Potential Disruption of Telehealth Services as Government Shutdown Looms

Current Medicare telehealth flexibilities will lapse beginning October 1, 2025, unless Congress passes legislation to extend those flexibilities. At the present time, the most likely legislative vehicle to extend the COVID-era telehealth flexibilities is legislation, also referred to as a continuing resolution, to keep the government funded and open when the current fiscal year ends on September 30.

If Congress does not act, beginning October 1:

  • Telehealth services will be limited to rural areas;
  • Medicare patients will not be able to receive telehealth services in their homes;
  • Physicians will be prohibited from providing audio-only services; and
  • Acute Hospital Care at Home waiver authority would expire.

Even if telehealth flexibilities lapse, there is the possibility Congress could act at a later time and make telehealth policies and payment retroactive to October 1.

To avoid significant practice disruption, ASGE members should consider adjusting patient schedules for telehealth services and proactively communicating with their affected patients.

On September 16, House Republicans passed a stopgap continuing resolution to fund the government through November 21, 2025, and extend Medicare telehealth flexibilities through that date. The Senate has not acted and negotiations among congressional leaders and the White House are ongoing.

ASGE is closely monitoring the situation and will share updates as they become available. 


About Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures allow the gastroenterologist to visually inspect the upper gastrointestinal tract (esophagus, stomach and duodenum) and the lower bowel (colon and rectum) through an endoscope, a thin, flexible device with a lighted end and a powerful lens system. Endoscopy has been a major advance in the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. For example, the use of endoscopes allows the detection of ulcers, cancers, polyps and sites of internal bleeding. Through endoscopy, tissue samples (biopsies) may be obtained, areas of blockage can be opened and active bleeding can be stopped. Polyps in the colon can be removed, which has been shown to prevent colon cancer.

About the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Since its founding in 1941, the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) has been dedicated to advancing patient care and digestive health by promoting excellence and innovation in gastrointestinal endoscopy. ASGE, with almost 17,000 members worldwide, promotes the highest standards for endoscopic training and practice, fosters endoscopic research, recognizes distinguished contributions to endoscopy, and is the foremost resource for endoscopic education. Visit Asge.org and ValueOfColonoscopy.org for more information and to find a qualified doctor in your area.

 

American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
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Media Contact

Andrea Lee
Director of Marketing and Communications
630.570.5603
ALee@asge.org