It Could Happen Here
The USA's Impending Telemedicine Cliff
Mar 5, 2025
Venktesh Ramnath, a practicing pulmonologist and health architect, and Kaveh Hoda, a gastroenterologist and podcast host, dive into the precarious future of telemedicine in the U.S. They discuss potential Medicare funding cuts, emphasizing how vital telemedicine is for vulnerable populations. The conversation also highlights the financial strains affecting both medical devices essential for patient care and healthcare providers. With personal anecdotes, they explore the implications of legislative changes and the need for advocacy to maintain access to telehealth services.
38:50
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- The potential end of Medicare funding for telemedicine could severely disrupt patient care, particularly affecting vulnerable populations like the elderly.
- Effective communication and trust-building between healthcare providers and patients are essential for improving telehealth usage and addressing vaccine hesitancy.
Deep dives
The Evolution and Importance of Telemedicine
Telemedicine has rapidly transformed healthcare delivery, especially since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. It has become a critical component of modern healthcare, with over 75% of hospitals in the U.S. now utilizing telehealth technology to connect with patients. This shift enabled individuals, particularly those in rural or underserved areas, to access specialized care that was previously difficult to obtain. The ongoing funding and support for telemedicine are crucial, as cutting these resources could lead to significant negative impacts on patient care and accessibility.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
