Reflecting on a Year of Proven Value and Bipartisan Support for Telehealth: Part II

A Look Back at Key Themes in Virtual Care and Growing Momentum for Action Ahead of Countdown to Potential Telehealth Cliff in 2024

Without action from Congress, critical flexibilities that support access to telehealth for millions of patients are set to expire on December 31, 2024.

As we wind down the final days of 2023 and approach the one-year mark until a potential telehealth cliff, we can reflect on a year filled with new, and overwhelming evidence of telehealth’s critical value for patients and the future of the U.S. health care system — and growing bipartisan support for safeguarding access to critical care.

Yesterday, we started our recap of key topics on the value of telehealth, revisiting the importance of permanent policy, the positive impact on cardiac care, and the role of virtual care in improving health outcomes for veterans. Check out Part I HERE.

And get the facts on telehealth’s positive environmental impact, critical value for mental and behavioral health care, and role in improving preventative care in Part II here:

TELEHEALTH UTILIZATION HELPS REDUCE OUR CARBON FOOTPRINT AND PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT.

“Through telehealth access, patients can attend appointments from the comfort of their homes. This means they’re spending less time in cars and burning less fuel…Without the need to drive to appointments, patients are finding telehealth to be cost-effective and convenient as well … it’s important to reflect on the great advances that telehealth has allowed for in carbon reduction and utilize that momentum to create lasting protections. As we invest in the future of health care, we will continue to see incredible results, such as the 53,664,391 commuting miles saved by University of California Health system patients in two years by using telehealth instead of in-person care. Telehealth is a tool that can provide lasting change that will help support a more sustainable health care system and provide accessible care for the future.” Read our full blog from April HERE. 

TELEHEALTH HELPS MENTAL HEALTH PATIENTS RECEIVE THE CARE THEY NEED.

“With one in five Americans living with a mental health condition, accessible treatment and support remains more essential than ever. Through telehealth services, more patients can see their doctors and receive the diagnoses, treatment, and counseling they need as they navigate living with a mental health condition. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), virtual mental health services are proven to generate positive outcomes, including treatment engagement, care retention, and patient satisfaction, leading to improved long-term health outcomes… Telehealth is the most popular form of mental health treatment, and for good reason. Telehealth allows for a low-cost, convenient, and safe option to receive care. Congress must protect this essential care access now.” Read our full blog from May HERE. 

MILLIONS RELY ON TELEHEALTH ACCESS TO RECEIVE PREVENTIVE CARE. 

“Through preventive telehealth, hospitals are seeing more rapid diagnosis and treatment for behavioral health care, stroke treatment, obesity treatment, cardiovascular monitoring, and women’s preventive health. Further, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) uses telehealth programs to deliver preventive care to help improve the health of rural residents. Providers are reporting that telehealth’s increased access can allow for more people to address their care needs, with one South Dakota provider saying, ‘Telehealth is saving lives in the rural Midwest and to limit or prevent further progress in developing access would be archaic. Over half my clients utilize telehealth, saving families and individuals from the burden of immeasurable barriers to get to a brick-and-mortar building.’ Lawmakers agree, ‘Telehealth is critical for workers and their families to access the essential health care services they need,’ said Senator Cortez Masto. ‘Nevadans should not face barriers when seeking preventive care, and I’ll continue working across the aisle on legislation to protect and increase access to health care in every corner of our state.’” Read our full blog from June HERE. 

View a live countdown on our website HERE to see how many days until protections expire and learn more about how Congress can act to permanently protect telehealth access HERE.

ABOUT TELEHEALTH ACCESS FOR AMERICA
Telehealth Access for America (TAFA) is a public education campaign supported by leaders in health care committed to better care, expanded patient choice, and protecting access to critical telehealth services. Learn more and take action today at www.telehealthaccessforamerica.org.