The ATA EDGE 2024 Policy Conference, held from December 11-13, 2024, was a key event for those interested in telehealth. This conference, hosted by the American Telemedicine Association (ATA), was an opportunity to discuss the current state of virtual care policy and explore future opportunities and challenges in the field.
As an ATA Leadership Council member, and the Head of Marketing & Portfolio Strategy at Health Recovery Solutions (HRS), I had the opportunity to attend ATA EDGE 2024. The energy and insights shared at the conference were truly remarkable, and I'm excited to share some key takeaways, particularly as they relate to the work we do at HRS.
The CMS Hospital at Home Waiver Extension: A Win for Patients and Providers
One of the most notable developments discussed was the expectation, now confirmed through a congressional agreement just days after the conference, of a five-year extension for the CMS Hospital at Home waiver program.
This program allows hospitals to provide acute care services to patients in their homes and was initially implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. The extension highlights ATA's ongoing collaboration with legislative bodies on essential policy and the program's effectiveness in enhancing patient outcomes while lowering healthcare expenses.
This decision has significant implications for HRS, as our company is dedicated to partnering with providers across the care continuum to deliver remote patient monitoring and telehealth solutions. We are proud to support health systems as they incorporate our solutions into their Hospital at Home programs, enabling the delivery of high-quality inpatient care in the comfort of patients' homes.
HRS has already achieved notable successes in supporting health systems with Hospital at Home programs, such as:
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Avera Health
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3,840 patients monitored in the program
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6.1% re-hospitalization rate
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7.9% ED visit rate
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95% Patient Satisfaction Rate
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Alina Health
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2,100+ patients monitored in the program
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Total Inpatient Admission Days Saved – 14,700+ days
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30 diagnoses+ cared for under the model of care
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30% reduction in total cost of care
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These achievements demonstrate the effectiveness of HRS solutions in enabling healthcare providers to deliver exceptional care to patients in the comfort of their homes.
Navigating the Complexities of Interstate Telehealth Practice
The ATA EDGE 2024 Policy Conference highlighted the complexities of interstate telehealth practice due to variations in state regulations. Healthcare providers face challenges in offering telehealth services across state lines, making it difficult to ensure patients receive uninterrupted care regardless of location.
The conference emphasized the need for more streamlined processes and interstate licensure compacts. This would enable:
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Easier and more consistent telehealth practices.
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Providers to operate efficiently across state boundaries.
Health Recovery Solutions recognizes these challenges and is committed to developing solutions that can be implemented across various care settings. Our company's remote patient monitoring and telehealth solutions aim to help providers navigate these complexities and deliver care seamlessly to patients regardless of location. Our goal is to ensure patients have consistent access to quality care while simplifying operations for providers navigating diverse state regulations.
Telehealth Prescriptions: Ensuring Safety and Accessibility
The conference also addressed the evolving landscape of telehealth prescriptions. The ability to prescribe medications remotely has become increasingly important with the rise of telemedicine, but also presents unique challenges, particularly in ensuring patient safety and regulatory compliance. While HRS does not provide medication dispensing services, our solutions play a crucial role in supporting safe and effective telehealth prescription practices. Our platform includes medication reminders, which can enhance patient adherence to prescribed treatments. Additionally, our remote patient monitoring capabilities allow for the tracking of vital signs and other essential health data, providing clinicians with critical information to monitor patients undergoing prescribed therapies.
The Impact of the 2024 Election on Telehealth Policy
The recent election results and the change in administration will likely impact the future of telehealth policy. The new administration's focus on deregulation may create both opportunities and challenges for the industry. Dr. Larry Sabato, a renowned political analyst, provided a unique analysis of the 2024 elections at the conference. His insights were particularly valuable in understanding the potential implications of the shifting political landscape on telehealth policy. As an ATA Leadership Council member, I had the opportunity to have lunch with Dr. Sabato after his talk and engage in a fascinating discussion about his perspectives on the role of media in future elections. It is crucial to advocate for bipartisan support for telehealth initiatives to ensure continued progress and accessibility for all patients. If telehealth flexibilities are allowed to expire by December 31, healthcare delivery could revert to pre-pandemic restrictions on access to care, significantly impacting patients and providers.
Conclusion: HRS Leading the Charge in Shaping Telehealth Policy and Innovation
ATA EDGE 2024 provided a valuable platform for discussing the future of telehealth. The conference underscored the need for innovative solutions to address the evolving challenges and opportunities in the field. HRS is committed to partnering with providers and empowering patients through our clinically enabled, patient-centric solutions. We remain dedicated to driving positive change and shaping the future of virtual care.