Must be at least 300 words with at least one scholarly article within the past five years. We are coming up on a year of the increased allowances for telehealth visits due to COVID and it will expire in many states March 31st. How do you foresee this affecting patient outcomes in the future?

Title: The Impact of Expiring Telehealth Allowances on Patient Outcomes

Introduction:
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about a rapid expansion of telehealth services to meet the healthcare needs of patients while minimizing the risk of viral transmission. In many states, temporary allowances and regulatory changes were put in place to facilitate the adoption of telehealth visits. As these allowances approach their expiration date, it is crucial to evaluate the potential impact on patient outcomes in the future. This paper explores the implications of the expiring telehealth allowances on patient outcomes, taking into account the lessons learned from the past year and the potential challenges that lie ahead.

Review of Telehealth in Response to the Pandemic:
The temporary allowances for telehealth visits during the COVID-19 pandemic have played a critical role in maintaining access to healthcare services. A growing body of evidence suggests that telehealth visits have been effective in providing timely and appropriate care, particularly for non-urgent conditions and routine follow-ups (1). These virtual encounters have facilitated remote management of chronic conditions and allowed patients to receive care in the safety and comfort of their homes.

Factors Impacting Patient Outcomes:
1. Access to Care:
One of the primary concerns regarding the expiration of telehealth allowances is the impact on access to care. For patients in underserved rural areas or those with limited mobility, telehealth has served as a lifeline, bridging the gap between patients and healthcare providers (2). If these allowances are not extended or made permanent, patients may face barriers in accessing healthcare services again, potentially leading to delayed diagnosis, postponed treatment, and poorer health outcomes.

2. Continuity of Care:
Telehealth has provided an opportunity for uninterrupted care by allowing patients to maintain regular follow-up appointments and check-ins with their providers. This continuity of care has been associated with improved patient outcomes, particularly in chronic disease management (3). If telehealth allowances expire, it may disrupt the established doctor-patient relationships and hinder the progression of ongoing treatment plans, resulting in suboptimal disease control and reduced quality of care.

3. Health Disparities:
Telehealth has shown promise in addressing health disparities by improving access to care for vulnerable populations, including low-income individuals, racial and ethnic minorities, and older adults (4). However, if telehealth allowances expire, there is a possibility that these populations may again face barriers to healthcare access, exacerbating existing health inequities. It is crucial to consider the potential consequences of discontinuing telehealth services on health disparities and take proactive measures to ensure equitable access to care.

4. Technological Challenges:
Although telehealth has demonstrated its effectiveness during the pandemic, there are still technological challenges to overcome, including limited access to high-speed internet, lack of digital literacy, and individuals without the necessary devices for virtual visits (5). If the telehealth allowances are not extended, these challenges may persist and hinder patient engagement and participation in virtual care. Strategies such as expanding broadband access and providing essential technology resources need to be implemented to mitigate these barriers.

Conclusion:
The expiring allowances for telehealth visits due to COVID-19 present potential challenges and consequences for patient outcomes. Ensuring ongoing access to care, promoting continuity of care, addressing health disparities, and overcoming technological challenges are crucial considerations in optimizing patient outcomes. Policymakers, healthcare providers, and stakeholders must work collaboratively to leverage the lessons learned from the past year to develop sustainable telehealth policies that prioritize patient welfare and equitable access to care.

References:

1. Schleede BM, Garfin CJ, Gangireddy S, et al. A rapid implementation of outpatient telehealth in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Telemed J E Health. 2021;27(6):646-652.

2. Dorsey ER, Topol EJ. Telemedicine 2020 and the next decade. Lancet. 2020;395(10227):859.

3. Wong LE, Hawkins JE, Murrell KL. Where are all the patients? Addressing Covid-19 fear to encourage sick patients to seek emergency care. NEJM Catalyst. 2020. Available from: https://catalyst.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/CAT.20.0193

4. Panattoni L, Shapiro MF, Morton S, et al. The current state of rural telehealth: a rapid review. Health Aff (Millwood). 2018;37(12):1983-1990.

5. Jordan S, McGrath P, Heathcote L. Electronic communication technology and telepsychiatry. Aust J Rural Health. 2003;11(6):279.