Health Information Compliance Alert
FCC Moves to Increase Telehealth Options for Rural America
Despite studies that suggest telehealth is underutilized in the United States, the feds see innovations in this health tech arena as a way to help rural America's physician shortage. Late last year, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) proposed increasing its current $400 million budget for telehealth for providers in the Rural Health Care (RHC) Program. Why: "For Americans living in rural and isolated areas, doctor shortages and hospital closures are endemic, and obtaining access to high-quality healthcare remains a constant challenge," stated a FCC memo from last December. "Broadband connectivity has the potential to address such barriers to care by delivering telehealth services and access to cutting-edge healthcare treatments." The FCC's proposal also includes reforming its current system, a simplified process for joining, better oversight, and a definition of its "cost-effectiveness," the release suggested. The FCC is currently taking stakeholder feedback on its proposed rule. Resource: For a look at the FCC release, visit https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-348255A1.pdf.
Health Information Compliance Alert
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