Telemedicine is here to stay (April 4: “Smartphones, iPads and ‘Webside Manner’: Adapting Quickly to Virtual Medicine in COVID-19 Times”). The challenge now is increasing access to care and developing a comprehensive policy framework and health care plan for providers and patients who use telehealth.

Without being able to meet face to face during the pandemic, telehealth platforms quickly became the service delivery vehicle for providers, consumers, stakeholders and payers. As with every crisis, these challenges opened our eyes to new opportunities. But we still have a long way to ensure telehealth expands in an equitable way for providers and the communities we serve.

The Rehabilitation and Community Providers Association and the Pennsylvania Association of Community Health Centers are using a two-year $250,000 national grant from the Delta Center for a Thriving Safety Net to cultivate health policy and a care system that are more equitable and better meet the needs of individuals and families.

Among the work that needs to be done is ensuring equity for telehealth access among vulnerable populations; integrating physical and behavioral health services through these new technologies; and developing policies related to funding equity for face-to-face and telehealth visits in provider payments.

The incorporation of telehealth services in the delivery of care was essential throughout the pandemic and will continue to be a crucial tool for providers to use in delivering whole-person care for the communities they serve.

Richard S. Edley, Ph.D.

President and CEO, Rehabilitation and Community Providers Association

Harrisburg

The letter was also signed by Cheri Rinehart, president and CEO of the Pennsylvania Association of Community Health Centers.

First Published: April 11, 2021, 4:00 a.m.