Note: I initially tried posting every two weeks, but I found it a bit overwhelming, and the content didn’t align with my originally intended vision for this space. Moving forward, I’ll shift to a once-a-month schedule, posting on the second Tuesday of each month.
The COVID-19 pandemic propelled telehealth into the spotlight, reshaping how we think about and access healthcare. However, as we transition into a post-pandemic era, critical questions remain about how to sustain and evolve telehealth to meet diverse needs. This journey is captured in the special edition of the Journal of Telemedicine and eHealth, starting with the introductory paper, "Telehealth Postpandemic: A Model for Michigan and Beyond," co-authored by myself and Charles R. Doarn.
A Collaborative Foundation
In August 2024, Michigan State University hosted a Think Tank “Telehealth Post-Pandemic: A Roadmap for the Coming Decade” funded by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). The event brought together 30 experts, including providers, patient advocates, insurers, and policymakers, to explore telehealth's future. Their mission? To craft actionable strategies addressing technology, equity, clinical opportunities, education, and research.
Michigan, with its diverse population and geographic mix of rural, urban, and suburban areas, serves as the perfect microcosm for developing scalable telehealth models. These discussions resulted in a series of white papers featured in this special edition, offering a blueprint not only for Michigan but for national adaptation.
Key Themes Explored
This special edition delves into vital themes, including:
Technology and Infrastructure: How advancements in remote patient monitoring and broadband access can bridge the digital divide.
Patient Equity: Addressing healthcare disparities, particularly in underserved communities such as maternal health deserts.
Education and Engagement: The pivotal role of educating both providers and patients to maximize telehealth’s potential.
Value-Based Care: Integrating telehealth into sustainable healthcare models that prioritize outcomes and efficiency.
Why It Matters
Telehealth has proven its ability to transform care delivery, offering unprecedented convenience and access. However, this rapid evolution has also highlighted challenges—digital literacy gaps, infrastructure inequities, and policy barriers. This special edition is both a reflection and a call to action, urging stakeholders to continue driving innovation and equity.
An Invitation to Explore
In the coming months, I will dive deeper into these themes, sharing insights from each paper in the series. Together, these articles paint a comprehensive picture of where telehealth has been, where it is now, and where it could go.
If you're curious about the pivotal role telehealth plays in shaping the future of healthcare, I invite you to join me in exploring this series. The journey starts with this introductory article.
Telemedicine in the News
From the New York Times: Telemedicine for Seniors Gets a Last-Minute Reprieve
by By Paula Span
The expanded telemedicine coverage under Medicare, introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, has been granted a three-month extension until March 31. Initially set to expire at the end of 2024, this short-term measure ensures that Medicare beneficiaries can continue accessing virtual healthcare services, including video consultations and remote follow-ups.
The extension provides temporary relief to millions of Americans who have come to rely on telemedicine for its convenience and accessibility, especially in rural and underserved areas. However, it highlights the urgent need for Congress to pass comprehensive legislation, such as the Telehealth Modernization Act, to make these flexibilities permanent.
With bipartisan support and growing reliance on telehealth across the healthcare system, advocates are optimistic about longer-term solutions. For now, this temporary measure ensures critical continuity in virtual care for Medicare recipients.
Read more here (gifted link).