The American Telemedicine Association made a significant announcement this week, revealing that its ATA Action advocacy group has successfully acquired the Digital Therapeutics Alliance. The focus of this acquisition is on driving the adoption of software-based healthcare tools, with the ultimate goal of ensuring that telehealth, virtual care, and digital therapeutics interventions become reliable options for delivering care.
Combining forces, these two organizations are set to establish the Advancing Digital Health Coalition, a new advocacy organization aimed at shaping healthcare policies to support the integration of telehealth and digital therapeutics into the U.S. healthcare system. Kyle Zebley, the executive director of ATA Action and senior vice president of public policy at the ATA, expressed the collective goal of creating a unified voice to advocate for these innovative healthcare solutions.
The Advancing Digital Health Coalition will advocate for transformative patient care technologies, building upon the work of the Digital Therapeutics Alliance. The focus will be on advancing digital therapeutics, prescription drug-related software, digital mental health treatment devices, and remote monitoring devices. Additionally, the coalition will expand its scope to include artificial intelligence, digital diagnostics, and cutting-edge devices that support care-at-home programs.
With the integration of DTA’s members, leadership, staff, programs, resources, and task groups into ATA Action and the ATA, the organizations are poised to lead policy and advocacy efforts that will facilitate permanent access to telehealth and ensure continued regulatory and reimbursement momentum for digital therapeutics. Andy Molnar, the CEO of DTA and future head of digital health at ATA Action, highlighted the synergies between the organizations and emphasized their commitment to removing barriers and building infrastructures to support digital health initiatives.
The combined organization will focus on securing appropriate reimbursement, engaging with government entities on digital health regulations, expanding partnerships domestically and internationally, and improving access to evidence-based digital interventions in healthcare delivery. Ann Mond Johnson, CEO of the ATA, emphasized the expanded efforts to boost educational initiatives, leverage more resources, and support the shared mission of better serving members and the broader digital health community.
DTA has developed frameworks to ensure the efficacy of healthcare apps and tools, promoted health equity in healthcare IT, and led data interoperability initiatives. The organization partnered with DirectTrust to develop criteria for a digital therapeutics accreditation program, setting high standards for safety, transparency, privacy protections, and compliance with interoperability regulations.
ATA has a history of collaboration, including forming the Telehealth Equity Coalition to improve telehealth policy and utilization of covered services. Recently, ATA launched its Center of Digital Excellence with prominent health systems to drive innovation in virtual care pathways.
In conclusion, the acquisition of the Digital Therapeutics Alliance by the American Telemedicine Association marks a significant step towards advancing digital health solutions and shaping healthcare policies to support the integration of telehealth and digital therapeutics into the healthcare system. The establishment of the Advancing Digital Health Coalition underscores the commitment to advocating for transformative patient care technologies and improving access to innovative healthcare solutions.
