Impending Telehealth Policy Changes Threaten Access for Primary Care

2025-09-14 digitalcare

Washington, D.C., Sunday, 14 September 2025.
With telehealth flexibilities set to expire on September 30, 2025, primary care access faces uncertainty as potential new regulations could limit prescribing capabilities, pressing for urgent Congressional action.

The Looming Deadline and Its Implications

As the September 30, 2025 deadline approaches, healthcare providers are bracing for the loss of key telehealth flexibilities initially granted during the COVID-19 pandemic. These flexibilities allowed for a significant expansion in telehealth services, contributing to a 154% spike in utilization compared to pre-pandemic levels [8]. Without legislative intervention, these measures are set to expire, potentially rolling back advancements such as home-based telehealth visits for Medicare beneficiaries and the Hospital at Home program [1].

Regulatory Challenges and Congressional Inaction

The proposed regulatory changes, including restrictions on advanced telemedicine prescribing registrations, pose significant challenges for primary care physicians and general practitioners. The American Telemedicine Association (ATA) and its advocacy arm have expressed concerns over these rules, highlighting issues such as the exclusion of primary care providers and stringent prescribing limits [2]. Despite bipartisan support for telehealth, the lack of a permanent federal policy exacerbates uncertainty, hindering long-term investments and innovation in the field [3].

The potential rollback of telehealth flexibilities could severely impact access to healthcare, particularly in underserved and rural areas where telehealth has been a critical tool for addressing workforce shortages [4]. This is compounded by the fact that 43 states have telehealth parity laws focusing on coverage rather than payment parity, leading to inconsistent reimbursement rates [3]. The economic implications are significant, with the telehealth market projected to grow to over $397 billion by 2027, highlighting its essential role in modern healthcare delivery [8].

A Call for Action

Stakeholders are urged to engage in proactive dialogue with policymakers to ensure the continuation of telehealth services. The upcoming Telehealth Awareness Week, starting September 15, 2025, provides a timely platform for discussing these critical issues [6]. The ATA’s efforts to advocate for responsible policy changes and improve digital readiness among health plans underscore the urgent need for a cohesive strategy to maintain telehealth’s momentum [7].

Bronnen

telehealth policy changes