TILT – Therapeutic Innovations in Light of Technology
Ne wInnovations Money Matters: the State of Online Therapy Reimbursement in the United States Mark Goldenson When bank robber Willie Sutton was asked why he robbed banks, he famously said, “that’s where the money is.” In health care, the money is in reimbursement. SAMHSA reported that in 2003, Americans received $121 billion in mental health and substance abuse care. Public payers – Medicare, Medicaid, and state and federal sources - covered 61% ($74 billion) of these costs. Private payers covered 26% ($31 billion). Only 13% ($16 billion) of costs were paid outof-pocket. The unfortunate reality in American health care is that new services are driven primarily by reimbursement. In telemedicine, previously major barriers – expensive
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