ICYMI: “Congress Must Act Now to Protect Telehealth for Eating Disorder Treatment”
Op-ed in RealClear Science Stresses the Need for Congress to Permanently Safeguard Access to Virtual Care
In case you missed it, Laura Donahue, vice president, board of directors at the Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy, & Action, recently authored an op-ed in RealClear Science highlighting the immense value of telehealth services in eating disorder treatment, noting of the thousands of Medicare beneficiaries who suffer from an ED. In her piece, Donahue urges Congress to act now and permanently protect Medicare telehealth flexibilities to safeguard access for the millions of patients relying on it.
Donahue emphasizes the importance of telehealth in increasing access and reducing traditional barriers to care, “For many, telehealth is not just a convenient option, it’s the only option. It has eliminated geographic barriers, connecting patients in rural and underserved areas with specialized providers who would otherwise be unavailable to them.”
“It has reduced financial burdens by eliminating costs associated with travel, childcare, and time off work,” Donahue continues, “And it has ensured continuity of care, preventing dangerous gaps in treatment that can lead to relapse, medical emergencies, or even death.”
She goes on to discuss the widespread growth of eating disorders across the U.S. and need for reform to address it, “Eating disorders do not discriminate—they affect people of all ages, races, genders, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Our policies must reflect that reality. We cannot afford to return to a system where access to care is dictated by ZIP codes and outdated regulations.”
Donahue finishes the piece drawing attention to the overwhelming evidence and strong bipartisan support for telehealth, urging Congress to protect Medicare flexibilities permanently, “The time for debate is over. The time for action is now. Congress must preserve and protect Medicare telehealth flexibilities. For the millions of patients fighting for their lives, telehealth is not a luxury—it is a lifeline.”
Read the full op-ed in RealClear Science HERE and learn more about how Congress can act to protect telehealth 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.
ABOUT THE EATING DISORDERS COALITION FOR RESEARCH, POLICY, & ACTION
The Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy, & Action is a federal advocacy
organization based in Washington, D.C. The EDC advances the recognition of eating disorders
as a public health priority throughout the United States.
Learn more at www.eatingdisorderscoalition.org