Medicare Telehealth Gets Another Temporary Lifeline —Will Congress Make It Permanent
Laser Surgery Offers Hope for Patients Living With Epilepsy And Brain Cancer
pg. 9
Oncology Research pg.3
Mental Health pg.5
Healthy Heart pg.6
The Framework pg.8
Financial Forecast pg.12
By Joelle M. Wilson, J.D. Polsinelli, PC
President Trump recently signed a continuing resolution to avert a government shutdown, which included a critical six-month extension of Medicare telehealth flexibilities through September 30, 2025. This six-month extension provides a temporary reprieve from the looming expiration of telehealth waivers that have been in place since the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE). While this is a positive development, it underscores the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Medicare’s long-term telehealth policy—an issue that Congress must address with a more permanent solution. What the Extension Means for Providers Medicare providers will continue to operate under the existing telehealth flexibilities for an additional six months. This means:
• No Geographic or Site Restrictions – Medicare beneficiaries can receive telehealth services regardless of their location, including from their homes.
• Expanded Practitioner Eligibility – A broader range of healthcare providers, including physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists, can continue furnishing telehealth services.
• Coverage for Audio-Only Services – Medicare will maintain reimbursement for certain audio-only visits, which have been critical for reaching patients without reliable broadband access.
• Hospital and Facility - Based
Telehealth – Flexibilities allowing hospitals and health systems to use telehealth for certain hospital-at-home and outpatient services remain in place.
• FQHCs and RHCs ParticipationFederally Qualified Health Centers and Rural Health Clinics can continue to offer telehealth services, ensuring access in underserved areas.
• Mental Health Flexibilities - The in-person evaluation requirement for mental health services delivered via telehealth has been deferred, allowing patients to continue receiving mental health care via telehealth.
For hospitals, health systems and provider groups that have invested heavily in telehealth infrastructure, this extension offers short-term stability. However, the uncertainty beyond September 2025 remains a pressing concern.
Industry Perspective on the Need for Regulatory Certainty
Since the expanded use of telehealth under Medicare, healthcare providers, hospitals and technology developers have adapted their care delivery models and made significant
investments in telehealth infrastructure. Many industry stakeholders have highlighted the following considerations as Congress continues evaluating the long-term future of Medicare telehealth policy:
• Regulatory Stability for Long-Term Decision-Making - Healthcare organizations make strategic decisions — ranging from workforce planning to technology investments—based on long-term regulatory and reimbursement expectations. Without a definitive, long-term Medicare telehealth policy, providers must plan within an uncertain framework, creating challenges in making sustainable investments.
• Access to Care for Underserved and Rural Populations - Telehealth has played a key role in expanding access to care, particularly for rural and underserved populations who may face geographic, transportation or mobility barriers. Healthcare providers serving these communities have emphasized the importance of telehealth in maintaining access to
Baylor Students Learn Next Step
Oncology Research
Three Questions to Ask an Oncologist About Clinical Trials
By Oluchukwu E. Oluoha, M.D., Texas Oncology
When it comes to cancer, advancements in clinical trials and research are our greatest hopes for eliminating these diseases. Discoveries like new drug therapies or combinations, innovations in radiation therapy, and better screening and diagnostic methods come from clinical trials, where researchers examine the safety and effectiveness of different cancer treatments and reveal insights into the disease and ways to deliver better care.
These breakthroughs that advance prevention and treatment of cancer are
made possible by the courageous patients who volunteer to participate in clinical trials. Yet less than 7.1% of adult cancer patients choose to participate in clinical trials, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information.
Anyone considering participation in a clinic trial should be reassured that clinical trials follow strict compliance with federal, state, and local regulatory requirements. Each patient is carefully evaluated to ensure the patient is a strong fit for a particular clinical trial. To get started, here are three questions to ask your oncologist about participating in a clinical trial. What types of clinical trials are available?
Patients are encouraged to play an active role in their cancer care, which includes being informed of all treatment options available. When you have this conversation with your
oncologist, you can also ask about clinical trial availability. At any given time, there are hundreds of active clinical trials at various stages of evaluation. For example, prevention trials focus on preventing cancer or the recurrence of cancer and might focus on diet and nutrition or the use of different medications or vitamins to determine if the risk of developing cancer is lowered. Similarly, treatment trials are designed to evaluate new treatments, vaccines, therapies, or surgical procedures when compared to the current standard of care. What are the benefits and risks of
participating in a clinical trial?
The benefits and risks of clinical trials vary by trial. And, just as every patient experiences symptoms and side effects differently, this is true for clinical trial participants as well. Some of the benefits of participating in a clinical trial include treatment that may be more effective than other available treatment options and access to treatments often not available to the public. Patients enrolled in clinical trials also receive the same standard
see Oncology ...page 13
Houston Methodist Awards $10 Million Through Community Benefits Grant Program to Strengthen Health Care Access in The Greater Houston Area
Houston Methodist announced today that it has awarded $10 million in community grants to 30 local nonprofit organizations through the
Community Benefits Grant Program. In 2025, the agencies receiving grant support will help more than 59,000 individuals in the Greater Houston
area gain access to critical health care services.
The Community Benefits Grant Program focuses on increasing health
care access to primary care and mental health care services for uninsured and underinsured individuals through financial support to free clinics, federally qualified health centers and other nonprofit agencies. The grant program has helped 83 unique Houston-area charities with nearly $185 million since its inception more than 30 years ago.
Two types of funding are available under the program — the Community Benefits Grant, which focuses on affordable, quality access to health care services and the Mental Health Innovation Grant, which supports initiatives aimed at reducing barriers to accessing mental health care services.
“Access to affordable, high-quality health care continues to be a challenge for many Houstonians,” said Cathy Easter, senior vice president of community development at Houston Methodist. “Partnerships with trusted, impactful local organizations are key to addressing this challenge and enhancing community health. We’re proud to work alongside these incredible nonprofits to offer support to those in our community who need it most.”
By Staff
AnMental Health Social Media May Heighten Depression Severity in Youth
emotional overattachment to social media may be associated with increased severity of mental health symptoms among young people being treated for depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts, according to researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center.
The study, published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, found that 40% of depressed and suicidal youth reported problematic social media use, defined as being upset or having feelings of discontent or disappointment when not using social media. These youth also reported higher rates of screen time and expressed more and higher depressive symptoms, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts, along
with poorer overall well-being.
“There has long been speculation that excessive social media use among young people may be a factor in increased rates of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, but the relationship is not fully understood,” said study leader Betsy Kennard, Psy.D., Distinguished Teaching Professor of Psychiatry and member of the Peter O’Donnell Jr. Brain Institute at UT Southwestern.
“While there have been multiple studies investigating social media use and mental health symptoms, few focused on clinical populations. Our findings are instructive because they characterize the prevalence of problematic social media use in children and adolescents who are receiving care for depression, suicidal ideation, and/ or suicidal behaviors, which gives us insight into how they might intersect.”
Dr. Kennard and her colleagues reviewed data from a social media questionnaire completed by 489 patients in the Texas Youth Depression and Suicide Research Registry, comprising patients ages 8 to 20 who are receiving care for depression, suicidal ideation, and/or suicidal behaviors at 12 academic medical centers across the state including UT Southwestern and Children’s Health. Prevalence of problematic social media use was identified, and indicators of mental and physical health were compared in
those with or without problematic use.
“The appropriate amount of social media activity isn’t a ‘one-size-fits-all’ issue, so what is fine for one individual may not be OK for someone else,” Dr. Kennard said. “But what we often see is that the characteristics of problematic use mirror those of addiction, with continued use even when wanting to stop, cravings, interference with daily tasks and activities, deceptive use, interpersonal disruptions, and more.
Healthy Heart Cardiovascular Disease: The
focus on health during this pivotal life stage is crucial.
#1 Killer of Women
By Chloe Burke “Heart of the Advocate” Winner
This spring, the Houston Go Red for Women Luncheon will be championing better health and well-being for all women, helping them live their best lives through every age, stage, and season. According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of women. It claims the lives of 1 in 3 women, and accounts for more deaths than all forms of cancer combined!
For every mother, sister, and friend, here are 10 other facts you need to know:
1. Cardiovascular disease kills more women than all forms of cancer combined and yet only 44% of women recognize that cardiovascular disease is their greatest health threat.
2. Among females 20 years and older,
nearly 45% are living with some form of cardiovascular disease and less than 50% of women entering pregnancy in the United States have good heart health.
3. Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of new moms and accounts for over on-third of maternal deaths. Black women have some of the highest maternal mortality rates.
4. Overall, 10% to 20% of women will have a health issue during pregnancy, and high blood pressure, preeclampsia and gestational diabetes during pregnancy greatly increase a women’s risk for developing cardiovascular disease later in life.
5. Going through menopause does not cause cardiovascular disease, but the approach of menopause marks a point in midlife when women’s cardiovascular risk factors can accelerate, making increased
6. Most cardiac and stroke events can be prevented through education and lifestyle changes, such as moving more, eating smart and managing blood pressure.
7. 51.9% of high blood pressure deaths, otherwise known as hypertension or the “silent killer,” are in women, and out of all women, 57.6% of Black females have hypertension — more than any other race or ethnicity.
8. While there are an estimated 4.1 million female stroke survivors living today, approximately 57.5% of total stroke deaths are in women.
9. Women are often less likely to receive bystander CPR because rescuers often fear accusations of inappropriate touching, sexual assault or injuring the victim.
10. Women continue to be underrepresented in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields, as well as in research. In fact, women
occupy nearly half of all U.S. jobs (48%), but only 27% of jobs in STEM fields. Furthermore, only 38% of participants in clinical cardiovascular trials are women. To learn more, go to www.Heart.org/ HoustonGoRed
The Framework UTHealth Houston School of Public Health Celebrates New Building Milestone
By Cierra Duncan |
UTHealth Houston School of Public Health celebrated the final beam being placed on its new 10-story, 350,000-square-foot facility, currently under construction in the Texas Medical Center’s Helix Park. Set to open in 2026, the building will feature advanced information technology infrastructure that enhances education while expanding the school’s presence across the state.
At a topping out ceremony on Feb. 24, UTHealth Houston School of Public Health — ranked the 2024 Top Public Health school in Texas by U.S. News & World Report — celebrated the final beam being placed on its new 10-story, 350,000-square-foot facility, currently under construction in the Texas Medical Center’s Helix Park.
The new facility, with an estimated cost of $299 million, is scheduled to open to students in fall 2026. It will have multipurpose
spaces for students, distance-learning technology and capabilities to broadcast to UTHealth Houston School of Public Health campuses across Texas, an auditorium and teaching kitchen, state-of-the-art research laboratories, and classrooms that support the school’s wide range of disciplines.
Set to open in 2026, the building will feature advanced information technology infrastructure that enhances education while expanding the school’s presence across the state.
Everything in the building is consistent with the school’s mission,” said Eric Boerwinkle, PhD, dean of the School of Public Health, M. David Low Chair in Public Health, and Kozmetsky Family Chair in Human Genetics. “It is important to remind ourselves that the school is not a building, it’s really the people. It’s the people within the building and the functionality of this new space combined that will make this school even greater.”
The school’s mission is to change
the culture of health through excellence in graduate education, research, and engagement. It has 180 faculty members, 500 staff, and 1,300 students as of spring 2025.
Jagat Narula, MD, PhD, executive vice president and chief academic officer at UTHealth Houston and K. Lance Gould Distinguished University Chair in Coronary Pathophysiology at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, noted an increased need for resources and awareness surrounding public health, especially
following the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It is estimated that state and local health departments will need to hire a minimum of 80,000 positions to adequately provide community health services in the coming years,” Narula said. “As one of the nation’s premier health science universities, UTHealth Houston has the responsibility and privilege to lead the way in addressing these public health and related workflow challenges. Our faculty and staff will have a rich collaborative environment to learn and innovate in this facility.”
Set to Open in 2026 Photo by: Jacob Power
Laser Surgery Offers Hope for Patients Living with Epilepsy and Brain Cancer
By Bradley Lega, M.D., and Toral Patel, M.D., Associate Professors of Neurological Surgery, UT Southwestern Medical Center
Numbness For patients with intractable epilepsy or complex brain tumors, surgery can reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. However, traditional open craniotomy, in which part of the skull is removed, is not always a safe option for patients with deep-seated tumors or those with advanced disease. It also may carry an increased risk of side effects.
But a minimally invasive option, laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT), provides patients an alternative. LITT offers effective, and in some cases curative, results – with significantly shorter recovery and a lower risk of complications and side effects than with open craniotomies.
UT Southwestern’s Peter
O’Donnell Jr. Brain Institute is the most experienced center in North Texas providing LITT. Our program uses state-of-the-art intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI), an integrated operating suite that allows us to precisely eliminate or minimize brain lesions once considered inoperable.
The benefits of minimally invasive procedures such as LITT are clear. Patients find relief from their symptoms within days or weeks, with little to no pain and two-thirds less downtime compared with a craniotomy.
UTSW neurosurgeons recently celebrated our 100th LITT procedure performed at William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital, building on our extensive experience in offering this unparalleled level of treatment to more than 200 patients in North Texas during the past decade.
LITT is not only a symbol of hope for patients who once had no options.
Elevate Your Practice
Move-in ready suites designed for patient wellbeing and specialty care.
It is also a life-changing procedure that can give patients with intractable epilepsy or complex brain tumors more control over their lives and more time to do what matters most to them.
How LITT works and why we use it
After making an approximate 4-millimeter (1/8 of an inch) opening in the skull, we attach the guide tube for the laser fiber to the patient’s skull. We then use iMRI guidance to pinpoint the area of the brain affected
by epilepsy or a brain tumor. Through the bone opening, we insert a laser fiber directly into the target area.
The fiber transmits pulses of laser energy that release heat (ablation) to dissolve problematic tissue without damaging healthy brain tissue. The iMRI technology allows us to observe the impact of the ablation every nine seconds, in near real time, so that we
UT Southwestern neurosurgeons use laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) to precisely eliminate or minimize brain lesions once considered inoperable. (Photo credit: Monteris Medical)
Baylor Students Learn Next Step in Medical Training At 2025 Match Day
By Staff
Fourth-year medical students at Baylor College of Medicine gathered on the school’s lawn with family, friends and educational leaders on a beautiful, blue-sky Texas spring day to learn where they will spend the next three to seven years for their residency training.
Match Day, held today at U.S. medical schools, culminates the annual National Resident Match Program that pairs fourth-year medical students with residency programs throughout the nation. At Baylor, 194 students participated in the match, and 70 of them – 36 percent – will begin their residencies in the primary care fields of family medicine, pediatrics, internal medicine, medicine/pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology or emergency
you,” he said, suggesting that students show swag but not arrogance as they represent Baylor College of Medicine going forward in their training and careers.
Dr. Jennifer Christner, senior dean of the School of Medicine and School of Health Professions, acknowledged Baylor’s affiliate institutions where students do clinical rotations during medical school. “You trained in the best place in the entire country, and our affiliates are so much a part of that.”
Class of 2025 President Adel Hassan addressed his classmates before the match envelops were revealed, expressing his pride in their training so far.
“I am incredibly proud to stand here with you today. You have been an amazing class, and it’s been an honor
medicine. Forty-seven students will continue their training in residencies at Baylor College of Medicine, and 83 matched at residency programs in Texas.
During a brief program leading up to opening of the envelopes containing students’ matches, Baylor President, CEO and Executive Dean Dr. Paul Klotman reminded this class, as he does each class, that it’s called Match Day, not selection day.
“If you didn’t match with your first choice, that means they didn’t particularly want you. But the one where you did match, they love you and so that is the perfect place for you,” Klotman said. “You will do better at an institution that really wants
to watch your achievements,” Hassan said. “Each and every one of you is going to be an amazing doctor with your own unique strengths. Wherever your envelope takes you, there will be patients who have spent countless hours driving to the hospital, sitting in the waiting room, lying awake in their hospital beds, and all that time, they were hoping for one thing: to get the best doctor possible. And that doctor will be you.”
Dr. Lee Poythress, associate dean of student affairs, called students to the large board where their envelopes were posted, telling their parents and family in attendance that these students represent the finest in the country.
Financial Forecast The Buckets of Money Strategy
AsBy Grace S. Yung, CFP Midtown Financial Group, LLC
individuals approach retirement, financial planning becomes increasingly important to manage assets effectively. One approach to organizing retirement savings is the Buckets of Money Strategy. This strategy helps individuals allocate investments based on short-, intermediate-, and long-term needs, providing liquidity for immediate expenses, stability for mid-term needs, and growth potential for the future.
Understanding the Buckets of Money Strategy
The Buckets of Money Strategy divides retirement savings into three distinct categories. The first is the short-term bucket, which covers
The goal of this bucket is to generate a reasonable return while limiting exposure to excessive volatility. It can be particularly useful for medium-term expenses such as home renovations or unexpected medical costs.
The long-term bucket is allocated for investments with a time horizon of seven years or more. This portion of the portfolio is designed for long-term growth and typically consists of equities, mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and other growth-oriented investments. Since this bucket has the longest time frame, it can better withstand short-term market fluctuations while benefiting from the potential for compounding and capital appreciation. The objective of this allocation is to keep pace with inflation and support financial needs throughout later years of retirement.
Considerations
for the Buckets Strategy
immediate expenses and serves as a cash reserve. This bucket consists of highly liquid, low-risk assets such as savings accounts, money market accounts, or short-term Treasury bills. The purpose of this allocation is to ensure that essential expenses such as mortgage payments, medical costs, or planned travel can be covered without the need to sell investments during market downturns.
The intermediate-term bucket is designed for financial needs that arise within three to seven years. This portion of the strategy focuses on preserving capital while providing some income and moderate growth. Investments in this category may include high-quality bonds, conservative balanced funds, or laddered fixed-income securities.
One of the key benefits of this approach is that it provides a framework for managing market volatility. The short-term bucket ensures that funds are available for immediate expenses, reducing the need to sell investments during a downturn, while the long-term bucket allows for continued market participation with a focus on growth. The intermediate-term bucket plays an essential role in bridging the gap between short-term cash needs and long-term investments, helping to manage withdrawals strategically and reduce the risk of prematurely depleting retirement savings. By
Oncology
Continued from page 3
of treatment and care as those not participating in trials. While there are inherent risks with participating in research, the benefits often outweigh them. For example, in some cases, the risks include side effects similar to those experienced with traditional forms of treatment like chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Hope
Continued from page 9
can adjust the laser to precisely match the shape of the lesion that we are treating.
The procedure, done under general anesthesia, is sometimes as short as two hours. Recovery is swift, and patients are up and moving within hours after surgery. Most patients stay in the hospital just one night after
Match Day
Continued from page 10
Hassan led a countdown to 11 a.m. and students finally were able to pull their envelope from the colorful board to learn of their match. Hassan matched at UT Southwestern, his top choice.
Thomas Bini was one of the
Am I eligible for a clinical trial?
Not all patients are eligible for clinical trials, even when it seems like you may be a good fit. Factors considered before approving a cancer patient for a clinical trial depend on such criteria as age and sex, cancer type, stage of cancer, previous treatments, and medical history. If you’re interested in a
trial but not eligible for trials currently available, discuss your interest in participating with your oncologist so they can keep you in mind for future opportunities. New clinical trials open regularly.
These three questions are the beginning of open and ongoing discussions about your cancer care with
your physician. The American Cancer Society recommends evaluating all treatment options before deciding to participate in a clinical trial, and taking into consideration any additional travel, time, medical coverage, and potential costs, among others.
LITT and then go home with a few self-dissolving stitches and little or no pain. On average, patients can expect to be back to a normal routine in about a week – a third of the time compared with an open craniotomy.
Because LITT is a minimally invasive procedure, the risk of complications is lower compared with
a traditional craniotomy:
• Shorter hospital stays
• Shorter recovery time
• Less medication
• Less risk of infection
• Fewer hospital readmissions
UTSW neurosurgeons perform LITT with iMRI procedures weekly – a high volume due to the expertise
of the specialists on our care team. Although the technology is only approved to treat select conditions, we expect ongoing research to show LITT efficacy for more patient needs in the near future.
47 students who matched at Baylor College of Medicine, where he will train in anesthesiology. “It felt like home here. I really enjoyed my educational experience at Baylor and all of my mentors. I’m excited to be at Baylor.”
William Porter and Chelsea Godfrey also matched at Baylor, both
Financial Forecast
Continued from page 12
structuring retirement assets in this way, individuals can establish a clearer approach to financial planning and transition into retirement with greater confidence.
Implementing the Strategy
To put the Buckets of Money Strategy into action, individuals should first assess their financial needs and anticipate expenses in the short-, intermediate-, and long-term. Once a clear picture of financial goals is
established, assets can be allocated accordingly to align with personal risk tolerance and income requirements. Periodic reviews and adjustments are necessary to maintain appropriate funding across the buckets as financial situations evolve. Working with a financial professional, such as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER practitioner, can provide valuable guidance on asset allocation, tax-efficient withdrawal strategies, and
with the Medicine-Pediatrics Residency Program, or med-peds, a four-year residency that provides the skills necessary to diagnose and manage both adult and pediatric conditions. For Porter, the strength of the program attracted him most, while Godfrey appreciated proximity to the support of her family and partner.
Once the envelopes were torn open, students posed for photos, celebrated with classmates and loved ones and marked with a pin the location of their residency on a map board.
approaches to maintaining income throughout retirement.
Conclusion
The Buckets of Money Strategy offers a structured way to manage retirement assets by dividing them into different time horizons. By maintaining liquidity for near-term expenses, stability for mid-term needs, and long-term growth potential, individuals can navigate their financial future with greater clarity. Through
careful planning and professional guidance, this strategy can serve as an effective tool in managing financial needs throughout retirement.
Telehealth
Continued from page 1
primary care, specialty services and mental health treatment. Given the growing reliance on telehealth among Medicare beneficiaries, there is industry interest in ensuring continued access to these services beyond temporary extensions.
• Innovation and Growth in Digital Health - The expansion of telehealth has supported technological innovation across the healthcare industry, from remote patient monitoring to AI-driven clinical documentation tools. Industry stakeholders have noted that uncertainty around Medicare’s long-term telehealth policy can impact investment in emerging digital health solutions, as healthcare organizations and technology developers assess future regulatory and reimbursement environments.
What’s Next? The Push for Permanent Reform
With the clock now ticking toward the new September 30, 2025, deadline, major healthcare organizations are advocating for permanent legislative action. The American Telemedicine Association
Mental Health
Continued from page 5
Our hope is that we can use these findings, and data from future studies, to develop better screening methods to address problematic use earlier.”
(ATA) and American Hospital Association (AHA) continue to urge Congress to cement telehealth’s place in modern healthcare, emphasizing its role in expanding access, improving outcomes and addressing provider shortages. Similarly, several bipartisan efforts have been initiated to establish permanent telehealth policies:
1. Telehealth Modernization Act of 2024 (H.R. 7623)
This bill seeks to permanently extend certain telehealth flexibilities that were initially authorized during the COVID-19 public health emergency.
2. Creating Opportunities Now for Necessary and Effective Care Technologies (CONNECT) for Health Act of 2023 (H.R. 4189; S. 2016) This bill proposes to expand coverage of telehealth services under Medicare, aiming to remove geographic restrictions and expand originating sites, including to allow patients to receive telehealth services in their homes.
3. Preserving Telehealth, Hospital, and Ambulance Access Act (H.R. 8261)
This bill aims to extend key telehealth flexibilities through
Dr. Kennard and her colleagues at UT Southwestern are also working to develop and test interventional tools that can help young people reduce their dependence on social media. For example, a family social media plan –in which family members discuss usage limits and agree to specific guidelines – might help young people better manage their screen time before it creates mental health impacts. UTSW researchers also plan to continue studying problematic social media use and its influence on adolescent mental health.
Other UTSW researchers who contributed to this study are senior author Madhukar Trivedi, M.D., Professor of Psychiatry and Public Health; Abu Minhajuddin, Ph.D., Professor of Public Health and Psychiatry; Manish Jha, M.D., Associate Professor of Psychiatry; and Shamari Pitts, B.S., and Sophia Jones, B.S., Clinical Research Assistants in Psychiatry.
Dr. Kennard is a licensed psychologist and has more than 30 years of clinical experience with children and adolescents. She is also Director of the Suicide Prevention and Resilience Program at Children’s Health.
2026, including provisions for hospital-at-home programs and ambulance services.
While there appears to be bipartisan support recognizing telehealth as a vital component of modern healthcare delivery, a long-term solution is critical to ensuring that telehealth remains a viable and effective care delivery option for Medicare beneficiaries well beyond 2025. Providers should take advantage of the additional time to solidify their telehealth strategies while remaining engaged in advocacy efforts.
Drs. Trivedi and Jha are Investigators in the O’Donnell Brain Institute.
This study was funded by the Texas Youth Depression and Suicide Research Network.
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