A light at the end of the reimbursement tunnel for telehealth–or something else? (US)

Donna Cusano

The news that Medicare and private insurance reimbursement for eHealth may be on the way is a hopeful sign for companies in the field. Historically, it’s been a major barrier to adoption. At a CES panel, Dr. Joseph Kvedar of the Center for Connected Health/Partners Healthcare (Boston) predicted a brighter future because of recent trials, as did Robert Jarrin of Qualcomm, which is placing big bets on mobile health through its Qualcomm Life initiative [TA 10 Dec]. The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation is also providing grants and programs to incentivize trials of new care models. But is it the same hope we’ve been treating ourselves to for years? Will patient-centered medical homes (PCMHs) and accountable care organizations (ACOs) really incorporate eHealth like they hope? Read Neil Versel’s article in Information Week and decide for yourself. Telehealth Reimbursement Will Grow, Health Leaders Say