The following statement is attributed to Rene Quashie, Vice President, Policy and Regulatory Affairs, Digital Health, Consumer Technology Association (CTA), regarding the release of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) 2019 Physician Fee Schedule and Home Health Prospective Payment System (PPS):
"CTA is thrilled to see three new, remote patient monitoring codes included in the 2019 CMS Physician Fee Schedule, and the inclusion of remote monitoring costs as allowable administrative costs in the 2019 Home Health PPS Update. This is a major step in legitimizing digital health solutions in health care and a sea change from the agency's longstanding approach.
"Starting in 2019, Medicare will also provide separate payments for physician virtual check-ins, Rural Health Clinics and Federally Qualified Health Centers for communication technology-based and remote evaluation services, and interprofessional consultations performed via communications technology. We are pleased with the provisions included in both final rules - especially as they relate to remote patient monitoring and telehealth.
"CTA looks forward to continuing to work with CMS - alongside CTA's
Health and Fitness Technology Division - and the federal government to best ensure more of us receive the better care and results that technology delivers."
Findings from a forthcoming CTA study that looks at remote patient monitoring shows consumers are happy to share their health data with their doctor as technology provides easier access and increases engagement with their health. In fact, the study finds that recommendations by doctors have the strongest impact on connected health technology uptake. Results from the three-part series on remote patient monitoring will be available at CES 2019.
Many of the innovations revolutionizing health care will be on display at CES 2019, owned and produced by CTA, including a dedicated exhibit area focusing on
Health & Wellness and a comprehensive conference program covering everything from digital therapeutics to artificial intelligence's role in health care, as part of the
Disruptive Innovations in Healthcare conference - where, new for 2019, health care professionals can earn Continuing Medical Education credits at CES.
