This episode features Andrea Lee Linna, Partner at McGuireWoods, LLP. Here, she discusses what the end of the Covid public health emergency means for telehealth going forward, & the DEA’s proposed rule for bringing back the in-person medical evaluation requirement for controlled substances.
Summary
Andrea Lee Linna Discusses Telehealth and Controlled Substances
Telehealth Services to be Extended until 2024
Andrea Lee Linna, a Partner at McGuireWoods, LLP, recently sat down to discuss the future of telehealth in light of the upcoming end of the Covid public health emergency. She notes that telehealth services have become increasingly popular during the pandemic, and many patients and providers are hoping to continue using these services even after the emergency is over.
Fortunately, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently announced that it will extend coverage for telehealth services until the end of 2024. This means that patients will still be able to access virtual appointments with their healthcare providers, even if they are not able to leave their homes or are located in rural areas.
DEA's Proposed Rule for Controlled Substances
However, there are some potential roadblocks to the widespread adoption of telehealth. One issue that Andrea Lee Linna discusses is the DEA's recent proposed rule for controlled substances. Under this rule, certain substances would no longer be able to be prescribed via telehealth, and patients would need to have an in-person medical evaluation before receiving them.
While the rule has not yet been adopted, there is a 30-day comment period during which stakeholders can provide feedback. There is also a special registration process for telehealth prescribing that has been pending for 14 years, which could be reevaluated as part of this rulemaking process.
Finding a Balance
Ultimately, the goal of these regulations is to strike a balance between protecting patients from abuse or addiction to prescription drugs, and ensuring that those who need these substances can still access them in a timely and convenient manner. Companies, health systems, and physician offices are all working to adjust to the new rules, and trying to determine what telehealth will look like in the future.
Fraud and Abuse in the Telehealth Space
In addition to regulatory concerns, there are also issues of fraud and abuse in the telehealth space. Andrea Lee Linna notes that these concerns have been exacerbated by the pandemic, as many providers have rushed to adopt telehealth without fully understanding the requirements or risks involved.
It is important for patients and providers to be vigilant about potential fraud or abuse, and to report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities. By working together, we can ensure that telehealth remains a safe and effective option for patients, even as regulations and best practices evolve over time.
Note: This is an AI generated transcript, not edited by a staff writer and is solely intended for educational purposes. If you have any questions/concerns, reach out to podcasts@beckershealthcare.com
This episode aired on 02/28/2023 and can be listened here.