Telehealth will continue to feature prominently in the post-COVID-19 health care landscape, according to Jim Parker, a senior Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) official who spoke during a webinar sponsored by the Bipartisan Policy Center. However, it’s uncertain whether changes to telehealth reimbursement rules will remain in place. At the start of the pandemic, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services issued waivers allowing Medicare providers more flexibility in how they use telehealth, and consumers eagerly embraced the ability to consult with their providers from home. Parker said HHS looks forward to working with policymakers, congressional leaders and regulators to establish permanent access to telehealth, especially in rural areas. (Fierce Healthcare story, 6/5/20)
