Recent Telehealth Trends, Insights and News - December 2023
AI transparency policies, Epic joins TEFCA and PMPM models
It can be hard to stay on top of all the news, trends, technology and insights breaking through in the digital health space right now, especially during the hectic holiday season. But don’t worry, we did the work for you this month with a December telehealth recap summarizing everything you need to know as we enter into a new year.
Read along as we cover the latest AI transparency rulings, Epic’s Qualified Health Information Network designation, what lies ahead for digital health investment in 2024 and the new PMPM value-based model that’s taking off.
Technology, News and Insights
Effectiveness of Telemedicine in Controlling Hyperglycemia Among Diabetic Patients on Insulin Therapy in Primary Care
A recent study found the use of telemedicine offers significant advantages to the chronic care management of insulin-dependent diabetes patients in controlling FBS levels. The review itself looked at five different studies across various countries, but also expressed the need for more extensive and standardized research.
View the full review and meta analysis here >>
5 Health Systems Installing Virtual Care Platforms
As of December 27, 2023, these are five health systems that will be launching new virtual care platforms in 2024 from Becker’s Health IT. They include big names like Mayo Clinic, St. Luke’s and more.
See the full Becker’s Health IT list here >>
Epic Providers Approved Among First TEFCA Participants
In a press release by Epic Nexus, a subsidiary of Epic, the organization announced it has become one of the initial organizations to receive the Qualified Health Information Network designation. Healthcare providers using Epic now have the option to securely exchange information via the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA). 498 hospitals who are Epic customers have already committed to participating in TEFCA.
Read the full press release here >>
Policy and Regulatory Updates
DEA Extends Telehealth Prescriptions of Controlled Drugs For 2024
Back in October, as a result of over 38,000 comments sent to the DEA, the regulatory organization decided to extend the temporary flexibilities that allow physicians to prescribe controlled substances via telehealth until the end of 2024. The rule allows the prescription of Schedule I-IV controlled substances, including stimulants like Adderall, Dexedrine and Ritalin.
Read the recent Forbes article here >>
HHS Finalizes Rule to Advance Health IT Interoperability and Algorithm Transparency
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) finalized its Health Data, Technology, and Interoperability: Certification Program Updates, Algorithm Transparency, and Information Sharing (HTI-1) rule in December. The final rule includes the following:
First of its kind algorithm transparency requirements
USCDI Version 3 as new baseline standard
Enhanced information blocking requirements
New interoperability-focused reporting metrics for certified health IT
Read the full HHS press release here >>
Industry Conversations
How Rising Value-Based Care Tides Can (But Don’t Necessarily) Lift All Patients
In this piece by MedCity News, they discuss the current transition from fee-for-service to value-based care models and its impact on physicians. Many find themselves in a precarious balancing act of looking to adopt new VBC models but still relying mostly on FFS reimbursements. The article highlights two leading methods that can help physicians find greater stability and forge better partnerships.
Read the full MedCity News article here >>
How Telehealth’s Future Came Into Clearer View in 2023
AMA recently published an article discussing telehealth’s future based on what we saw in 2023. The article says 2024 will “be a busy year” for the digital health industry given the support of policies like the CONNECT Act and the introduction of payment parity laws in several states this past year.
Read the full AMA article here >>
Growth, Funding and Innovation
10 Most Popular Specialties For Telehealth, Per Epic
In this Becker’s Healthcare article, they break down the most popular specialties in the digital health space based on Epic’s most recent research study of 475 million visits. Unsurprisingly, mental health still ranks number 1 in the line up at 36.8%. Read the full article to see what other specialities made the cut for 2023.
Read the full Becker’s Healthcare article here >>
Better Health Group Gets $175M to Expand Value-Based Care Network
The value-based provider care network, Better Health, recently received $175 million in financing. The Tampa-passed company said the new funding would support new risk-based payer partnerships, strategic acquisitions as the company expands operations to new states and continued openings of new clinics.
Read the full Healthcare Innovation article here >>
What Will Digital Health Investment Look Like in 2024?
According to a new Pitchbook report, the global PE and VC deal count will continue to decrease in 2024 but generative AI and surgical robots will be hot areas of interest for investors. Read on to learn more and view the report.
Read the full MedCity News article here>>
OpenLoop News and Resources
How LLMs Can Streamline Clinical Operations
Healthcare leaders are turning to AI to combat rising costs and clinician shortages. In this blog post by OpenLoop, we discuss how the introduction of Large Language Models (LLMs) into the clinical workflow can streamline operation for healthcare organizations. Understand how LLMs work, where they save time and money and how they’re being used in healthcare right now.
Read the full OpenLoop blog here >>
Understanding the Per Member Per Month (PMPM) Model
PMPM has become an industry buzz topic for organizations, employers, providers and payers looking to adopt a more value-based care model. In this blog, you’ll understand what the PMPM model is, how it can benefit all players involved and strategies for successful implementation and adoption.