Delaware County Review

U.S. Representatives Troy Balderson, Neal Dunn, and Greg Murphy have reintroduced the Expanding Remote Monitoring Access Act. This legislation aims to ease restrictions on healthcare providers and extend remote monitoring services to more seniors. Remote monitoring has been noted for reducing long-term healthcare costs and improving health outcomes.

The act would allow healthcare providers to use remote monitoring devices to observe patients at home, potentially catching adverse health events earlier and preventing hospitalizations. "Improving access to quality health care for seniors must be a top priority," said Balderson. He emphasized the importance of this technology for rural Ohio, where healthcare options are limited.

Greg Murphy stated that remote monitoring helps manage chronic conditions effectively, reduces hospital readmissions, and allows physicians to handle more cases. Jeff Kasler from OhioHealth highlighted the value of remote patient monitoring for seniors and rural patients.

Dr. Arick Forrest of OSU Physicians noted that remote patient monitoring is crucial for managing chronic conditions which constitute a significant portion of healthcare spending. Dr. Peter J. Pronovost from University Hospital praised its role in allowing patients to receive care at home, significantly reducing hospitalization rates during Covid.

Sarah Hohman from the National Association of Rural Health Clinics pointed out the benefits for rural clinics, while Kevin Harper from Teladoc Health supported the legislation as vital for addressing chronic diseases among Medicare beneficiaries.

Kyle Zebley from the American Telemedicine Association commended the introduction of this bill, advocating for increased access to remote monitoring technologies covered by Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Brett Meeks from the Health Innovation Alliance remarked on how virtual care can modernize healthcare delivery systems.

Currently, providers can bill Medicare if they monitor a patient for 16 days within a month; however, during COVID-19 CMS reduced this requirement to two days temporarily. The new legislation proposes implementing this two-day threshold for two years and requires a report analyzing long-term billing thresholds.

These services have proven effective as alternatives to in-person observation for various medical conditions, with past studies showing significant reductions in hospital admissions and bed days due to their implementation.