AAPM&R supports the coverage of telehealth services and encourages members to utilize telehealth as an expansion of their practice.
Following the implementation of regulatory and reimbursement flexibilities, telehealth has offered an innovative and safe way for members to care for patient’s during the COVID-19 pandemic. AAPM&R continues to advocate for comprehensive coverage of telehealth.
On June 17, AAPM&R completed our second virtual Day on Capitol Hill reaching more than 50 offices. One advocacy priority included expanding telehealth access after the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) to increase access to rehabilitation services. Here is our one-page letter on removing barriers to patient-centered care. AAPM&R has also participated in various sign on and comment letters, supporting coverage of telehealth during the public health emergency and beyond, including:
- September 13, 2022: Letter to Senate Urging Action on Telehealth Legislation
- May 31, 2022: Letter to Congressional Appropriators to Increase Funding for Telehealth Resource Centers (TRCs)
- April 2, 2022: AAPM&R Supports Principles for Telehealth Payment Parity
- January 31, 2022: Letter to Congress Urging Action on Telehealth to Create Permanent, Comprehensive Telehealth Reform
- January 14, 2022: Letter to Congress Requesting to Reinstate Virtual Care Access for Individuals with HDHP-HSAs
- October 28, 2021: Letter to Governors on Recent or Impending Expiration of Licensure Flexibilities for Care Across State Lines
- September 13, 2021: 2022 MPFS Proposed Rule Comment Letter
- March 5, 2021: Letter to President Biden Regarding PM&R Priorities During COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
- October 5, 2020: 2021 MPFS Proposed Rule Comment Letter
- July 15, 2020: Letter to CMS Documenting Role of Telemedicine During the Public Health Emergency
- April 13, 2020: Letter to AHIP Requesting Expansion of Telemedicine Services
- April 13, 2020: Letter to BCBS Requesting Expansion of Telemedicine Services
- April 13, 2020: Letter to CMS Requesting Payment Parity for Audio-Only E/M Visits
Insurance companies are responding to COVID-19 by adjusting coverage including changes to prior authorization, copays, telemedicine coverage, and beyond. AHIP is tracking these changes on a payer-by-payer basis on their website. (August 2021)
Alliance for Connected Care
To advance our advocacy strategies in telehealth, The Academy has joined more than 30 patient and provider groups as a member of the Alliance for Connected Care Advisory Board. The Alliance has several key advocacy priorities that align with AAPM&R including expanding access to telehealth services by removing geographic and site limitations and ensuring appropriate reimbursement of providers for the delivery of telehealth. The Alliance has made many resources available to help keep us up to date on the current federal and state telehealth regulations: