Looking to leverage FCC funding to launch or expand a remote patient monitoring program (RPM)? Pylo devices by Prevounce are fully qualified for FCC reimbursement, and the Prevounce platform makes it easy to deliver RPM services and connect to your EMR. Want to learn more? Click here to schedule a meeting.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced it will provide $249.5 million in FCC telehealth "grants" for healthcare providers delivering telehealth services. The application window is open from noon ET on Thursday, April 29, through noon ET on Thursday, May 6 (seven calendar days).
The funding will go to eligible healthcare providers to cover the costs of connected devices, telecommunications services, and information services that enable the delivery of telehealth services, including remote patient monitoring, during the pandemic.
Among the connected devices that will be covered by the funding are Pylo Health's 802-LTE blood pressure monitor and 300-LTE weight scale. Designed specifically for RPM, they are a simple, secure, and cost-effective way for patients to manage their blood pressure and weight from home and provides to grow an RPM program.
The following is the list of organization categories that would qualify for funding:
- post-secondary educational institutions offering healthcare instruction, teaching hospitals, and medical schools
- community health centers or health centers providing healthcare to migrants
- local health departments or agencies
- community mental health centers
- not-for-profit hospitals
- rural health clinics
- skilled nursing facilities
- consortia of healthcare providers consisting of one or more entities falling into the above categories
As Fierce Healthcare reports, FCC has established a system for rating applications for the second round. The system will factor in the hardest-hit and lowest-income areas, tribal communities, healthcare provider shortage areas, and unfunded applicants from the CARES round of funding.
"We are pleased to see the FCC extending its support for telehealth," says Daniel Tashnek, founder of Pylo and Prevounce Health, creators of the Prevounce Care Management Platform. "The public health emergency has further demonstrated the tremendous value of telehealth and RPM in helping deliver care to communities of all sizes throughout the country. This second round of funding will greatly assist providers looking to launch or grow telehealth and RPM programs and bring the benefits of virtual care to more of our most vulnerable patient populations."
This is the second round of funding for the FCC's COVID-19 Telehealth Program. The funding builds on the $200 million in funding established as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) of 2020.
Once the filing window opens, interested organizations can submit their application at www.fcc.gov/covid19telehealth. The order applications are submitted will have no bearing on funding decisions.
Note: While funding associated with the round has been described as "grants" in some coverage of this news, participating organizations will be reimbursed post-purchase for applicable devices and services.