URAC has discovered a great deal about telehealth practice from the depth of expertise provided by our well-known, well-established beta test applicants. Their experience with Telehealth v1.0 and the accreditation process guides us in positioning the program for further success and growth.

The information from beta applicants’ accreditation reviews reveals opportunities for enhancing the program to optimize our clients’ telehealth practices. Product Development and Accrediting and Client Services have teamed-up to streamline the program into a re-engineered Telehealth v2.0, a more focused program that at the same time has a broader market appeal than its predecessor. The last significant changes to the standards are being readied for presentation to the Health Standards Committee, which will occur on November 15th. Once approval is given, the program will be polished and finalized into a client-ready product. We have clients in the wings eagerly awaiting the chance to proceed with their applications. The fast-track timeline for launch of Telehealth v2.0 is early in the first quarter of 2018.

The revision fits in with URAC’s goal to enhance two programs per year - which began with work on Medicare Advantage earlier in the fall. In the meantime, we pursue our plans to build a new program every year, form a strategic alliance, and grow Redefine Health.