Spending on telehealth services in the United States is expected to increase nearly tenfold in just five years.
According to projections from IHS Technology, telehealth spending per year in the United States will rise from just $240 million in 2014 to $2.2 billion in 2018. It is predicted that there will be 7 million telehealth encounters of all types by 2018.
Driven by demands for better access, convenience, cost reductions, innovation, and an assurance of quality care, private and government payers are expanding coverage for telehealth options. Currently, 29 states and the District of Columbia have parity laws requiring that insurers cover telehealth costs as they would for traditional in-person services.
When Investment Rhymes with Canada
Canada has a proud history of achievement in the areas of science and technology, and the field of biomanufacturing and life sciences is no exception.
As the telehealth market is rapidly evolving, regulations are not keeping pace. And telehealth is under scrutiny by stakeholders concerned about the lack of clear parameters on scope of care, patient safety, HIPAA compliance, anti-kickback statutes, and more.
There are no consistent state regulations that address the patient-provider relationship, care coordination with other health care services, provider qualifications, or protection of patient information. And some states have adopted limitations that may actually constitute anti-competitive action.
For the promise of telehealth to be realized, telehealth providers have recognized the need to identify and demonstrate the achievement of benchmark practices. Through extensive consultation with leading industry specialists, attorneys, and risk management experts, URAC identified industry best practices in areas such as access, safety, systems integrity and reliability, and consumer protection and empowerment as well as regulatory compliance.
Learn more about how this approach to accreditation enables an evolving industry such as telehealth to continue innovating while protecting patients at the same time. Download URAC’s Issue Brief: The Growth of Telehealth Services: The Role of URAC Telehealth Accreditation Standards in Promoting Innovation and Accountability.
