Advancing Virtual Care Practices Across the Cognitive Impairment Continuum

Authors

Tara Sklar, James E. Rogers College of Law, University of Arizona
Kathryn Huber, Kaiser Permanente; University of Colorado School of Medicine; James E. Rogers College of Law, University of Arizona.

Recommended Citation

Tara Sklar and Kathryn Huber, Advancing Virtual Care Practices Across the Cognitive Impairment Continuum, 35 Health Matrix 191 (2025)
Available at: https://scholarlycommons.law.case.edu/healthmatrix/vol35/iss1/8

Abstract

As the population of older adults grows, providing high-quality, costeffective healthcare for those with cognitive impairments is an increasing priority. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift towards receiving virtual care at home through temporary Medicare flexibilities. However, the uncertainty surrounding the continuing extension of these flexibilities at the federal level and variations in reimbursement policies across the states present challenges for virtual care practices to meet the rising demand for care amid unprecedented workforce shortages. Sustainable, long-term reimbursement at the federal and state levels, a trained and integrated healthcare workforce, and adherence to recognized accreditation standards and guidelines are essential to advance the quality and safety of virtual care for cognitively impaired patients. Furthermore, reimbursement policies that incentivize investments in technology infrastructure and digital literacy outreach are needed to ensure equitable access to virtual care for all patients across the cognitive impairment continuum.