Funding and Reimbursement
In recent years, Tribes and Tribal organizations have received federal grants totaling over $3 million for projects related to telehealth, network development, and information technology systems integration. While such grants do not assure that project "sustainability", they do facilitate the development of infrastructure so that new service can be implemented and evaluated.
Federal Grants
Reimbursement policy is a critical step on the path to telehealth sustainability. The IHS Telehealth Program monitors Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services policy (http://www.cms.hhs.gov/states/telelist.asp) - as well as specific state-based Medicaid rules and guidances - concerning telemedicine reimbursement. Keep an eye on "CMS Spotlight", for developments in telemedicine reimbursement and state-specific reimbursement information.
CMS Spotlight
