Telehealth is here to stay in New Jersey. Here's why

By: Ann Mond Johnson
Special to NorthJersey.com
USA Today Network - New Jersey

..... Over the past year, [2020] COVID-19 changed many of our everyday behaviors - taking to us to virtual experiences of school, work - and even our doctors' appointments. Indeed, more New Jersey residents sued telehealth than ever before in 2020. During the peak o the pandemic, doctors at RWJ Barnabas Health, for example, were seeing two-thirds of their patients virtually for a total of around 10,000 telehealth visits per week. And According to Fair Health, billing for telehealth services increased more than 8,000% in the northeast region over the last year. [2020]
..... Yet. telehealth is not just a "COIVD solution." as the CEO of the American Telemedicine Association, the only organization whose sole purpose is to advance telehealth across the country, I have witnessed first-hand how telehealth services have transformed how care is delivered. Patients experiencing symptoms of the flu or displaying sings of a rash do not have to drive hours, find child care, or take off work to receive health care. Patients with chronic conditions - such as diabetes, hypertension, and congestive heart failure can access around-the-clock clinical support without leaving their homes through remote monitoring devices.
..... So. how do we ensue that telehealth remains part of New Jersey's health care landscape? Like many states, New Jersey used Executive Emergency Orders to simplify access to telehealth during the pandemic. The legislature recently passed Senate Bill 2539, sponsored by state Senator Vin Gopal, which would make many of these flexibilities permanent and will create more pathways for New Jersey residents to access critical health care services whenever and wherever it is most convenient for them.
..... The ATA strongly supports how this legislation expands coverage for more telehealth services (like remote monitoring of patient's vital signs or routine-check-ins) and prohibits insurers from denying coverage based on location of care. The protections are essential so that patients can continue receiving care a home and will help facilitate access for harder to reach and undeserved populations.
..... Relatedly, S-2559 and its Assembly companions A-4179, sponsored by Assemblywoman JoAnn Downey and Assembly Health Committee Chairman Herb Conaway, bring New jersey's telehealth policies into the 21st century. the legislation gives heath care providers more flexibility to sue a variety of proven and available technologies - including phone and secure messaging - to meet the needs of their diverse patient population. The majority of states, including New York and Maryland, have adopted this technology-neutral approach, understanding that arbitrary mandates for specific technologies can limit patients' access to care and stall development of health care innovation.
..... Passage of this bill in the Assembly will also help ensure that any gains in accessibility are equitable. New Jersey residents who lack access to high-speed Internet connections (needed for video visits) should be able to receive the same access to quality care as those in the state who enjoy access to more reliable broadband capabilities.
..... The American Telemedicien Association applauds the New Jersey Senate for taking action to modernize the state's telehealth policy with the unanimous passage of bill Senate Bill 2559. We now urge the Assembly to pass this important legislation and make quality care more accessible to all New Jersey residents, no matter where they live. Co-sponsor Assemblywoman Joann Downey was right when she said,"It is time to move past an outdated model that punishes innovation and technology and create a new paradigm that rewards efficiency and accessibility."

..... Ann Mond Johnson is the chief executive officer of the American Telemedicine Association, working to transform health and care.

HOME