The Grand Rapids Herald Review reports…

Last week, Essentia Health joined a coalition of health care organizations calling on Congress to extend Medicare coverage for telehealth services before it expires on Sept. 30. In a letter to Congressional leaders, Essentia urged either a permanent extension or, at minimum, a two-year extension, be established to provide stability and clarity for patients, providers and the broader health care system.

Essentia Health focuses on the need for telehealth in rural areas…

As a health care system serving primarily rural communities, Essentia has leveraged telehealth to deliver primary and specialty care to patients who would otherwise have to travel long distances to receive care.

Essentia serves more than 12,300 patients on average per month through telehealth services, with providers conducting an average of 15,000 telehealth visits or consults per month.