East Coast Telepsychiatry’s Stance on Telemedicine

Dan Golden, the Administrator for East Coast Telepsychiatry and East Coast Family Medicine, was among the many voices advocating for the permanence of these temporary rules. The pandemic underscored the importance of telemedicine, especially in mental health. For many patients, especially those in remote or underserved areas, virtual consultations became the lifeline to essential care. Philip Moore, the chief medical officer of Gaudenzia, provided compelling evidence of telehealth’s efficacy. Gaudenzia, which served over 15,000 individuals last year, saw improved retention and treatment rates due to telehealth. Moore’s emphasis on the flexibility and accessibility telemedicine offers, especially for patients in rural areas, is a testament to its potential.

Anne Milgram, the DEA Administrator, stands confidently at the podium during the DEA Telemedicine Listening Session. Milgram’s role is pivotal as she navigates the discussions that will shape the future of telemedicine. Her engagement with the topic and the attendees underscores the session’s significance and the potential transformative impact on healthcare.

Concerns and Counter-Arguments

Although the healthcare industry is moving towards a digital future, there are remaining obstacles. While some experts suggest increasing telemedicine training and enhancing patient verification procedures, others worry about potential misuse. For instance, nurse practitioner Felicia Bailey thinks the Drug Enforcement Agency should have greater access to clinical documentation to prevent abuse. Additionally, Roxanne Tyroch from the Texas Medical Association advises against relaxing safeguards restricting drug diversion. Caitlin Gillooley, from the American Hospital Association, criticized the DEA’s hesitation to implement a special registration process for telemedicine prescribing. She believes that the DEA overstates the focus on diversion and that the proposed record-keeping requirements may not offer additional protection.

Looking Ahead

The DEA’s listening session highlighted the complexities of integrating telemedicine into our healthcare system. As the agency plans another written comment period in fall 2023, it’s clear that the conversation is far from over. The challenge lies in striking a balance between harnessing the potential of telemedicine and ensuring patient safety. As the DEA reviews the 38,000 comments on its proposed telemedicine rules, one can only hope that the final decision will prioritize patient access to essential care without compromising safety and security. Here are the links to the DEA Telemedicine Listening Session for both days. You can find Mr. Golden’s segment beginning at the 4:37:45 mark on the Day 2 video. We recommend watching a substantial part of the video to grasp the full context.