The Arizona Telemedicine Program Blog

Healthcare in the United States is at a national inflection point. Telehealth, artificial intelligence (AI), and connected health technologies are rapidly transitioning from supplemental tools to core components of care delivery. AI-enabled clinical decision support, remote physiological monitoring, and virtual-first care models are increasingly embedded in routine workflows.

Digital transformation in healthcare is entering a more mature and accountability-driven phase. Health systems are moving beyond broad conversations about “AI in healthcare” and focusing instead on practical implementation, measurable outcomes, and operational impact. A central question is no longer whether artificial intelligence can be deployed, but whether it meaningfully reduces clinician burden, improves throughput, enhances care coordination, or simply shifts tasks within already strained workflows.

We identified significant policy changes when recently reviewing several commercial payer policies on remote monitoring: reduction in diseases that qualify for remote physiological monitoring (RPM) or complete deletion of remote therapeutic monitoring (RTM).

Aetna

Aetna’s policy was updated on 2/27/26 and limits RPM) to three diseases:

The 2026 policy landscape signals a shift toward "tele-permanence" with the bipartisan FY26 funding package extending Medicare telehealth flexibilities through 2027 and the Hospital-at-Home program through 2030. Key updates include the permanent status of most telehealth codes and more flexible Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) options, such as new device supply codes for shorter 2–15 day collection periods and a 10–19 minute treatment management code. With FQHC/RHC billing via G2025 extended through 2026 and expanded support for behavioral health, CMS is establishing virtual care as a cornerstone of high-quality rehabilitation.

In January 2026, as rural healthcare continues to face challenges like geographic isolation, provider shortages, and limited infrastructure, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program stands out as a pivotal initiative. This $50 billion effort awards funds to all 50 states to bolster rural health systems, with a strong emphasis on innovative capabilities like telemedicine and telehealth.