In a Senate testimony, Kristi Henderson, DNP, chief telehelath and innovation officer of University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, outlined key issues rural hospitals face related to telehealth.
Dr. Henderson addressed the Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies. In her testimony, Dr. Henderson said UMMC and providers in the state are increasing access to care in rural communities through telehealth, though the industry still faces certain barriers.
Dr. Henderson outlined the following four issues to telehealth.
1. The need for reimbursement parity at the federal level, especially for remote patients. Dr. Henderson said telehealth parity was a driving factor in the growth of telehealth technology to underserved areas. "What this robust marketplace proves is that reimbursement parity increases access to care in rural communities, improves health outcomes in these regions and saves money," she said, urging CMS to pilot reimbursement parity models at the federal level to mirror the successes seen at the state level.
2. The need for federal support for telehealth infrastructure, workforce training and demonstration projects. Telehealth networks, particularly in rural areas, is largely dependent on grant funding directed at providing healthcare to rural communities, Dr. Henderson said. "While our network has become self-sustaining, it will not be complete until we reach all four corners of the state. The need for federal funding remains, and efforts to coordinate opportunities across agencies should be encouraged," she said.
3. The need to remove geographic barriers for reimbursement. While telehealth has greatly improved access to care for rural areas, it also could fill a gap in urban areas. "The definition of 'rural' is inconsistent across federal agencies, thereby limiting the utilization of telehealth. We request that geographic restrictions for CMS reimbursement be removed," Dr. Henderson said.
4. The need to continue the Universal Service Fund's High-Cost program. This program, supported by the Federal Communications Commission, provides universal telecommunications services to rural and underserved areas. Dr. Henderson voiced the need for continued support for the USF. "A reduction in funding will not only impact current operations, but will significantly impede our efforts to grow remote patient monitoring and hinder connections between pateints and medical professionals," she said.
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