THE ROAD TO THE TELEHEALTH SUPER BOWL: HOUSE WAYS AND MEANS TACKLES ACCESS TO CARE AT HOME IN RURAL AND UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES
WASHINGTON, DC, MARCH 12, 2024 – The American Telemedicine Association (ATA) and ATA Action applaud the U.S. House Committee on Ways and Means for convening a hearing earlier today to address the need for continued access to care-at-home services for millions of Americans seeking quality healthcare in their communities and in their homes.
“There are a number of challenges we need to address, as we seek permanent access to virtual care services before the pandemic-era flexibilities expire at year end. We are grateful to the House Committee on Ways and Means for examining the opportunities in moving care into the home in order to benefit patients, particularly those in rural and underserved communities,” said Kyle Zebley, Senior Vice President, Public Policy, the ATA and Executive Director, ATA Action. “This is an important demonstration of the bipartisan support telehealth has experienced, with many of our telehealth champions in attendance today. It’s clear that telehealth is a necessary and urgently needed modality of care and should become a permanent part of an omnichannel health system, including virtual and in-person care.
“We are especially proud that Intermountain Healthcare, a valued ATA member, and Dr. Ateev Mehrotra, who sits on our esteemed Clinician Council, were invited to address the Committee, providing important perspective on the importance of virtual care, especially in rural America,” Zebley added. “This year, as we face the Telehealth Super Bowl, we are putting our best offense on the field, to push for telehealth policies that support permanent access to safe, affordable and effective healthcare where and when it’s needed.”
Continue the Discussion at ATA Nexus Annual Conference
ATA Nexus 2024, May 5-7 in Phoenix, AZ, will explore virtual care in the real world – examining our new realities and highlighting the lessons learned, while convening the changemakers and front-line providers who are defining the ‘new normal’ for tech-enabled care. Join the healthcare leaders and decision-makers gathering to help modernize our healthcare system and integrate telehealth in care delivery. Meet the headliners taking the stage at Nexus.
About ATA Action
ATA Action recognizes that telehealth and virtual care have the potential to transform the healthcare delivery system by improving patient outcomes, enhancing the safety and effectiveness of care, addressing health disparities, and reducing costs. ATA Action is a registered 501c6 entity and an affiliated trade organization of the American Telemedicine Association (ATA).
About the ATA
As the only organization completely focused on advancing telehealth, the American Telemedicine Association 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. The ATA represents a broad and inclusive member network of leading healthcare delivery systems, academic institutions, 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.
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