Policy
Although progress has been made recognizing the benefits of connected health care programs, more substantive changes in the regulatory and private market space are needed to support its growth.
Included here are some links and resources relating to the current policy and payer environments, and its relevance to the future direction of telemedicine and telehealth. We invite you to tell us of new and other resources that you think would be helpful to the connected health community.
This section contains links to external sites. Please note that we are not responsible for and do not make any representations regarding the accuracy of these linked third-party websites. The links do not represent an endorsement of the sites or its authors, or any affiliation with the Center for Connected Health or Partners HealthCare.
This section contains links to Federal and State legislations, reports, and other information sources concerning telemedicine. Issues related to this topic include developing technical standards for telemedicine networks, ensuring safety of devices and equipment, and establishing administrative regulations with regards to licensure and reimbursement.
In response to rising costs and growing interest in quality gains, efficient delivery of services, and patient safety, new initiatives within Medicare and Medicaid have been introduced. These include demonstrations focusing on chronic care management, pay-for-reporting, and pay-for-performance. Connected Health programs could effectively play a role within these scenarios.
The commercial health insurance coverage accounted for 160 million lives in 2004, voluntarily provided by employers. There is an increasing interest in incenting for quality and efficiency, promoting healthy lifestyle choices, and increased transparency of data. Connected Health programs may offer solutions in all of these arenas.
This page contains web site links to several useful health care resources. The list includes interest/advocacy groups, government, and think tank/research organizations.