A cancer diagnosis kicks off a difficult journey for people which is littered with medical treatments and check-ups.
For New York resident Kim Eboch, the journey has been made more complicated by barriers that make accessing specialized care nearly impossible.
Eboch’s story is not a typical one. She has faced three different types of cancer, including a rare disorder called crystal-storing histiocytosis.
It is a condition so rare that fewer than 200 cases have been reported around the world. The disease affects the skin, damages bones, and impairs cognitive levels.
Given the rarity of her condition, it was not surprising that it was near-impossible to find a local doctor with the right expertise to treat the disease.
Fortunately, telehealth services expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic, when several states in the United States softened their stance on licensing restrictions. That move finally put Eboch’s healthcare journey on the right track.
How Telehealth Got Eboch Back on Track
Eboch says the introduction of telehealth brought a level of convenience that made her feel safe.
“When telehealth came into play, I was able to put aside everything from money worries, guilt trips of asking people to accompany me on drives, worrying about all the miles I’m putting on my van, and not being able to just get out of the van and walk since I’m in a wheelchair,” she said.
“I was feeling relieved and comfortable, seeking exceptional medical care by sitting in the comfort of my home.”
Licensing policies were reinstated when lockdown restrictions were relaxed, and her lifeline was abruptly cut off. Eboch’s physicians were licensed in Maryland.
At the time, her Medicare and insurance allowed nationwide telehealth coverage. But because her care team was not licensed in New York, she lost access to her care.
She now has to drive seven hours every day to Baltimore for every follow-up. That amounts to more than 100 exhausting trips, all while battling chemotherapy side effects, clotting risks, and fatigue that weaken the body.
Cross-State Barriers That Hurt US Patients
A simple telehealth appointment is designed to help patients get the care they need without forcing them into exhausting trips that take up all their time and money.
However, telehealth services are not allowed to work interstate in the US. Patients were exposed to the promise of virtual care when licensing requirements were relaxed during the pandemic.
It was a transformative experience for many patients, especially those dealing with rare diseases, as they could connect with specialists across the country.
But it was ripped away from their grasp when the US put the licensing walls back up. Doctors weren’t allowed to consult with their patients unless they had a license in the same state. That decision created a huge barrier for patients who need specialised care across state lines.
The irony of the entire debacle is that insurance providers such as Medicare already cover telehealth across the country. But funding isn’t the problem, and while policymakers go back and forth about licensing rules, patients such as Eboch are negatively impacted.
The situation is far from ideal. Those who deal with common conditions easily find help. However, people suffering from chronic conditions are forced into frustrating road trips that may leave them too deflated to seek help. Advocates have already offered some ideas on how to level the playing field.
A well-defined national system that allows patients to access the care they need without worrying about where they are located would do the trick.
Taking a Page from Australia’s Playbook
The US could learn a thing or two from its counterparts around the world, and Australia has a blueprint that could be worth considering.
Australia has its own challenges with healthcare, especially cancer. Skin cancer rates are among the highest in the world, with two out of three Australians expected to be diagnosed in their lifetime.
Sorting out that problem is a mammoth task, and it has forced the country to embrace proactive healthcare solutions, many of which are powered by telehealth services.
In Australia, private telehealth providers such as Hola Health have changed the game. As evidenced by this in-depth Hola Health review, the platform offers a range of medical services that make life easy for patients, including those at risk of cancer.
Patients can get their prescription renewed without going to a hospital, while those who need a referral for a skin check can get it sorted in 15 minutes or less.
Australia has one of the most advanced telehealth sectors in the world, and it offers a blueprint that the US can follow to take its to the next level.
Breaking Barriers in Telehealth Services
Kim Eboch’s story highlights both the promise and the shortcomings of virtual care in the US. While online healthcare has the power to connect patients with the specialists they desperately need, outdated licensing rules continue to block access and add unnecessary hardship.
By looking at models like Australia’s, the US has an opportunity to modernize its system, remove state barriers, and ensure telehealth services truly deliver on their potential—helping patients stay healthy with care that is accessible, equitable, and life-saving for patients everywhere.
