Question
Should insurers be required to reimburse telehealth visits at parity with equivalent in-person visits?
Background
Telehealth usage surged during the pandemic, and many patients appreciate the convenience. Providers say virtual visits still require clinician time and expertise, while insurers question whether they should pay the same as for in-person encounters.
Options
- Require full parity in reimbursement between telehealth and in-person visits.
- Set telehealth reimbursement at a lower but standardized rate.
- Allow insurers and providers to negotiate telehealth rates individually.
- Phase out special telehealth reimbursement rules and revert to pre-pandemic practices.