Central Louisiana News

U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy and Alex Padilla, along with their colleagues in the House of Representatives, have introduced the Health Accelerating Consumers’ Care by Expediting Self-Scheduling (ACCESS) Act. The bipartisan legislation aims to modernize the healthcare system and improve patients' access to care by providing regulatory certainty for digital health services.

Dr. Cassidy, a physician himself, emphasized the importance of using technology to simplify access to healthcare. He stated, "The last thing a sick patient needs is a barrier when trying to book a medical appointment."

Senator Padilla highlighted the need for accessible physical and mental healthcare, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. He noted that provider wait times have worsened, making digital health programs essential for efficiently administering care. He said, "We cannot let scheduling obstacles prevent Americans in crisis from receiving care when they need it most."

The Health ACCESS Act aims to increase patients' access to care by enhancing digital health platforms and allowing them to easily find healthcare services and schedule appointments. Representative Moore explained that by modernizing the existing regulatory framework, innovation in the healthcare marketplace can be bolstered, ultimately reducing barriers to care.

Representative Schneider, one of the bill's sponsors, highlighted the importance of online booking platforms in helping patients find available healthcare providers in real time. He emphasized that this not only makes it easier to access health services but also maximizes doctors' schedules by filling open slots created by last-minute cancellations.

Representative Malliotakis expressed her pride in introducing the Health ACCESS Act, which will make it easier for Medicare enrollees and other federal healthcare beneficiaries to book medical appointments online. She stated, "This bipartisan and bicameral legislation brings Congress one step closer to creating a patient-centric healthcare system that prioritizes the well-being and needs of our constituents."

Representative Panetta emphasized the need to address regulatory ambiguity that is hindering innovation and digitization in the healthcare system. He stated, "With more patients turning to digital health services than ever before, this commonsense action would further promote the modern healthcare that Americans deserve."

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the demand for digital health services and other innovative practices. However, under current law, there is no distinction between illegal referral practices and scheduling services that reduce barriers to accessing necessary care. The Health ACCESS Act aims to adjust the Anti-Kickback Statute to remove regulatory ambiguity, allowing digital health and appointment booking platforms to work together to better serve patients.

By doing so, the legislation will improve access to care through user-friendly services, expand provider choice and scheduling availability, and enhance the overall healthcare experience and ecosystem.

The Health ACCESS Act has garnered support from organizations such as the Chronic Care Policy Alliance, Boston Medical Center, Corewell Health, and Indiana University Health.

In conclusion, the Health ACCESS Act introduced by Senators Cassidy and Padilla, along with their House colleagues, seeks to modernize the healthcare system and improve patients' access to care through digital health services. The bipartisan legislation aims to remove regulatory ambiguity, enhance user-friendly services, and expand provider choice and scheduling availability. With support from various organizations, this legislation is a step forward in creating a patient-centric healthcare system that prioritizes the well-being and needs of Americans.