CMS Issues New Telemedicine Guidelines and Approves Seven New Procedures in Move to Further Encourage Telehealth Initiatives
As the Medicare program expands telemedicine services, the opportunity may arise for sub-specialist pathologists to offer consultation services across state lines
More use of telemedicine across state borders has long been predicted as a way to improve access to care—particularly for patients in rural areas—as well as to give physicians and patients access to talented sub-specialists. Within the anatomic pathology profession, however, there are probably as many pathologists who view telemedicine across states lines to be a threat as there are pathologists who see it as an opportunity to raise the quality of care.
For its part, the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) is taking a step forward in supporting the wider use of telemedicine. It is issuing new rules that expand reimbursement for remote patient services, a move that one day could benefit pathologists who provide sub-specialty pathology consultations with referring physicians across state lines. (more…)
