Audio-Only Telemedicine Bill Boosts Telehealth Growth
U.S. Reps. Jason Smith (R-Mo.) and Tony Cardenas (D-Calif.) in December introduced the Permanency for Audio-Only Telehealth Act to permanently expand Medicare coverage for audio-only telehealth visits. Until telehealth restrictions were relaxed during the COVID-19 public health emergency, it was difficult or even impossible for behavioral health clinicians to conduct telephone-only visits. Protecting client privacy…