ATA has been working with an important bi-partisan coalition that has a goal to bring “21st Century Cures” to the United States. In comments submitted earlier this week to the House Energy and Commerce Committee, ATA recommended that Congress take immediate action to improve coverage for telehealth services under Medicare payment innovations in a number of areas from fee-for-services to Accountable Care Organizations to bundled payment programs.

A four-part educational series focused on reimbursement strategies for telemedicine wrapped up late last week. The series was designed by experts in the field and covered topics including: the current landscape of telehealth reimbursement; successful reimbursement models that drive physician adoption of telemedicine services; state-specific concerns regarding regulatory issues and risks, and more.

The American Telemedicine Association (ATA) is currently seeking nominations for the association’s annual President’s Awards for the Advancement of Telemedicine.

Registration and housing are now open for ATA 2015, May 3-5, in Los Angeles. With a focus on networking and interactive learning, the ATA 2015 program offers a unique, can’t-miss opportunity to learn and engage with leaders in healthcare technology.

John Glaser, PhD, has recently joined the Board of Directors of the American Telemedicine Association (ATA). Glaser joins an esteemed group of directors that provides guidance for the association, which has a mission to promote professional, ethical and equitable improvement in healthcare delivery through telecommunications and information technology.

An ATA teledermatology guidelines work group has been approved to begin work on a new set of practice guidelines. This important initiative will kick off in February to revise the original teledermatology guidelines developed in 2007.

A work group of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce is drafting a four-year plan to eliminate existing barriers to care for Medicare patients. The group plans to seek coverage for telehealth services just the same as in-person visits are covered.