A bill moving its ways through Congress would promote expanded use of telehealth offerings among ACOs, an issue hindered by current fee-for-service payment model, according to the bill’s sponsors.
The bill, HR 5558, was introduced by Reps. Diane Black (R-Tenn) and Peter Welch (D-Vt). The legislation would allow ACOs to utilize remote patient monitoring tools and maintain and share technology that delivers images with more remote providers.
ACOs would no longer be limited by many current restrictions that apply to originating care sites, according to the bill. A pilot program would be created that would disperse Medicare funds based on outcomes.
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The bill would also seek to “expand the ability of ACOs to reduce seniors out-of-pocket expenses for primary care visits and exams to encourage participation in their own wellness,” according to a release. Other stated goals of the legislation include ensuring ACOs have ‘fair and transparent benchmarks” and “improve data sharing” between Medicare and the ACOs. It would also promote the expansion and formation of more rural-based ACOs.