Let’s make telemedicine available to all

[Commentary] Because we have seen the promise of telemedicine firsthand, we know that more can be done to make telemedicine mainstream to reach all who need it. The recent changes to Medicare [expanding telemedicine benefits for patients with stroke, kidney disease, and other chronic conditions] are an important step. Working together, we can explore other ways to improve coverage, whether through pilot programs for specific populations (such as remote patient monitoring of diabetes care, obstetrics or behavioral health visits that do not require in-person medication administration) or through reducing regulatory barriers that limit where the patient must be located to access telemedicine. Accelerating infrastructure improvements to expand broadband access to underserved communities is also key so that residents can receive remote medical services at home, school or their community organization, regardless of where they live. 

There has been promising attention to telemedicine recently in Washington (DC) and in many states, including New York, where the recent state budget broadened telemedicine access to patients who receive Medicaid, an important move for underserved populations. Now we must propel the issue to the top of the public health agenda so care can reach more people outside the physical walls of health-care facilities. Telemedicine is no longer “next-generation” health care. It is here today and rapidly growing — revolutionizing — the way we deliver care. Everyone deserves to benefit. Let’s work together to make this happen.

[Steven J. Corwin, M.D., is president and chief executive officer of NewYork-Presbyterian, one of the nation’s largest, most comprehensive health-care delivery systems.]