The Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee will meet virtually tomorrow, Tuesday, October 27, 2020 at 1:00 PM to hear testimony from the public concerning the provision of telemedicine and telehealth services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The explosion of telehealth prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated a shift in care delivery away from the hospital and clinic and into homes and communities.
Only 20% of US health systems said they'd continue offering telehealth if reimbursement rates reverted to pre-pandemic levels. This could make patients flock to direct-to-consumer virtual care providers like 98point6.
Sam’s Club is throwing its hat into the telehealth arena by partnering with 98point6 to offer subscriptions for an initial quarterly charge of $20 and quarterly renewals after that priced at $33.50. The subscription to the 98point6 app provides access to physicians to diagnose and treat more than 400 common conditions like rash, cough and cold, flu-like symptoms and seasonal allergies, as well as provide care, guidance, and monitoring of chronic conditions like diabetes, asthma, heart disease, depression, and anxiety.
The Georgia Composite Medical Board recently finalized a new amendment to its telemedicine practice standards. The purpose of the amendment was to address the use of technology as it relates to telemedicine, and clarify the Board’s position on the use of peripherals when conducting a patient examination via telemedicine. The amendment is effective September 28, 2020.