Stephen Parodi, MD, advocates for continuation of telehealth flexibilities after pandemic

Telehealth capabilities among heath care organizations soared during the pandemic, often out of necessity, but usage may soon become limited with the end of flexibilities that were born out of the COVID-19 public health emergency, according to a recent CNN report.

CNN reported that the number of telehealth visits grew nearly 63-fold in 2020, and about 20% of U.S. adults used telemedicine during the first part of April 2022. Physicians quoted in the story discussed the need to continue the waivers and flexibilities provided during the pandemic. Those flexibilities are set to expire 151 days after the COVID-19 public health emergency ends.

Stephen Parodi, MD, executive vice president of The Permanente Federation and national infectious disease leader at Kaiser Permanente, said telemedicine and virtual visits allow physicians to connect with patients, especially those in rural areas.

“I can actually see more people in suburban or rural areas that otherwise may not have had the same level of access before,” Dr. Parodi told CNN. “We want to preserve that.”

NOTE: Read the full story on the CNN site.