Telehealth will be limited Oct. 1. Congress is in recess, and vital flexibility and reimbursement for telemedicine services—in place since COVID-19—will expire before the session resumes, threatening access to rheumatology care.
What’s at Stake?
The extension of telemedicine flexibilities and reimbursement parity has been attached to the broader government funding, or appropriations, process. On Sept. 19, the U.S House of Representatives passed a short-term continuing resolution (CR) that would extend current telemedicine policies through Nov. 21.
The Senate must adopt the House-passed CR to avoid disrupting access to telemedicine in rheumatology care, because the House will not return for votes until Oct. 1.
Without Senate action, the following telehealth benefits could disappear:
- Equitable reimbursement for telehealth services;
- Access regardless of geographic location or originating site of service; and
- Flexibility for audio-visual visits.
Act to Preserve Telehealth Now
Visit the ACR’s Legislative Action Center to urge the Senate to ensure telemedicine continues to support patient care.
