart, Walgreens and CVS.

Vida Health is now in-network with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, bringing digital therapy and coaching to 6 million PPO members. 

Brendan O'Grady is Amwell's new chief commercial and growth officer, the company announced July 22. 

Cigna and New York City-based Oscar Health have partnered to launch Oscar virtual primary care on some of the insurers' joint plans. 

Doctor On Demand and Grand Rounds Health have named Shayna Schulz as COO of their newly combined, multimillion dollar virtual care company. 

States currently define telemedicine by the location of the patient, not the physician, which can create barriers for practicing via telemedicine. 

While it's been on the horizon for years, the payer market is finally taking the leap toward a "consumer movement," said Curtis Barnett, president and CEO of Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield.