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Why an ICD Code for Loneliness May be the Key to Address this “Profound Public Health Threat”

Healthcare IT Today

The following is a guest article by Cindy Jordan, Co-Founder and CEO at Pyx Health Last year, US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy identified loneliness as a “ profound public health threat ” that can be just as hazardous to health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. The good news is that we are already partially there.

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House extends virtual care flexibilities beyond public health emergency

Healthcare IT News - Telehealth

House of Representatives approved an omnibus spending bill late Wednesday night that extends temporary telehealth flexibilities under Medicare beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. Senate, several COVID-19-era telehealth policies will remain in place for about five months after the public health emergency ends. WHY IT MATTERS.

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ATA urges Biden admin to safeguard telehealth coverage, extend public health emergency

Healthcare IT News - Telehealth

Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra this week urging the agency to extend the COVID-19 public health emergency through at least the end of 2022. "These sustained flexibilities have helped usher in a true health system transformation. Kat Jercich is senior editor of Healthcare IT News.

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Here are the healthcare IT spending priorities in President Biden's new budget

Healthcare IT News - Telehealth

The administration says it seeks to bolster the IT posture of federal agencies by making "intentional investments at the right time" as well as address cybersecurity, health disparities and public health infrastructure needs. Increasing public health resilience For the U.S. Discretionary funding of $10.5

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Billing Medicare and Private Payers for Telehealth Visits: What to Expect Post-Public Health Emergency

Healthcare IT News - Telehealth

Prepare Now for Anticipated Changes to Medicare and Private Payer Rules. ” While the AMA and many others are advocating for continued support of telehealth post-pandemic, healthcare providers and practice leaders should anticipate and prepare for a return to more standardized regulation after the public health emergency (PHE).

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COVID-19: ATA, HIMSS, others want waivers for Medicare telehealth restrictions

Healthcare IT News - Telehealth

The groups are also asking for an accompanying provision that would give Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar the authority to waive the restrictions on telehealth visits during a public health emergency currently imposed by Medicare. Healthcare IT News is a publication of HIMSS Media.

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Lose the COVID-19 public health emergency, but keep the progress

Healthcare IT News - Telehealth

Biden’s statement, which divided the public health community and the public, has wide-reaching implications for the fate of connected health and vital telehealth services. Department of Health and Human Services Alex Azar signed the first Public Health Emergency declaration , declaring COVID-19 a national emergency.