Payers reimburse 40% less for telehealth services — 4 takeaways

Despite telehealth’s growing popularity, health insurance companies reimburse 40 percent less for telehealth services than for in-person care, as found in a Health Care Cost Institute policy brief, according to Forbes.

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The brief analyzes data from billions of Aetna, Humana, Kaiser Permanente and United Healthcare claims for more than 50 million insured from 2009 through 2013.

 

Here are four takeaways:

 

1. HCCI found non-telehealth services reimbursement has increased every year from $57 to $61 from 2009 to 2013.

 

2. From 2009 through 2011, telehealth reimbursement increased from $60 to $68, but dropped to $38 in 2013.

 

3. The findings may deter providers from investing in telehealth services, even if telehealth enhances patient outcomes.

 

4. To combat reimbursement challenges, the study’s authors said state legislation must keep pace with the telehealth advancements.

 

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