GAO tells Congress to halt expanding telehealth until there’s more research

Becker's Healthcare May 20, 2021
Hannah Mitchell

The Government Accountability Office testified in front of Congress that government agencies should wait until after the pandemic, when there is more research, before expanding telehealth coverage for Medicare and Medicaid programs, according to a May 19 report.

Telehealth capabilities were vital during the start of the pandemic, but now it’s deemed safe to return to a physician’s office. Some officials from GAO are concerned that there have not been enough studies proving that virtual visits are just as effective as in-person visits.

In addition, telehealth visits can increase CMS’ spending if virtual visits are reimbursed the same as in-person visits. There is also an increased risk of fraud, waste and abuse that GAO has previously noted because some...

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