Telehealth is at a make-or-break point, with crucial COVID-era rules about to expire.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – August 6, 2025: Telehealth, which is healthcare through phones and computers, is in a tough spot. A lot of the rules that made it easier to use during COVID are set to end on September 30, 2025. If Congress doesn’t do something, lots of folks, especially in rural areas, could lose access, and healthcare places might have problems.
This telehealth cliff has groups like the American Medical Association (AMA) pushing Congress to keep these changes permanent so everyone can still get easy and convenient care.
What’s About to Happen
These upcoming deadlines are because the easier telehealth rules were just temporary. They were only extended because of some continuing resolutions. These rules made it possible for more Medicare folks to use telehealth, even from home, no matter where they lived.
The rules also let more types of therapists and specialists get paid for telehealth. Plus, they could use just audio for some appointments about physical health.
If these rules end on October 1, things will go back to how they were before. That means most Medicare people couldn’t use telehealth from home unless they lived in the countryside and went to a special healthcare spot.
Groups Want Telehealth to Stay
Healthcare groups are really pushing for a long-term fix. The AMA is saying that telehealth isn’t just for emergencies anymore; it’s a normal part of healthcare now.
The AMA says that about 74% of doctors use telehealth now, which is way up from 2018. That shows how much telehealth is now part of the system and how much people like it.
There’s a bill in the House called the Permanently Expanding Telehealth Access Act that both parties support. It wants to get rid of the old rules about where you have to be for telehealth and make some of the temporary changes permanent. That way, everyone can use it.
Good Things About Virtual Care
Telehealth has been great for patients and doctors. It’s made it easier for people to get care, especially if they can’t move around easily or live far away.
Telehealth has really helped with managing long-term problems like diabetes and heart issues. Checking on people from far away, for example, means doctors can step in earlier and people don’t have to go to the hospital as much.
For doctors, telehealth has made things run smoother, and people are less likely to miss their appointments. It’s also helping create new ways of giving care, with some visits in person and some online, so it’s more flexible.
Problems and Differences
Even though telehealth is good, there are still issues. A big one is that not everyone has good internet, especially in rural areas or if they don’t have much money.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) says that about 28% of country folks don’t have fast internet. That makes it hard for them to do video calls or use devices that check their health.
Also, it’s still confusing for doctors because of different rules in different states and problems with how they get paid. This can stop them from offering telehealth.
Tech and What’s Next
The future of telehealth is all about new technology. Things like artificial intelligence (AI) and wearable devices are going to change how things are done.
AI can help doctors make better choices with tools that diagnose and predict problems. Wearable devices like smartwatches can constantly send health info, so care can be more personal and happen sooner.
What happens in Washington will decide if everyone gets to use these technologies. If Congress doesn’t pass a law, only some people might get to use them. The decision will really change how healthcare works for the next 10 years.
