1. United States
2. Kan.
3. Letter

I am writing to urgently request your support for the Telehealth Modernization Act of 2024, a crucial piece of legislation that will expand healthcare access for millions of Americans while supporting physicians in delivering high-quality care. Benefits to Patients: Telehealth has proven essential in improving access to care, particularly for patients in rural and underserved areas. It enables individuals—especially those with chronic conditions, mobility challenges, limited healthcare access, transportation issues, or busy schedules—to receive timely care without unnecessary travel. This allows patients to avoid disruptions in their daily lives in order to receive the care they need, which might otherwise lead to cancellations or missed appointments, resulting in delays in care. Additionally, telehealth enables providers to quickly address urgent needs and improve patient outcomes by offering faster access to care and alleviating the burden on emergency rooms and urgent care centers. Telehealth also supports greater adherence to treatment plans and better chronic disease management—both of which are vital to reducing overall healthcare costs and improving quality of life. Benefits to Physicians: For physicians, telehealth not only allows them to see more patients efficiently but also helps reduce overhead costs by minimizing the need for physical office space and in-person appointments. This flexibility also offers physicians a better work-life balance, allowing them to more effectively manage their practices, reduce burnout, and focus on delivering high-quality care. Ensuring fair reimbursement for telehealth services by Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurers, as this bill proposes, will further support physicians in meeting the growing demand for care. Benefits to Government/Medicare: The Telehealth Modernization Act of 2024 expands access to telehealth, benefiting Medicare by ensuring continued remote care for beneficiaries without geographic or facility restrictions. It helps reduce healthcare costs, improve care for underserved populations, and supports efficient, equitable healthcare. For Congress, the Act represents a long-term investment in sustainable healthcare infrastructure, enhancing patient outcomes and possibly lowering overall expenditures. The Telehealth Modernization Act of 2024 will eliminate barriers to telehealth, improve patient outcomes, and enhance access to care for all. I urge you to support this critical legislation to ensure telehealth remains a cornerstone of our healthcare system. Thank you for your attention to this important issue. I look forward to your support. Sincerely, Michelle Knoll, MD Pediatric Endocrinologist