CHIME Urges Congress to Extend Telehealth Flexibilities

CHIME and 62 of its member organizations have called for the urgent extension of telehealth flexibilities enacted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The letter, sent to Congressional leaders on Dec. 3, argues that maintaining these policies for at least two additional years is crucial to ensuring uninterrupted access to healthcare for millions of Americans.

The organizations emphasize that telehealth has transformed healthcare delivery, offering a safe, cost-effective alternative for patients and clinicians alike. Without legislative action, the policies, currently set to expire on December 31, 2024, could disrupt care for vulnerable populations.

The Benefits of Telehealth: A Proven Lifeline

“Telehealth has revolutionized the way healthcare is delivered,” the letter stated, highlighting its impact on reducing barriers to care for rural populations, individuals with mobility challenges, and those facing transportation difficulties. For many patients, telehealth offers not only convenience but also essential access to specialist care that might otherwise be out of reach.

The data supports the need for continued telehealth services. According to CHIME’s 2024 Most Wired survey, 93% of healthcare organizations currently operate a telehealth service. Furthermore, 87% of these organizations integrate remote patient monitoring into treatment plans, showcasing the widespread adoption of digital health tools in clinical care.

The letter emphasized that telehealth “has saved patients countless hours and dollars, reduced the need for costly hospitalizations and transfers, and lessened the burden on clinicians.” It has also mitigated the effects of clinician shortages, a growing concern in the wake of record-setting retirements and increasing burnout rates among healthcare professionals.

Key Policies on the Line

The telehealth policies at risk include waivers on geographic and originating site restrictions, allowing patients to receive care from their homes, and expanded provider eligibility for telehealth services. These measures have been particularly beneficial for patients in rural and underserved areas. Additionally, telehealth policies have supported mental health treatment, permitting the use of audio-only technology when broadband access is limited, and enabling virtual recertification for hospice care.

The letter noted, “We simply cannot return to pre-pandemic telehealth policies,” stressing that such a move would undermine significant investments in telehealth infrastructure and compromise care delivery.

The Call for Immediate Action

Healthcare leaders warn that failing to extend telehealth flexibilities would create chaos for patients and clinicians. Scott MacLean, SVP/CIO, MedStar Health, and CHIME Board Chair, described the potential fallout: “Anything less than another two-year extension as soon as possible will be chaotic and disruptive for clinicians and patients who have become comfortable with telehealth as a way to gain access to care.”

The economic context further underscores the urgency of this extension. Inflationary pressures, rising healthcare costs, and an aging population are intensifying demand for cost-effective, accessible healthcare solutions. “Medical price inflation is outpacing overall inflation,” the letter pointed out, adding that 11,000 Americans are turning 65 every day.

A Future Dependent on Innovation

The letter argued that telehealth is not merely a stopgap solution but an essential component of a modern healthcare system. Russ Branzell, CHIME’s CEO, stated: “Care innovation is here to stay, and leveraging telehealth moves healthcare forward.”

Advocates also pointed to its role in addressing workforce shortages. With nearly half of physicians and over half of nurses reporting burnout, telehealth offers a way to distribute workloads more effectively and extend the reach of clinicians.

A Closing Call to Action

The letter concluded: “Extending telehealth policies is not just a matter of convenience; it is a necessity for ensuring affordable access to healthcare for patients.” As the deadline looms, healthcare leaders urge Congress to act swiftly to avoid disruption and acknowledge the progress made in telehealth adoption.

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