Trending News Today: Telehealth May Not Reduce Medical Spending

Yesterday, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) replacement plan was revealed by House Republicans. The law would reverse Medicaid expansion and remove the individual mandate, which have received significant criticized by GOP lawmakers. However, the new law would keep tax credits, and allow children to remain on their parents’ insurance until 26, according to Kaiser Health News.

Telehealth has become increasingly popular, especially in rural areas where accessing healthcare providers can be difficult. A new study has found that telehealth may increase access to physicians, but they may not reduce healthcare spending, which is something telehealth companies have claimed, according to California Healthline. Patients who access telehealth may seek care for minor issues they may not have otherwise visited a physician for, and in turn, increases costs.

Community-based healthcare systems have been working towards implementing genetic testing for patients with cancer. This approach is offered at most major academic medical centers, and can provide a more in-depth look at a patient’s disease. With more facilities using this approach, less patients will be required to travel far distances to receive cutting edge care, according to The Wall Street Journal.