ASGE members should be aware of an upcoming deadline affecting Medicare telehealth services. Current telehealth flexibilities are scheduled to expire on January 31, 2026, unless Congress acts to extend them.
If the flexibilities expire, Medicare telehealth policy will largely revert to pre-pandemic rules, reinstating geographic and originating site restrictions and narrowing when and how telehealth services may be furnished. The temporary waivers currently allow patients to receive care from home, expanded use of audio-only telehealth in certain circumstances, and broader coverage supporting care coordination and follow-up.
Although gastroenterology is a procedure-driven specialty, telehealth has become an important tool for pre-procedure consultations, post-procedure follow-up, medication management, and improving access for rural and underserved patients. A rollback could disrupt workflows and limit patient access.
Steps members can take now include reviewing current telehealth use, re-familiarizing teams with pre-pandemic Medicare requirements, planning for potential workflow changes, monitoring commercial payer policies, and staying engaged in advocacy efforts.
ASGE continues to monitor Congressional developments and engage with policymakers on the importance of preserving telehealth access. While telehealth remains an active area of legislative discussion, no further extensions are guaranteed. ASGE will keep members informed and share advocacy opportunities as needed.