Virginia Telehealth Network

Author: Amanda Colocho

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Posts by Amanda Colocho

Expanding Primary Care with Telehealth and Primary Care Medical Technicians

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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 […]

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

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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 […]

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Best Practices for Virtual Therapy Sessions

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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, […]

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Online Tool Helps Providers Address Social Drivers of Health for Patients

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True patient care goes beyond an exam room, diagnoses, or treatment plan. Social drivers of health have a profound impact on a person’soverall wellbeing, and factors like access to nutritious food, stable housing, reliable transportation, and economic stability often determine how successful a treatment plan will be. To support providers, community health workers, educators, and […]

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Resources for Enhancing Access to Quality Care via Telehealth

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We’ve seen many instances where telehealth has proven to be an essential tool for connecting patients of all different walks of life to quality care. As part of one of VTN’s central initiatives, we aim to deliver resources to Virginia’s network of health care professionals to help providers in doing so.   From addressing the unique […]

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Medicare Telehealth Changes: Impacts, Challenges, and Strategies for Virginia Providers and Patients

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During the Public Health Emergency, Congress enacted several temporary measures that waived certain restrictions concerning telehealth coverage under Medicare, greatly improving health care access for Medicare patients. While these waivers have been extended several times since their adoption, it is possible they will expire in 2025. Originally, Medicare telehealth waivers were set to expire on […]

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2025 General Assembly Sine Die and Governor’s Update

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Photo Caption: Dr. Karen Rheuban, VTN Board Chair, testifies during the 2025 Virginia General Assembly. Updated: March 26, 2025 The Virginia General Assembly adjourned its 45-day legislative session on the evening of February 22, 2025. Over the course of the session, the House of Delegates and Senate introduced a total of 1,994 bills – 1,236 […]

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School-Based Telehealth Clinics Launch in Hampton and Harrisonburg

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For many families, accessing timely health care isn’t as simple as making an appointment. Working parents may struggle to take time off, transportation challenges can make doctor visits difficult and long wait times for appointments can mean kids may go without the care they need. These barriers are especially tough on families with school-age children, […]

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2025 Virginia General Assembly: Telehealth-Related Bills and Budget Amendments

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Updated – February 20, 2025 In the 2025 Virginia General Assembly, legislators introduced numerous telehealth-related bills and budget items, driven by the work of the Joint Commission of Health Care, the House Select Committee on Rural and Small-Town Healthcare, and other legislative committees and commissions. While unfortunately, not every initiative expanding telehealth services was possible […]

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Benchmarking EMS Engagement in Telehealth

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Emergency Medical Services (EMS) are critical in providing timely and life-saving care to patients in emergency situations. As the health care landscape evolves, telehealth can play a vital role in expediting patient care during emergency situations. For instance, UVA Health utilizes a telestroke program that allows for real-time stroke evaluation, improving care efficiency during transport. […]

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