This bill expands access to in-home cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation services by allowing them to be furnished via telehealth and by designating a patient's home as a provider-based location of a hospital outpatient department. It also broadens originating sites for telehealth services and waives geographic requirements for in-home rehabilitation programs.
John Joyce
Representative
PA-13
The "Sustainable Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Services in the Home Act" expands access to in-home cardiopulmonary rehabilitation services by allowing them to be delivered via telehealth, including designating a patient's home as a provider-based location. It broadens originating sites for telehealth services and waives geographic requirements for in-home cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programs. The Act directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish standards for designating a patient's home as a provider-based organization, aligning with the Hospital Without Walls program.
Home Rehab Gets a Boost: New Bill Expands Telehealth for Heart and Lung Patients
The "Sustainable Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Services in the Home Act" is all about making it easier to get cardiac and pulmonary rehab without leaving your house. Basically, it's bringing these services to you, wherever you are, through telehealth.
Rehab Revolution: Bringing Care Home
This bill codifies some smart changes that started during the COVID-19 pandemic. It amends Section 1861(eee)(2) of the Social Security Act, allowing in-home rehab services via telehealth. Think two-way video calls with your healthcare provider and even having your home designated as a temporary extension of a hospital's outpatient department. This means more flexibility and less travel, especially helpful if you live far from a rehab center or have trouble getting around.
The bill also updates Section 1834(m) of the Social Security Act. It expands where you can receive telehealth services from. Now, doctors, practitioners, and hospitals can reach you directly through telecommunication systems, no matter your location.
No More Location Limits
One of the biggest wins? The bill waives geographic requirements for in-home cardiac and pulmonary rehab (Section 1834(m)(4)(C)(ii)(V) and (X)). Previously, telehealth services had location restrictions, but this change opens up access for people in rural or underserved areas. If you're a farmer miles from the nearest clinic or a busy professional who can't take time off, this is a game-changer.
Setting the Standards
The Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) is tasked with setting up clear standards for how all this will work, drawing from the Hospital Without Walls program. They'll define how a patient's home can be considered a provider-based location for cardiac, pulmonary, and intensive cardiac rehab (SEC. 2). These standards kick in as soon as the Secretary issues them, meaning these changes can start rolling out relatively quickly.
Telehealth Takes Center Stage
Finally, the bill officially adds cardiac and pulmonary rehab programs to the list of telehealth services covered under Section 1834(m)(4)(F) of the Social Security Act. This solidifies telehealth as a key part of these essential services, making it easier for people to get the care they need, right from their living rooms. While this opens up significant opportunities, there will need to be close attention to billing practices and quality of care to prevent any potential misuse of telehealth services.