Washington, DC – Today Narayana Murali, MD, Dip.NB, CPE, testified on behalf of America’s Physician Groups (APG) at the US Senate Committee on Finance hearing, “COVID-19 Health Care Flexibilities: Perspectives, Experiences, and Lessons Learned.” APG supports making permanent the telehealth flexibilities created during the COVID-19 pandemic, with some refinements.
“Since the outset of the pandemic, APG members in all 50 states have risen to the challenge presented by COVID-19,” said Dr. Murali. “The challenges have been immense, and the risks associated with COVID-19 remain serious today. However, the lessons and experiences we have gained—as difficult as it has been at times—can serve as opportunities to embrace changes, so we can continually improve services we provide to our patients and communities.”
In today’s testimony, APG recommended the following on telehealth services:
- Allow ‘Acute Care without Walls’ flexibilities to extend beyond the public health emergency (PHE) waiver
- Eliminate origination site and geographic limitations
- Support and ensure access to reliable broadband
- Allow phone-only telehealth services for Medicare Advantage risk adjustment until we overcome the challenges of internet access
- Ensure payment parity
- Reduce administrative burden on providers
- Protect patient data while fostering innovation and access
- Support integrating telehealth in EHR platforms
Click here for the full testimony: https://www.apg.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Dr.-Narayana-Murali-Senate-Finance-Telehealth-Hearing-Testimony-Final.pdf
To watch the recording of the full hearing visit: https://www.finance.senate.gov/
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About America’s Physician Groups
America’s Physician Groups is a national association representing more than 340 physician groups with approximately 195,000 physicians providing care to nearly 45 million patients. APG’s tagline, ‘Taking Responsibility for America’s Health,’ represents our members’ vision to move from the antiquated, dysfunctional fee-for-service reimbursement system to a clinically integrated, value-based healthcare system where physician groups are accountable for the coordination, cost, and quality of patient care. Visit us at www.apg.org.
Contact: Greg Phillips, APG Director of Communications, 202-770-1901, gphillips@apg.org
