Last week, the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission spoke about telemedicine for the first time, according to a Politico report.
Here are four insights from the approximately hour long talk.
1. Telemedicine was a fresh topic for the MedPAC commissioners. Less than half the commissioners spoke, and the talk took up less time than scheduled, according to the report.
2. The potential for cost-savings associated with telemedicine was discussed, particularly in the context of Medicare Advantage and ACOs.
3. But, MedPAC staff members reported to the organization's commissioners telemedicine could have a mixed effect on cost and quality.
4. Though the conversation may have opened the door for MedPAC to consider telemedicine, recommendations to Congress are unlikely to be made any time soon, according to the report.