WASHINGTON, DC, March 25, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- In a significant move to enhance healthcare accessibility, Congress has passed a Continuing Resolution (CR) that extends critical Medicare telehealth flexibilities through September 30, 2025. This extension ensures that millions of Americans, particularly those in rural and underserved communities, will continue to have access to high-quality, convenient, and affordable telehealth services.
The extended provisions include:
• Removal of Geographic and Originating Site Restrictions: Medicare beneficiaries can receive telehealth services irrespective of their location, eliminating previous geographic limitations.
• Expanded Practitioner Eligibility: A broader range of healthcare providers, including audiologists and speech-language pathologists, are authorized to offer telehealth services.
• Inclusion of Federally Qualified Health Centers and Rural Health Clinics: These centers can continue to furnish telehealth services, bolstering care in underserved areas.
• Continuation of Audio-Only Telehealth Services: Patients without access to video-capable devices can still receive care through audio-only consultations.
• Delayed In-Person Requirements for Mental Health Services: The mandate for an in-person visit prior to telehealth mental health services has been postponed, facilitating uninterrupted access to mental health care.
These telehealth flexibilities were initially introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to maintain healthcare access amidst unprecedented challenges. Their continued extension reflects bipartisan recognition of telehealth's vital role in modern healthcare delivery.
Kyle Zebley, Executive Director of ATA Action, expressed appreciation for the extension, stating, "We commend Congress for taking action to prevent a lapse in these vital telehealth flexibilities. While we would have preferred a longer extension, this step ensures uninterrupted access to telehealth services for patients and clinicians, as we continue working toward permanent solutions that reflect the needs of modern healthcare."
Jeff Scholtes, CEO of Millennium Sleep Lab, also commented on the extension, saying, "The continuation of Medicare's telehealth flexibilities is a pivotal step toward ensuring that patients nationwide have uninterrupted access to essential healthcare services. At Millennium Sleep Lab, we've witnessed firsthand how telehealth has transformed sleep medicine, allowing us to reach patients who might otherwise face barriers to care. This extension reaffirms our commitment to leveraging technology to improve patient outcomes and underscores the importance of adaptable healthcare delivery models in today's world."
Millennium Sleep Lab, a leading provider of home sleep testing and telehealth sleep solutions, is an apZme company dedicated to delivering accessible, patient-centered sleep care. Millennium has been at the forefront of utilizing remote care to address the growing need for timely sleep disorder diagnosis and treatment. By combining advanced technology with personalized care, Millennium Sleep Lab enables patients—especially those in remote and underserved communities—to complete sleep testing from the comfort of their own homes. This approach has proven to be instrumental in identifying and treating sleep apnea and related conditions in a timely manner, improving quality of life, and reducing long-term health risks. With a nationwide reach and deep expertise in telemedicine workflows, Millennium Sleep Lab continues to champion innovative care delivery models that align with evolving healthcare regulations and patient needs.
The American Telemedicine Association (ATA) and other advocacy groups continue to urge Congress to consider permanent legislative solutions to solidify the role of telehealth in the U.S. healthcare system.
This extension underscores a commitment to evolving healthcare practices, ensuring that technological advancements continue to benefit patients nationwide.
Learn more about Millennium Sleep Lab at www.millenniumsleeplab.com and explore the broader healthcare mission of apZme at www.apzme.com.
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