Amanda Colocho » Virginia Telehealth Network

Virginia Medicaid Announces Telehealth Flexibility Continues

Posted on October 3, 2025

On September 30, some of the federal COVID-era telehealth waivers expired, resulting in a rollback of coverage for several telehealth services under Medicare. This shift has left many providers and patients uncertain about what virtual care options would remain available. “The good news: there was no opposition in the House to the bill/continuing resolution that […]

Breaking Language Barriers: Training Interpreters for Behavioral Health

Posted on September 24, 2025

When Dilshad Charania immigrated from India 25 years ago, she knew she wanted to use her native language as an asset. After working as a court interpreter for several years, she was introduced to interpreting in the behavioral health setting in 2017. “That was a life changing decision for me because this training was organized […]

Preparing for the End of Telehealth Flexibilities

Posted on September 11, 2025

Updated: 10/3/2025. For the most recent information about the telehealth cliff and how to prepare, visit the Telehealth Resource Center. At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress and federal agencies moved quickly to relax restrictions on telehealth. Providers were allowed to see patients across state lines, prescribe medications via telehealth, and bill Medicare and […]

Southwest Virginia’s “Blueprint” for a Healthier Future Includes Focus on Telehealth

Posted on August 19, 2025

Facing a sobering assessment of the health disparities experienced by residents of Southwest Virginia – a region that holds some of the highest mortality rates in the country – a coalition of organizations has developed a comprehensive plan for improving regional wellbeing. Called the Blueprint for Health Improvement and Health-Enabled Prosperity, the 42-page report identified […]

What’s Next for Medicare Telehealth? A Look at the CONNECT Act and Telehealth Coverage Act of 2025

Posted on August 14, 2025

As temporary COVID-era telehealth flexibilities approach expiration in fall 2025, federal lawmakers are debating how to shape the future of Medicare telehealth coverage. The Center for Connected Health Policy (CCHP) is tracking 20 bills that could change how telehealth is reimbursed under Medicare. Two of the most comprehensive proposals are the CONNECT for Health Act […]

Gen Z and Telehealth

Posted on July 28, 2025

The Pew Research Center defines members of Gen Z as anyone born between 1997 and 2012, making the average age for the second-youngest generation between 13 and 28 years old. Because Gen Z grew up with the internet as part of their daily lives, these young people are often referred to as “digital natives” who […]

Understanding Virginia’s DD Waivers and Telehealth

Posted on July 18, 2025

Virginia’s Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waivers provide critical supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and fund a wide range of services — from personal care and job coaching to behavioral therapy and residential support — tailored to each individual’s needs. More providers are using telehealth to deliver services that used to be in person. […]

Expanding Primary Care with Telehealth and Primary Care Medical Technicians

Posted on June 10, 2025

With many areas of the country confronting physician shortages, particularly in rural America, a growing number of states are dropping the requirement that doctors who received their medical training overseas complete a U.S. residency before they can obtain a full medical license. Virginia is among nine states since 2023 that no longer require a second […]

New Insights into Private Payer Telehealth Policies from the Center for Connected Health Policy

Posted on May 20, 2025

The Center for Connected Health Policy (CCHP) recently reviewed and summarized telehealth reimbursement policies from two major private insurers: UnitedHealthcare (UHC) and Aetna. Using publicly available information, the analysis highlights key features across both payers, offering insight into the shifting landscape of private telehealth coverage. UnitedHealthcare (UHC) UHC’s Telehealth/Virtual Health Policy applies to all commercial […]

Best Practices for Virtual Therapy Sessions

Posted on May 15, 2025

Telehealth has helped connect countless individuals with mental health services. While virtual therapy is convenient and accessible for many patients, providers should consider that some people may be apprehensive due to limited experience with technology, concerns around confidentiality, or the lack of the personal connection that in-person sessions can provide. For Mental Health Awareness Month, […]

Author: Amanda Colocho

Posts by Amanda Colocho