There are big changes coming to the rules around medical script access online. Doctors must now have at least spoken or dealt with a patient beforehand.
Changes Coming to Telehealth
The rules around medical script access online are changing drastically. Doctors must now have at least spoken or dealt with a patient beforehand in order to provide them with a prescription.
The changes come from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and will affect those who live far away, as well as many who don’t. This is part of an effort to ensure that prescriptions are not being abused or misused.
Medicare has also issued new reports that show telehealth use under Medicare has increased tenfold from about 5 million services in 2019 to over 50 million services in 2020. The increase is due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw many people turning to telehealth for their healthcare needs.
Temporary Medicare changes have been put into place through December 31, 2024, allowing Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and Rural Health Centers (RHCs) to serve as distant site providers for non-behavioral/mental health services. This means that patients can receive care without having to physically go into a doctor’s office or hospital.
In addition, HIPAA flexibility has been implemented, allowing physicians and other healthcare providers more freedom when it comes to providing telehealth services. This includes the ability to use video conferencing platforms such as Skype and FaceTime for consultations with patients.
It is important to note that these changes may not be permanent after the pandemic ends, so it is important for patients and healthcare providers alike to stay informed about any upcoming changes or updates related to telehealth policy and regulations.
Overall, these major changes coming to telehealth will help ensure that patients get the care they need while also protecting against potential abuse or misuse of prescriptions.
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