Leading the Way in Digital Health: Advancing Telehealth with Research, Policy, and Collaboration
CTeL “inTeL”: Digital Health News You Need to Know.
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DEA and HHS Extend Telemedicine Prescribing Flexibilities, Securing Patient Access to Care Through 2025
In a pivotal decision, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a third temporary extension of telemedicine prescribing flexibilities for controlled substances. Effective from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025, the rule maintains critical healthcare access for millions of patients while providing time for regulators to refine long-term telehealth policies.
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CTeL Appoints New Leadership for AI Blue Ribbon Collaborative to Advance AI Integration in Healthcare
The Center for Telehealth & e-Health Law (CTeL) has announced new leadership for its Artificial Intelligence (AI) Blue Ribbon Collaborative, a key initiative supporting healthcare organizations in navigating the clinical and legal implications of AI. The Collaborative, which brings together experts from diverse disciplines, serves as an independent resource to aid healthcare entities in integrating AI effectively and responsibly into clinical practice, adhering to rigorous ethical and regulatory standards.
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Breaking News: CMS Finalizes Comprehensive Telehealth Changes in 2025 Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) Rule
In a major policy update, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued the final rule for the Calendar Year (CY) 2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS), effective January 1, 2025. This new rule outlines a sweeping set of changes aimed at creating a more equitable, accessible, and innovative healthcare system. Key modifications focus on telehealth services, expanding access for beneficiaries while adjusting certain policies established during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE).
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Advancing Remote Patient Monitoring: Congressional Insights from CTeL’s Third Annual RPM Summit
At the heart of the summit was the session “Congressional Insights on Remote Monitoring Legislation,” featuring legislative aides Tucker Williamson, representing Rep. Neil Dunn (R-FL), and Josh Joffe, representing Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL). Together, they unpacked the current policy landscape and legislative priorities essential to advancing RPM in an increasingly digital healthcare ecosystem.
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CMS Final Rule Update: Key Telehealth Provisions in the 2025 OPPS and ASC Systems
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released its final rule for the 2025 Medicare Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) and the Medicare Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) payment systems, highlighting pivotal telehealth advancements that aim to transform healthcare delivery. The rule introduces changes impacting access to care for Medicaid and Medicare beneficiaries, particularly those in underserved areas or requiring specialized services. Here’s an overview of the telehealth-focused updates that reflect CMS’s commitment to expanding healthcare accessibility and aligning policies across diverse care settings.
Latest Policy Updates
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Each Friday, CTeL members can join us for a live broadcast of the pressing policy issues facing telehealth that week. We'll give a brief overview of policy changes in the administration, state-level, and highlight any legislation updates in Congress.
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Do you have a specific telehealth policy question you need help answering? We’re here to help!
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On July 10, 2024, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the CY2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) proposed rule. This annual rule sets payment rates for healthcare services under Medicare and follows the release of CMS’ OPPS and ASC proposed rule published on July 9, 2024. The comment period ends on September 9, 2024.
To assist you, CTeL staff have summarized key telehealth provisions to help you understand potential changes. Note that these are proposed regulatory changes, and the final rule will be published after the comment period ends. CMS often revises rules based on public comments.
CTeL is preparing a comment letter in response to the proposed rule and seeks your input, data, and research.
Read the full proposed rules here:
CTeL staff are available to discuss policy developments and answer any questions.
Educational Offerings
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To boost the visibility of the Collaborative’s work, CTeL is hosting an AI Digital Health Tech Showcase at the U.S. Capitol on March 12, 2025, at the start of a new Congress.
This event will unite subject-matter experts to demonstrate the capabilities of these emerging technologies while highlighting the importance of clear policies and regulations. CTeL’s vision is to bring together front-line clinicians and vendors in digital health to highlight how the use of these technologies directly impacts policy makers and their constituents.
To apply to showcase your work visit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/cteltechshowcase
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Check back for the latest webinar featuring telehealth technology, policy updates, and more!
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Discover the transformative impact of telehealth on health equity in URAC's April 2024 Telehealth Health Equity White Paper. This insightful document examines how telehealth can extend healthcare access and tackle longstanding barriers in underserved communities. Key highlights include:
Overcoming Barriers: Uncover the role of telehealth in eliminating geographical and financial obstacles, and making healthcare more accessible.
Tackling the Digital Divide: Explore effective strategies to address the technological disparities impacting telehealth services.
Innovative Case Studies: Gain insights from real-world applications and expert analysis on enhancing healthcare delivery for equitable access.
This white paper is an essential read for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and advocates aiming to leverage telehealth for broader health equity. Access detailed perspectives and actionable solutions to shape the future of inclusive healthcare.
Upcoming Events
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CTeL Summits are attended by industry decision-makers and stakeholders who are working within the telehealth field or are interested in implementing a telehealth program at their healthcare system or practice. These events are equally beneficial for both the novice and the seasoned telehealth veteran. Whether you are a thought leader, policymaker, or industry professional, the CTeL summits are a must-attend event to stay informed about the latest developments in telehealth. Join us to connect with peers, engage with policymakers, and explore the future of telehealth in a collaborative and interactive setting.
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CTeL members have access to monthly working groups which focus on a number of specific topic areas. Check out your monthly events calendar for more information.
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This session will explore the future of virtual care in skilled nursing facilities, focusing on the 'hospital-at-home' model.
Featured speaker, Dr. John Kosmeh will discuss essential elements such as staff training, policy and reimbursement opportunities, and the integration of advanced virtual diagnostics. Learn how these innovations can improve operational efficiency, reduce staff burden, and enhance resident care. Join us to discover the potential of virtual health solutions in transforming long-term care.
Get News and Updates from CTeL
Get the latest telehealth policy news you need to know, right to your inbox. Stay up-to-date on all the latest CTeL happenings, events, actions, and more!
The Center for Telehealth and e-Health Law (CTeL) is a leading 501(c)(3) nonprofit research institute dedicated to addressing the legal and regulatory dimensions of digital health. Since 1995, CTeL has been at the forefront of driving innovation, education, and advocacy in telehealth, remote monitoring, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.
