Applauding Medicare Telehealth Waiver Extensions: A Step Toward Making Them Permanent

The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped the landscape of healthcare delivery, bringing telemedicine from the periphery to the forefront of patient care. It demonstrated that virtual care is not merely a temporary fix but a foundational modality that addresses significant gaps in access, affordability, and quality of care. The recent extension of Medicare telehealth reimbursement rules is a commendable step forward. However, as we celebrate this progress, we must focus on ensuring these changes become permanent for the healthcare system, but most importantly, for the patients it serves.

The Patient Stories Behind the Policy

Telehealth is not an abstract policy issue; it is a lifeline for many Americans. Consider the 78-year-old woman discharged after surgery for acute appendicitis. Diagnosed with hypertension during her hospitalization, she was started on a new medication and referred to an unfamiliar primary care provider, without a scheduled appointment. Two days later, she experienced alarming symptoms—30 pounds of water retention in her legs—leaving her frightened and confused. A virtual telemedicine visit, provided through Dimer Health’s Transitional Care Clinic, allowed for a timely assessment. The likely cause was identified as a medication side effect, and the dose was adjusted. Her symptoms resolved within days. Without this intervention, she would have returned to the hospital, incurring significant costs, disruption, and potentially preventable harm.

This is where transitional care medicine, a new specialty pioneered by Dimer Health, fills a critical gap. The period between hospital discharge and follow-up care is one of the most vulnerable times for patients. Traditionally, this phase of care has been reactive—patients only receive attention if they seek it out. Dimer Health’s proactive model ensures that every discharged patient is actively managed until they transition safely back to their primary care physician or specialist. This approach not only improves patient outcomes but also reduces unnecessary readmissions and healthcare costs.

Another patient, a 71-year-old woman recovering from a knee replacement, texted the Dimer Health provider late at night about concerning bruising and swelling. Through Dimer Health’s virtual post acute care program, a telemedicine visit was quickly arranged. The provider ruled out a blood clot, provided education about the stages of bruising resolution, and reassured the patient about her recovery timeline. More importantly, the provider addressed her emotional distress—she was alone, scared, and unable to sleep. The compassionate care she received was not just clinical but deeply human. By morning, she felt well enough to rest and recover with confidence, later remarking, “Why hasn’t healthcare always been like this? Everyone deserves this level of care.”

Celebrating Progress While Pushing for Permanence

These stories illustrate the transformative potential of transitional care medicine, which focuses on bridging the gap between hospital discharge and ongoing care. Dimer Health is at the forefront of this new specialty, combining clinical excellence with cutting-edge technology to proactively manage patients during this critical phase. Telehealth is an essential tool in this model, enabling real-time monitoring, rapid intervention, and personalized care that adapts to the unique needs of each patient. The impact is undeniable.

Since launching its transitional care clinics, Dimer Health has achieved a 67% reduction in hospital readmissions, a 94.9 Net Promoter Score (NPS), and adherence rates to follow-up referrals exceeding 98%. These outcomes underscore the effectiveness of integrating telehealth into transitional care, not just as an ancillary service but as a cornerstone of patient-centered medicine.

While the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has extended certain telehealth flexibilities through the 2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule, these measures remain temporary. Congressional action is essential to secure the broader flexibilities that have demonstrated their value to patients and the healthcare system alike.

The Risks of Inaction

If these waivers expire without permanent legislation, Medicare beneficiaries stand to lose access to crucial telehealth services, particularly those who are most vulnerable—older adults, patients managing multiple chronic conditions, and those recently discharged from hospitals. Telehealth has proven its ability to reduce readmissions, enhance medication adherence, and address mental health needs, often at a fraction of the cost of in-person care. Limiting these services would be a step backward, undoing the progress made during the pandemic.

Consider these statistics:

• The average wait time to see a doctor for a face-to-face visit is 29 days, while telemedicine often offers same-day availability.
• Approximately 24% of Medicare recipients currently use telemedicine services.
• About 31% of Medicare beneficiaries have missed medical appointments or run out of medication due to transportation issues.
• Dual-eligible beneficiaries, who often face greater socioeconomic challenges, miss appointments at double or triple the rate of Medicare-only beneficiaries.

These figures underscore the essential role telehealth plays in addressing nontraditional access barriers, such as transportation insecurity, and ensuring timely care for vulnerable populations.

A Call to Action for Permanence

The extension of Medicare telehealth waivers reflects a recognition of their importance, but this progress must be solidified into lasting policy. Healthcare policy should be driven by evidence, and the evidence is clear: telehealth improves outcomes, reduces costs, and enhances patient satisfaction. Making these rules permanent aligns with the principles of value-based care, alleviates workforce shortages, and fosters innovation to create a more efficient and equitable healthcare system.

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