How is virtual healthcare used to benefit patients and care givers? What are the newest innovations in virtual care technology? How do telehealth and telemedicine fit into the realm of virtual healthcare? We have our finger on the pulse and are striving to report the latest developments around virtual healthcare.
Industry News
Avel eCare Acquires Hospitalist Telemedicine Provider ‘Horizon Virtual’
Avel eCare, a national provider of clinician-to-clinician telemedicine services, continues to expand its nationwide leadership in telemedicine with the acquisition of Horizon Virtual, a Minnesota-based virtual hospitalist services provider.
American Telemedicine Association Appoints Sree Chaguturu Chair of the Board of Directors
The American Telemedicine Association (ATA) announced that Sree Chaguturu, MD, has become Chair of the Board of Directors. Dr. Chaguturu is Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, CVS Health®, where he leads the enterprise medical affairs organization spanning across all segments: Aetna®, CVS HealthSpire®, CVS Pharmacy®. He has served on the ATA Board of Directors since December 2020.
CirrusMD’s Physician-first Virtual Care Now Accessible Via Partnership with Blackwell Captive Solutions
CirrusMD, creator of the Physician-first Care & Guidance virtual care model, is reshaping healthcare delivery by enabling care that is instantly accessible, always informed, and directly connected to the patient’s longitudinal health record. In a groundbreaking collaboration with ful. Health, CirrusMD’s renowned virtual care services are now available to self-funded groups, marking a significant leap forward in healthcare accessibility and affordability.
The American Telemedicine Association Announces Leadership Award Winners and 2024 Class of Fellows
The American Telemedicine Association announced the newest class of ATA Fellows, as well as its Leadership Award winners, honored during the ATA Nexus 2024 Annual Conference, the largest industry event dedicated exclusively to telehealth.
Walmart to close its 51 health centers and virtual care service
Walmart is closing its health centers and virtual care service after struggling to find success with the offerings. The Bentonville, Arkansas-based company said that after managing the clinics it launched in 2019 and expanding its telehealth program, it concluded “there is not a sustainable business model for us to continue.”
Remote Patient Monitoring
Smart Meter Introduces World’s First Cellular-Enabled Glucose Meter with Notifications and Multi-Language Capabilities
Smart Meter, a supplier of Cellular Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM)™ solutions, has introduced a new version of the iGlucose, its patented cellular-connected glucose meter used by over 200,000 people with diabetes since 2019.
CLOUD DX Signs Multi-Year Contract with Provincial Health Authority
Cloud DX, a North American provider of virtual care and remote patient monitoring platforms is pleased to announce the execution on April 23, 2024 of a Remote Patient Monitoring Agreement for Cloud DX RPM Services with a Canadian Provincial Health Authority.
Product News
AvaSure and Equum Medical to Showcase Comprehensive Virtual Care Solutions at ATA Nexus 2024
AvaSure, a provider of acute virtual care, and Equum Medical, a provider of telehealth-enabled clinical services, will showcase a proven virtual care model that alleviates clinician shortages and is delivering value to healthcare ecosystems at the American Telemedicine Association (ATA) Nexus 2024 event from May 5 to 7 in Phoenix.
ThinkAndor, an AI-first platform, transforms emergency care at the Medical University of South Carolina
Andor Health, an AI-first company reimagining virtual care, announces a groundbreaking initiative aimed at transforming the patient experience in MUSC Health emergency departments. The program uses artificial intelligence (AI)-powered ThinkAndor® to reduce wait times and enhance the quality of care for patients.
Policy News
Road to the Telehealth Super Bowl: House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health Tackles 15 Bills in Race to Beat Year-End Deadline
The American Telemedicine Association (ATA) and ATA Action applaud the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health for convening a hearing to address 15 bills before the expiration of many COVID-era telehealth flexibilities on December 31.
To Read
The Essential Guide to Virtual Nursing in Today’s Hybrid Healthcare by ATA Nexus Blog- In the current healthcare environment, a profound transformation is underway, led by the introduction and rapid advancement of virtual nursing.
Innovation drives digital health advancements and improved patient outcomes by ATA Blog – In the ever-evolving landscape of health care, the challenges we face seem to multiply by the day. In the face of these challenges, OSF HealthCare is driving change in health care research and innovation.
Telemedicine and Digital Health Companies Will Benefit from Newly-Proposed Fraud and Abuse Waivers by Emily H. Wein, Nathaniel M. Lacktman Of Foley & Lardner LLP – The OIG recently released proposed revisions to the Anti-Kickback Statute (AKS) and Civil Monetary Penalties (CMP) Law. Several of these changes, if finalized, will directly benefit companies offering telemedicine and digital health items or services, remote patient monitoring (RPM), and Chronic Care Management (CCM) services. The key changes relevant to such digital health issues are summarized below.
To Listen
Our HealthcareNOW Radio Telehealth Playlist
The Health Resources and Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services defines telehealth as “the use of electronic information and telecommunications technologies to support and promote long-distance clinical health care, patient and professional health-related education, public health and health administration.” To learn more and find out about the latest in telehealth tune in to the episodes on this playlist. Additionally, be sure to read HCNR’s Friday Five which recaps the site’s month long concentration on telehealth.
DialCare Launches New Telehealth-Focused Podcast
DialCare is excited to announce the debut of its new podcast, “Dialed-In on the Virtual Care Journey.” This monthly podcast series will aim to help listeners navigate the ever-evolving landscape of virtual care by providing the latest industry news and expertise.
Defining the Industry According to the AAFP
Telemedicine is the practice of medicine using technology to deliver care at a distance. It occurs using a telecommunications infrastructure between a patient (at an originating or spoke site) and a physician or other practitioner licensed to practice medicine (at a distant or hub site).
Virtual Care is a patient service model for healthcare providers.
Telehealth refers to a broad collection of electronic and telecommunications technologies that support health care delivery and services from distant locations. Telehealth technologies support virtual medical, health, and education services.
Hashtags to follow for updates on Telemedicine:
Telehealth.HHS.gov
During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, we don’t have to choose between medical care and social distancing. When patients can get health care through telehealth — and doctors can provide it — we protect ourselves and our communities. The Telehealth.HHS.gov website provides information about the latest federal efforts to support and promote telehealth services.
The American Telemedicine Association Events
ATA is a non-profit association based in Washington DC with a membership network of more than 10,000 industry leaders and healthcare professionals. We are a leading telehealth association helping to transform healthcare by improving the quality, equity and affordability of healthcare throughout the world. Find their next event.