MGMA Week in Review: Telehealth Policy Updates, Caregiver Advocacy, and RCM Trends

Welcome to this week's MGMA Week in Review podcast, hosted by Daniel Williams and Colleen Luckett. This episode dives into timely healthcare topics, including updates on telehealth policies, the value of family caregivers, trends in revenue cycle management (RCM), outpatient time burdens, and policy changes affecting the uninsured. Stay tuned for insightful discussions and direct links to resources.

Key Points Discussed:

1. Telehealth Extension
   • Federal approval of a one-year extension for telehealth prescriptions of controlled substances such as OxyContin and Xanax.
   • Advocacy efforts by MGMA and other groups stress the importance of sustainable, long-term telehealth policies.
   • Remaining pandemic-era telehealth waivers and the legislative push for two- to five-year extensions.
2. The Role of Family Caregivers in Healthcare
   • Family caregivers contribute over $600 billion in unpaid care annually.
   • Challenges include burnout, stress, and insufficient support.
   • Advocacy for treating caregivers as integral members of the healthcare team to enhance patient outcomes and align with value-based care principles.
3. Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) Trends
   • Insights from MGMA’s stat poll showing limited plans for RCM outsourcing or automation in 2025.
   • Highlighted strategies for improving partnerships with RCM vendors, leveraging AI tools, and focusing on clear KPIs for financial success.
   • Upcoming MGMA Demo Day on December 12 for exploring innovative RCM solutions.
4. Outpatient Time Burden
   • Findings from a JAMA article revealing the extensive time required for outpatient encounters beyond face-to-face visits.
   • Recommendations include workflow redesign, delegation of tasks, and use of technology like patient portals to improve efficiency and reduce burnout.
5. ACA Subsidy Expiration Concerns
   • Potential impact of expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies, potentially leaving 4 million people uninsured.
   • Disproportionate effects on Black and Hispanic communities, with enrollment drops particularly in states without Medicaid expansion.
   • A call for policy changes to prevent coverage gaps.

Direct Links to Resources:

• Telehealth Extension Overview: Telehealth Prescriptions Update
• Family Caregiver Advocacy: Family Caregivers and Healthcare Continuum
• RCM Trends and Demo Day Registration: RCM Strategies and Demo Day; Demo Day
• JAMA Article on Outpatient Time: Time Burden in Outpatient Care
• Urban Institute Report on ACA Subsidies: ACA Subsidy Impact Analysis