Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Department of Medical Assistance Service’s “2019 Update Regarding DMAS Coverage of Telemedicine and Telehealth.”

I am an Internist and Medical Director of Telehealth at Virginia Commonwealth University Health System (VCU Health). In this role, I provide system-wide leadership, strategic direction and operational oversight for VCU Health’s enterprise-wide telehealth services to enhance access, improve clinical outcomes, and gain clinical, operational, financial, efficiency and effectiveness. Specifically, I have led implementation of VCU Health’s Virtual Visits (direct to consumer telehealth), telehealth-based community outreach programs (business to business telehealth), Project ECHO (telehealth-based educational model) and Remote Patient Monitoring Services.

VCU Health has a long and rich history of promoting telehealth and connected care. VCU Health’s Telehealth program is strategically crafted into the fabric of VCU Health’s approach to enhancing healthcare delivery. VCU Health’s portfolio of telehealth programs includes VCU Health Anywhere, Community Telemedicine Partnerships, Remote Patient Monitoring, and Project ECHO. These programs works seamlessly to enhance care access, patient experience, care coordination, referrals, and clinical outcomes.

Presently, VCU Health offers over 20 specialty services across Virginia with community partner sites including Community Memorial Hospital, Virginia Treatment Center for Children, VCU Fredericksburg clinic, and the Department of Corrections.

I would like to applaud the efforts of Medicaid in the telehealth space allowing schools to be considered an originating site for telehealth visits ultimately expanding much needed care for behavioral health in the pediatric population.

https://www.medicaid.gov/federal-policy-guidance/downloads/cib20190701.pdf

The value of Medicaid coverage for telemedicine in the Commonwealth of Virginia is exceptionally high based on the patient population which most needs improved access to care, especially specialty care.  Transportation is a major barrier for the Medicaid population and removal of originating site restrictions would be a major advantage to increasing access to care.  CMS has recognized new opportunities for Medicare beneficiaries through CMS Virtual Check Ins. VCU Health patients are already reaping the reward of improved access to care through our virtual visits program, VCU Health Anywhere.  Additionally, telemedicine is proven to reduce no show rates, unnecessary ED visits, and hospital readmissions, all while keeping the patient engaged in their own health and a focus on wellness.  As well, telemedicine proves to demonstrate satisfaction in care for both patients and providers.

I am pleased to see that there is progress being made towards expanding Medicaid coverage for telemedicine.

Thank you again for this opportunity to comment.