FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ON May 13, 2021
Neurologists Call for Permanent Telehealth Expansion Following COVID-19 Pandemic
鶹ýӳ Telehealth Position Statement to Be Shared with Lawmakers at Neurology on the Hill
MINNEAPOLIS – During the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth services—virtual visits with physicians by phone or video—have been necessary to minimize the chances of exposure to the highly infectious and deadly virus. For some people with neurologic conditions, telehealth care was needed prior to the pandemic and will continue to be needed long after the quarantines are over. That is why neurologists are asking that the recent temporary expansion of telehealth services be made permanent. On Wednesday, May 19, 2021, 186 neurologists from 47 states will meet with federal lawmakers for the 19th annual 鶹ýӳ (鶹ýӳ) “Neurology on the Hill.” In these virtual meetings, they will discuss the new , published online May 13, 2021, in , the medical journal of the 鶹ýӳ. The new 鶹ýӳ Telehealth Position Statement updates the 2014 position statement which called for an expansion of telehealth but now also includes what health care providers have learned during the COVID-19 pandemic. “People with neurologic conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, migraine, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, ALS or epilepsy often must visit their neurologist many times a year to monitor the progression of disease and to have medications adjusted,” said Orly Avitzur, MD, MBA, F鶹ýӳ, President of the 鶹ýӳ. “However, this can be challenging due to mobility issues, lack of reliable transportation and cost. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to neurology practices dramatically reshaping the delivery of care for their patients. The 鶹ýӳ is asking members of Congress for a permanent expansion of telehealth services to improve safety and access to care and to reduce health care costs for people with neurologic disease.” The 鶹ýӳ Telehealth Position Statement lists not only benefits that include improved access to expert neurologic care, but also enhanced comfort, convenience and safety particularly for people with limited mobility due to their medical condition or need for home medical support equipment, and reduced travel time and associated costs. Other benefits include decreased time away from work and reduced stress. “Telehealth won’t replace all in-person neurologic care, but for people with neurologic conditions, it has been shown to complement it,” said position statement author Jaime Hatcher-Martin, MD, PhD, of SOC Telemed in Reston, Virginia. “It is also important that people have options. In addition to video visits, telehealth visits by phone are essential to ensure access to care for people who either cannot afford or who do not have access to highspeed broadband internet.” Neurologists attending “Neurology on the Hill” will ask lawmakers to cosponsor the Telehealth Modernization Act (S. 368 / H.R. 1332) or the CONNECT for Health Act (S. 1512 / HR. 2903) to maintain access to telehealth for people with neurologic conditions. “Prior to the pandemic, telehealth programs were restricted, mostly available only to people in rural areas or a limited number of specified locations who did not otherwise have access to specialized care, or in small pockets of contracted services, often outside of Medicare or other insurance coverage,” said Bruce H. Cohen, MD, F鶹ýӳ, Chair of the 鶹ýӳ’s Advocacy Committee. “Neurologists have been asking for an expansion of telehealth for many years. Now it is clear, telehealth is an essential and effective method of delivering care. This has only been possible due to the policy flexibilities enacted by the federal government, along with the broad interpretation of these provisions by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and with cooperation from the states and commercial payers. It is important to neurologists and their patients that after the pandemic, telehealth continues to play an essential role in medical care.” During “Neurology on the Hill,” neurologists will also ask lawmakers to protect Medicare patient access to care. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has slowed or delayed important medical research, so neurologists will also request that lawmakers cosponsor the Research Investment to Spark the Economy (RISE) Act (S. 289 / H.R. 869) to help financially support the recovery of neurology research efforts. Follow Neurology on the Hill on social media with the hashtag #NOH21.