Telehealth

The intent of prior authorization - to make efficient use of health resources - has not worked, says Peter Ax of UpScriptHealth.

The company says there's opportunity to enhance its value proposition in the realm of virtual care.

Telemedicine offsets waiting times and offers the ability for a clinician to step in after hours, says Carrie Nelson, chief medical officer at KeyCare.

Beginning this month, Cigna members can connect for urgent care from board-certified doctors without phone or video.

Telehealth for mental health conditions, which account for half of telehealth claims, fell in most areas of the country.

Telemedicine opened doors to healthcare access, says Dr. Shawn Griffin, president and CEO of URAC, a telehealth accreditor that recognizes organizations for excellence in telemedicine to boost health equity.  

Uses include transporting lab samples, delivering prescription drugs and getting supplies to home health practitioners, says Keenan Wyrobek, cofounder and CTO of Zipline, an international drone delivery service.

Medweb builds global teleradiology networks that operate out of remote locations with poor communications infrastructure, enabling telemedicine on ships at sea and active war zones, says Steven Osborne, the company  director of federal business.  

Expiration of the pre-deductible telehealth coverage exception in January 2025 may reduce mental health service use if not extended, authors say.

Lee Health created the clinical department that serves home health, the ambulatory network and inpatient services for the hospital, reaching an entire community, says Zsolt Kulcsar, medical director of virtual health.