amNY: Op-Ed | Telehealth services are remarkably effective
- November 3, 2020
- •Health
Like many New Yorkers experiencing homelessness, Michael faced obstacles on his path to a healthy life, including PTSD and substance use disorder. He was determined to improve his well-being, but once COVID-19 hit, the road to recovery and housing stability became more difficult. His therapist had to close for the duration of the pandemic, and he felt unsafe seeking in-person medical care.
The pandemic could have derailed his progress, but because he was referred to telehealth services, Michael has stayed healthy. As a result of his progress, Michael was recently accepted into a new supportive housing development in the Bronx, where he plans to move in the coming months.
An emergency order from New York State allowing telehealth visits to be reimbursed as if they were in-person helped Michael and countless others during the height of the pandemic. Unfortunately, state reimbursement for the telehealth services is in jeopardy, with the emergency policy set to expire in January. State lawmakers must make telehealth reimbursement permanent—to ensure safety amid COVID-19, to support the immediate and long-term mental health of the most vulnerable New Yorkers, and to make services sustainable for providers.
My organization, Project Renewal, is a frontline health care provider that treats New Yorkers experiencing homelessness, including Michael, and addresses health conditions that can be exacerbated by housing insecurity. Throughout the pandemic, telehealth has helped us keep patients safe by reducing in-person interactions, and prevented additional visits to overburdened hospitals. Read the full Op-Ed.
