

The USA's Impending Telemedicine Cliff
14 snips 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.
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Medicare's Influence
- Medicare, a US federal health insurance program, primarily covers people over 65.
- It sets the standard for reimbursements, influencing how private insurers cover services like telemedicine.
Telemedicine on the Brink
- Telemedicine, federally funded since 2020, has improved healthcare access, especially for vulnerable populations.
- Its potential defunding threatens healthcare access for many and may prompt private insurers to reduce coverage.
James's Telemedicine Experience
- James shares a personal experience of using telemedicine to treat COVID-19 while traveling.
- This showcases the convenience and reduced risk of in-person visits during illness.