This week, we are joined by Sumona Das Gupta, assistant director of pharmacy audit and compliance at University of Washington Medical Center and Harborview Medical Center. As part of the UW Medicine health system, the hospitals operate in the first region of the U.S. that experienced community transmission of COVID-19 last year. Sumona discusses how her hospitals quickly expanded their telehealth capacity to serve patients, how this transformation impacted their 340B program operations and compliance, and the benefits telehealth brings to both patients and providers. 

Telehealth Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic 

Sumona explains how her medical centers began building a foundation for telehealth prior to the pandemic to reach underserved communities. Before the pandemic, limitations on telehealth existed. However, the pandemic brought changes in policy and technology regarding telehealth. She shares how the medical centers quickly adapted to these changes and what strategies they used to expand their telehealth capabilities. 

Addressing 340B Policies and Procedures for Telehealth

Sumona shares how telehealth visits remained eligible for 340B and how her system updated its 340B policies and procedures to reflect telehealth implementation and ensure 340B compliance. This was aided by the Health Resources & Services Administration’s public health emergency flexibilities for 340B providers.  

The Benefits and Challenges of Telehealth 

Telehealth has widened the ability for patients to access care, even across state lines, while keeping everyone safe. Sumona shares how to help prepare patients for a telehealth visit, the strategies used to help patients feel connected with practitioners during telehealth visits, and the overall satisfaction patients are experiencing with telehealth. She also discusses how telehealth might not work for every patient. 

Telehealth is Here to Stay 

Sumona previews what is ahead for telehealth post pandemic and how 340B savings can help further expand the access to care that telehealth provides. 

Check out all of our episodes on the 340B Insight podcast website. You also can stay updated on all 340B Health news and information by visiting our homepage. If you have any questions you’d like us to cover in this podcast, email us at [email protected].

Resources 

1. 340B Health Online Platform for Commenting on CMS’s Proposed Medicare Part B Cuts for 2022
2. 340B Health Webinar Slides: Telemedicine Use By 340B Hospitals (May 2020)
3. UW Medicine