The American Telemedicine Association and the Health IT Now Coalition have written to the House Energy & Commerce Health Subcomittee, renewing the call for Congress to remove regulatory barriers to the practice of telemedicine.
Both organizations cite a lack of parity laws for telemedicine reimbursement and varying licensing requirements among states as major obstacles to the spread of telemedicine, obstacles that can be overcome with legislation.
The ATA's letter highlights the organization's support for the Telehealth Enhancement Act. The legislation would adjust Medicare payments for home health services to account for the use of remote patient monitoring and provide coverage for home-based video services for homebound or hospice beneficiaries, among other reforms.
The Health IT Now Coalition emphasizes its support for the passage of the Telehealth for Medicare Act of 2013, which would allow physicians to practice telemedicine across state lines without obtaining additional state licenses.
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