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The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated the use of digital health tools, especially telemedicine, by primary care clinicians. In response, federal and state policymakers enacted changes that allowed reimbursement for audio-only visits, expanded use of telehealth in community health centers, and removed geographic and distant/presenting site limitations. These policies supported rapid adoption by clinicians and increased access for consumers, especially those insured through Medicare, Medicaid and the uninsured.

This event will highlight the role that federal policy has on healthcare access and health equity. We will showcase the findings of the Digital Health Tools Study (DHTS), highlighting the pandemic’s impact on primary care and other historically underserved healthcare settings, followed by a reaction panel of experts representing a variety of perspectives including primary care practice, payers, patients, and health technology. The panelists will discuss lessons learned and future directions for primary care delivery, digital health tools, and health equity in a post-pandemic era.

Event Objectives:
• Assess national priorities related to health care access, digital health tools, and health equity
• Discuss key findings from the DHTS, including barriers and facilitators to adoption and use of technology
• Identify policy and practice changes adopted to support and expand use of digital health tools during the pandemic