On March 3, the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission ("MedPAC") held a meeting regarding telehealth and Medicare as part of its public meeting to discuss Medicare issues and policy questions and to develop and approve reports and recommendations to Congress. The discussion focused on whether telemedicine can deliver expanded health care access at reduced costs and why more physicians are not using the technology. Some have concerns that the ease of access provided by telemedicine is leading to unnecessary consults, but a 2014 survey cited by MedPAC members suggests otherwise. The members explained that telemedicine will reduce overall expenses by cutting back on emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and imaging costs, particularly as digital health is better utilized to target specific populations.
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