Recent Telehealth Trends, Insights and News - January 2024
Eli Lilly and D2C, new CMS prior authorization, state-by-state medical licensure requirements
It can be hard to stay on top of all the news, trends, technology and insights breaking through in the digital health space. The industry continues to grow faster each day. That’s why, while you focus on serving your patients, we’ll do the work for you with a January telehealth recap.
Curious about what’s new in telemedicine? Drugmakers and health systems enter the D2C weight loss space (leaving doctors wary), new prior authorization rule finalized by CMS, our 3-part PEPM benefits program series and a detailed guide on the state-by-state medical licensure requirements.
Technology, Trends and News
Withings’ New Multiscope Device Checks Vitals for Telehealth Visits
As the digital health landscape continues to progress in a post-pandemic world, the French company Withings has created a “multiscope” RPM device design to make vital readings easier outside the doctor’s office. The device, BeamO, can serve as an electrocardiogram, oximeter and stethoscope. Learn more by checking out TechCrunch’s full article. Read the full TechCrunch article here >>
Palliative Care Via Audio-Only Telehealth Boosts Quality of Life
According to a study published by JAMA, telehealth improved quality of life for adults living with chronic conditions like COPD and heart failure. Due to the lack of palliative care specialists in the U.S., access to treatment is limited. What researchers found was that the intervention of audio-only telehealth allowed patients and providers to close that gap and better treat their chronic condition symptoms. Check out the full article for more on the study.
Read the full mHealthIntelligence article here >>
Eliminating In-Person VCPR Requirement For Telemedicine, Proposed Mid-Level Position Discussed At Information Forum
During the AVMA House of Delegates’ (HOD) Veterinary Information Forum, several topics were discussed. They included the removal of the previous patient relationship requirement for telemedicine and introduced a mid-level position between the Vet and the Vet Tech to combat shortages. Very few states have removed the VCPR and those who spoke on it at the summit expressed the importance that it remain a requirement for telemedicine.
Read the full AVMA article here >>
Policy and Regulatory Updates
CMS Finalizes Rule Streamlining Prior Authorization Process
If you ever talk to a physician about prior authorization, it’s likely they’ll have some grievances with its process—specifically with its timeline. It can take weeks for patients to receive coverage approval for the medications they need. In this article by MedCity News, they cover the new CMS ruling called the Interoperability and Prior Authorization Rule that was finalized in January 2023. The rule sets a deadline for affected payers to complete prior authorization requests.
Read the full MedCity News article here >>
Industry Conversations
The Potential of Generative AI for Value-Based Care
The value-based-care market is expected to grow $174 billion by 2032, but there are still many challenges that need to be overcome until then. Many of them have to do with how we collect and use data. This HIT Consultant article discusses ways generative AI could help close the gaps in data collection and allow for more streamlined processes using LLMs.
Read the full HIT Consultant article here >>
As Eli Lilly Wades Into Telehealth for Weight Loss, Doctors Are Wary
Eli Lilly recently launched a health platform called LillyDirect in order to streamline the delivery of their new FDA approved weight loss medication, Zepbound. It’s designed to connect people with an independent telehealth company that prescribes obesity medications and third-party services that fill and send medication right to a patient's home. However, some health care experts are worried it will make it easier for pharmaceutical companies to target patients with their products.
Read the full New York Times article here >>
Growth, Funding and Innovation
'Podnosis': What’s Next For Health Tech Investing in 2024?
In 2023, startups experienced a funding slump in part due to the decrease in post-pandemic telehealth hype. In this podcast hosted by Fierce Healthcare, they tap into several health tech industry experts to unravel the factors that contributed to the current state of funding. They also discuss big predictions for 2024, including who will make it and who will be left behind.
Listen to the full Podnosis podcast here >>
Mayo Clinic Launches Telehealth Access Program For New GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs
Shortly after Eli Lilly’s launch of their telehealth program, Mayo Clinic announced the launch of its own weight loss health platform in January. The Mayo Clinic Medical Weight Loss Rx Program will provide its qualifying members GLP-1 weight loss medication as well as other services like lab testing. The program has partnered with Amwell and is currently available in its beta form.
Read the full BenefitsPRO article here >>
OpenLoop News and Resources
How a Per Employee Per Month (PEPM) Model Benefits Employers
In the evolving landscape of employee benefits, businesses are turning to innovative solutions to ensure the well-being of their workforce. According to Mark Cuban, Billionaire entrepreneur and co-founder of Cost Plus Drugs, businesses are bleeding money from their less than superb healthcare benefit plans. However, this passivity among employers is poised for change. One such approach gaining traction is the PEPM benefits model, or Per Employee Per Month.
Read the full OpenLoop blog post here >>
5 PEPM Programs Employers Should Add to Their Benefits Package
If you’re interested in starting a PEPM benefits model, but aren’t sure what programs to include for your employees—you’re in the right spot. The attractive bit about PEPM as a benefits model for both parties involved is that it isn’t an all or nothing solution. Employees can choose to opt-in or opt-out of certain offerings instead of being automatically enrolled into a one-size-fits-all plan. But what programs should you include in your PEPM model?
Read the full OpenLoop blog post here >>
How to Successfully Launch Your PEPM Benefits Program
The Per Employee Per Month (PEPM) benefits model is taking center stage in the push toward more employee-centric healthcare options. We understand the importance of offering perks that resonate with your diverse workforce and attract top talent. Let’s unravel the secrets to launching your PEPM Benefits Program successfully. Get ready for some practical tips and insights that’ll make the implementation a breeze.
Read the full OpenLoop blog post here >>
WHITEPAPER: State-By-State Medical Licensure Requirements (Part 1)
Looking to expand your licensure nationwide? OpenLoop put together a comprehensive whitepaper detailing each state's licensure requirements for Alabama to Missouri in part 1 of our 2-part licensure series.
State-by-state licensing for Alabama - Missouri
Application requirements
Licensing fees to expect
Required trainings for licensure approval