Policy Regulation Fact Sheet: Telehealth Policy To Prepare

Policyregulation Fact Sheettopic Telehealth Policyto Preparereview

POLICY/REGULATION FACT SHEET Topic: Telehealth Policy To Prepare: Review the Resources on healthcare policy and regulatory/legislative topics related to health and nursing informatics. Consider the role of the nurse informaticist in relation to a healthcare organization’s compliance with various policies and regulations, such as the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA). Research and select one health or nursing informatics policy (within the past 5 years) or regulation for further study. The Assignment: (2 page not including the title and reference page) Create a 2-page fact sheet that your healthcare organization could hypothetically use to explain the health or nursing informatics policy/regulation you selected.

Your fact sheet should address the following: 1. Briefly and generally explain the policy or regulation you selected (Telehealth Policy) 2. Address the impact of the policy or regulation you selected on system implementation. 3. Address the impact of the policy or regulation you selected on clinical care, patient/provider interactions, and workflow. 4. Highlight organizational policies and procedures that are/will be in place at your healthcare organization to address the policy or regulation you selected. Be specific. Use APA format and include a title page, in-text citations, and a reference page.

Paper For Above instruction

Telehealth policies have emerged as a critical component of modern healthcare delivery, especially accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. These policies govern the use of digital information and communication technologies to provide healthcare services remotely, ensuring access and continuity of care across diverse populations. The specific telehealth policy selected for this review is the Telehealth Policy enacted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in 2020, which expanded Medicare coverage for telehealth services, allowing providers to deliver a broader range of care remotely, including mental health, preventive services, and chronic disease management (CMS, 2020). This policy aims to enhance healthcare access, improve quality of care, and reduce healthcare costs by leveraging technology while maintaining compliance with federal regulations.

The impact of the Telehealth Policy on system implementation is substantial. Healthcare organizations have had to upgrade their IT infrastructure to support secure, reliable, and compliant telehealth platforms. This includes integrating telehealth functionalities into electronic health records (EHRs), ensuring interoperability, and maintaining patient data privacy and security—principles mandated by HIPAA (McGonigle & Mastrian, 2022). Moreover, organizations must train staff to effectively utilize telehealth tools, adopt new workflows, and ensure seamless documentation and billing processes aligned with updated regulations. The policy's expansion has prompted significant investments in health IT resources, staff training, and infrastructure expansion, often supported by federal funding and grants.

The implications of the telehealth policy extend to clinical care, patient-provider interactions, and workflow. Clinically, telehealth broadens the scope of services that can be delivered remotely, improving timely access to care and patient engagement. For patients in rural or underserved areas, telehealth reduces travel barriers and increases accessibility. Providers can monitor chronic conditions more continuously through remote monitoring devices, enhancing disease management outcomes (Dinesen et al., 2016). In terms of interactions, telehealth fosters more flexible, real-time communication, although it may challenge traditional patient rapport and communication techniques. Workflow adaptations include dedicated telehealth teams, modified scheduling, and documentation processes that ensure compliance with billing and coding regulations. Consistent workflows are vital to prevent errors, ensure data integrity, and secure patient information throughout virtual visits.

To address these changes, healthcare organizations have instituted specific policies and procedures. These include implementing secure telehealth platforms compliant with HIPAA; developing protocols for patient eligibility, consent, and data security; and establishing staff training programs focused on telehealth etiquette, technology, and documentation standards. Policies also dictate the billing procedures aligned with new reimbursement models under MACRA and Medicare guidelines, ensuring that providers are compensated accurately and efficiently (HealthIT.gov, 2018a). Moreover, organizations regularly review and update their telehealth policies to incorporate evolving regulations and technological advances, maintaining compliance and optimizing patient outcomes.

References

  • Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2020). Medicare telehealth flexibilities and applies during COVID-19. https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/medicare-telehealth-flexibilities-during-covid-19
  • Dinesen, B., Owes, P. M., Stoen, C., et al. (2016). Personalized telehealth intervention for improved management of chronic conditions: A systematic review. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 18(7), e193. https://doi.org/10.2196/jmir.5542
  • HealthIT.gov. (2018a). Meaningful use and MACRA. https://www.healthit.gov/topic/medicare-and-medicaid-ehr-meaningful-use
  • McGonigle, D., & Mastrian, K. G. (2022). Nursing informatics and the foundation of knowledge (5th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.

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