Telehealth bill receives widespread support

The TELEhealth for MEDicare Act of 2013 (HR 3077), introduced by Reps. Devin Nunes (R-Calif.) and Frank Pallone (D-N.J.), is receiving widespread support from health groups and businesses.

Sixty-four organizations sent a letter to Congress in support of the bill, which would allow Medicare providers to treat patients via telehealth without having to obtain multiple state medical licenses. They called the bill a solid step to expanding access to healthcare while lowering costs for consumers.

"The convergence of medical advances, health information technology and a nationwide broadband network are transforming the delivery of care to citizens by bringing the healthcare provider and patient together virtually, especially those in disadvantaged areas," according to the letter.

The American Health Information Management Association, the Health IT Now Coalition, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Black Chamber of Commerce, The Rural Broadband Association, Wellpoint, Verizon, the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education and the National Association of Manufacturers all signed the letter.