Telehealth Technology Bill Filed In Congress

Medicare recipients to virtually see specialists

Humboldt Sentinel
News 6/5/08
By Sentinel Staff

WASHINGTON -- Expanded Medicare reimbursement could lead to increased opportunities for local residents to see specialists on video, if a bill introduced by Rep. Mike Thompson (D - St. Helena) and Rep. Kenny Hulshof (R - Columbia, MO) makes its way through Congress this year.

Their bill would increase the number of facilities offering telehealth services in urban and suburban areas. Currently Medicare reimbursement for these services is limited to rural areas, and only for certain kinds of health facilities.

"People in rural Congressional Districts like ours often have to travel long distances to see a specialty physician," Thompson said in a release. "We know that telehealth technologies are an effective way to bring high-quality, affordable healthcare to Americans, no matter where they live. This legislation will make sure Medicare recipients can access telemedicine technology in more cities and towns and in more health facilities. As healthcare becomes more expensive, telehealth technology is a great way to help people get the care they need."

The proposal would also allocate $30 million to provide grants to help health facilities pay for telehealth equipment and support services.

"Telehealth has the potential to make the best treatments and medical professionals available to any American," Hulshof said in a statement. "This legislation has broad support from the medical community, as we all share the same goal: to take full advantage of medical and technological advances to save lives and keep people healthy. Telehealth also has great potential to save billions of taxpayer dollars, so this bill is truly a win-win."

Advocates of telehealth claim that it provides more effective management of chronic diseases, reduces visits to emergency rooms and reduces overall costs, and is especially needed in rural areas where physicians with certain specialties are in short supply.