Mark Edney, MD, highlights pending telehealth legislation

Many of the telehealth flexibilities that were implemented during the pandemic are set to expire on March 31, 2025, without Congressional action.

In a recent interview, Mark T. Edney, MD, of Chesapeake Urology in Maryland, outlined the pending legislative decision and the potential impact for patients if these provisions are not extended. Specifically, Dr. Edney stressed the importance of conducting initial visits via telehealth, especially for rural patients or those of lower socioeconomic status.

Edney commented, “The ability to do that initial telehealth consultation is critical. The relaxation of the restrictions that started during COVID are critically important for continued access.”

These provisions were initially set to expire at the end of last year, before a decision was made to extend them until the end of March.

Fortunately, there have been efforts to extend these provisions even further, if only for a few more months. On Tuesday, March 11, 2025, the US House voted to pass a continuing resolution bill that included language that would extend telehealth flexibilities through the end of September, which marks the end of the fiscal year.

The bill will now move to the Senate, where it needs bipartisan support before it reaches the desk of President Donald Trump for final approval. A government shutdown would ensue if action is not reached on the CR by Saturday, March 15.