Rural Telehealth and Healthcare System Readiness Measurement Framework
Presents a performance measurement framework to guide quality and performance improvement for healthcare services delivered via telehealth in rural areas in response to disasters. Covers five domains — access to care and technology; costs, business models, and logistics; experience; effectiveness; and equity — rural-specific measurement issues, and potential solutions. Includes recommendations for rural telehealth measurement for time-sensitive emergencies, public health emergencies, and disasters.
Date: 09/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: National Quality Forum
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Mental Health System Development in Rural and Remote Areas during COVID-19
Report highlights the barriers faced by rural, remote, and tribal communities to accessing mental healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic. Details rates of mental health treatment over the past year and compares rural and urban communities. Discusses factors affecting access in rural areas such as workforce shortages, lack of telehealth services, and lack of culturally competent care for American Indian and Alaska Native populations, among others.
Date: 09/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors
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Ready to Respond: Mental Health Beyond Crisis and COVID-19
Report highlights strategies for addressing the need for mental health services in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Details seven recommendations for state mental health programs post-pandemic and discusses workforce challenges and how telehealth can be used to expand access to care to rural and underserved areas.
Date: 09/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors
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MedPAC Comment on CMS's Proposed Rule on the Physician Fee Schedule and Other Revisions to Part B for CY 2022
Comment on a July 23, 2021, Federal Register proposed rule revising the physician fee schedule to improve payment systems for physicians and other Medicare Part B revisions. Includes a discussion of the expansion of telehealth service coverage after the COVID-19 public health emergency, as well as reimbursement rates to Rural Health Clinics and Federally Qualified Health Centers for telehealth mental health services.
Date: 09/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Medicare Payment Advisory Commission
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CMS Innovation Center COVID-19 Flexibilities
Shares flexibilities and adjustments to current and future Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) models in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency. Addresses changes related to financial methodologies, quality reporting, and model timelines.
Additional links: CMS Model Flexibilities Table
Date: 09/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
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State Telehealth and Licensure Expansion COVID-19 Dashboard
Presents state-by-state telehealth expansion and licensing waivers in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Includes links to relevant executive orders, regulatory guidance, statutory language, and other official communications for each state.
Date: 09/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Alliance for Connected Care
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HHS-OIG's Oversight of COVID-19 Response and Recovery
Information on the HHS response, as well as telehealth cost-sharing information and OIG monitoring of potential fraud related to COVID-19.
Date: 09/2021
Type: Website
Sponsoring organization: Office of Inspector General (HHS)
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COVID-19 Related Cybersecurity Information
Resources to help hospitals and health systems mitigate risk related to cybersecurity threats during the COVID-19 response.
Date: 09/2021
Type: Website
Sponsoring organization: American Hospital Association
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COVID-19 Telehealth Coverage Policies
Summary of telehealth services that are covered by various public and private payers related to COVID-19. Includes information on state and federal actions. Updated with new information and new policies as the situation develops.
Additional links: COVID-19 Related State Actions
Date: 09/2021
Type: Website
Sponsoring organization: Center for Connected Health Policy: The National Telehealth Policy Resource Center
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Respond to Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Clinical management, patient education, and preparedness resources to help family physicians respond to COVID-19. Includes information on vaccination, payment, and telehealth.
Date: 09/2021
Type: Website
Sponsoring organization: American Academy of Family Physicians
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