ATA Commends Congress For Waiving Restrictions On Telehealth For Medicare Beneficiaries, In Response To The COVID-19 Outbreak

WASHINGTON, March 5, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The ATA, the premier organization working to accelerate the adoption of telehealth, today commended Congressional leaders for including a provision to waive telehealth restrictions for Medicare beneficiaries, as part of the COVID-19 supplemental funding package. Telehealth and virtual care solutions can improve access to care and facilitate the timely diagnosis and treatment of individuals, while limiting the risk of person-to-person spread of the virus.

"We are heartened by the swift actions being taken by Congress to put the right tools in the hands of healthcare professionals to effectively address the COVID-19 outbreak," said Ann Mond Johnson, CEO, the ATA. "Many ATA members are providing solutions that are helping to keep people safe and out of hospitals and doctors' offices, map the virus and triage individuals needing medical care. Telehealth is well-suited to provide one-to-many care that is safe, effective and efficient. We are seeing the significant value telehealth offers, not only in public health emergencies, but also in day-to-day care delivery."

"The ATA and its members will continue to work with federal and state authorities, including HHS and the CDC, to address the COVID-19 outbreak and ensure resources are appropriately deployed for those individuals in need of care and help keep health care workers safe," added Mond Johnson. "We urge CMS to implement its waiver authority as soon as possible to ensure health care providers understand any requirements and help speed the deployment of virtual services."

About the ATA
As the only organization completely focused on advancing telehealth, the ATA is committed to ensuring that everyone has access to safe, affordable, and appropriate care when and where they need it, enabling the system to do more good for more people. ATA represents a broad and inclusive member network of technology solution providers and payers, as well as partner organizations and alliances, working to advance industry adoption of telehealth, promote responsible policy, advocate for government and market normalization, and provide education and resources to help integrate virtual care into emerging value-based delivery models. @americantelemed #gotelehealth #ATApolicy

SOURCE The ATA