New Medicare Legislation Increases List of Eligible Originating Telehealth Sites

On July 15, 2008, H.R. 6331, the Medicare Improvement for Patients and Providers Act of 2008, was successfully enacted into law (Public Law 110-275) after both the Senate and the House successfully overrode President Bush’s veto.  Introduced by Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY) on June 20, 2008, H.R. 6331 contained several payment-related provisions, including one to expand the list of eligible originating sites for telehealth services.

Section 149 of the law outlines three new sites eligible for payment of telehealth services beginning on or after January 1, 2009:  hospital-based or critical access hospital-based renal dialysis centers (including satellites); skilled nursing facilities; and community mental health centers.  The expansion of originating sites facilities the dissemination of telehealth services across the U.S. and increases Medicare patient access to vital health care services not ordinarily available locally.