Latta proposes bill to make psych evaluations for non-opioid therapies accessible via telehealth

U.S. Rep. Bob Latta (R-OH) recently introduced a bipartisan bill to permit the use of certain psychological evaluations via telehealth for Medicare coverage of neurostimulation services that treat chronic pain.

“Due to the lack of medical services in rural areas, it can be difficult for people with chronic pain to travel long distances to access non-opioid therapies,” Rep. Latta said. “Utilizing telehealth will make it easier and quicker for people to receive the care they need, regardless of where they live.”

Rep. Latta on Feb. 10 sponsored H.R. 5833, which would amend the Social Security Act to increase access to non-opioid treatments, including certain medical devices and procedures that can provide relief to those with chronic pain without the risk of addiction.

Currently, for example, treatments like spinal cord stimulation (SCS) require psychological evaluations before patients may utilize them, but appointments can take months.

“This extra step can further delay pain relief for patients living in remote areas with limited access to mental health services,” said the congressman.

If enacted, the bill would allow such evaluations to be conducted using telehealth services, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Latta’s office.

Cindy Steinberg, national director of policy and advocacy for the U.S. Pain Foundation, endorsed H.R. 5833.

“On behalf of our 188 volunteers for the U.S. Pain Foundation living with pain in Ohio and the 50 million Americans living with daily chronic pain, we applaud Congressman Latta’s leadership on increasing patient access to pain management services via telehealth in rural and underserved communities, ” said Steinberg. “Patients with debilitating pain conditions often struggle to travel to necessary medical appointments, which can be a huge barrier to getting the help they desperately need.”

The measure is under consideration in both the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee and the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee.