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Sid Kandan 4/26/21 Sid Kandan 4/26/21

How Stel helped high-risk and vulnerable populations transmit 300k+ vitals amidst the COVID-19 pandemic

How Stel's customers launched and scaled connected health programs for patients without smartphones, WiFi, broadband, or tech-literacy.

“We’re going to move forward,” Dr. Lee Schwamm said. “The question is: Who will we leave behind?”

As care teams rapidly adopt Telehealth and Connected Health Solutions, lower-income and disadvantaged communities face unique barriers to access care through video visits and broadband dependent solutions. The vaccine rollout for elderly and disadvantaged populations highlights the importance of investing in accessibility and connectivity for patients to ensure no one is left behind as channels to receive care evolve. Advocacy groups, government agencies, researchers, and health systems addressing accessibility for vulnerable populations, may be interested in our customers’ success. Specifically, how we were rapidly able to launch and scale programs that ensured care for patients without smartphones, WiFi, broadband, or tech-literacy using telephone based audio-visits with a Cellular Home Vitals Hub.

300k+ vitals transmitted from vulnerable elderly, low-income, and rural populations.

“We would send a device directly to your home that has a cellular chip already in it so you don’t have to have internet or wi-fi; particularly in underserved, low-income [communities], we want to make it super simple so a lot of folks don’t have data to download apps and use that. So everything is built for accessibility, ease of use, and low cost.” ~ Benjamin Lefever, CEO Certintell

However, once supply chains and production lines were impacted, Stel had to pivot quickly. We looked at certified off-the-shelf hardware that would be ideal for our custom connected health operating system.

Prototype demo of 100-ft of range in a noisy environment

More information on Nordic’s nRF9160 SIP and supported bands.

We cannot thank Nordic Semiconductor, Symmetry, and Fanstel enough for their support through this process. It is only because of these partners were we able to go from development board to a certified and market-ready product within 47 days.

To put things in perspective, we received the development kit and committed to a design July 1st, by July 19th we received test hardware, and started delivering hundreds of Hubs to care teams on August 17th (47 days later).

Stel’s FCC Guide for Round 2 (opening April 29): www.telehealthmetrics.com
Round 1 review of all 539 awarded applications
Stel’s filings and references from the FCC

Sid Kandan 4/16/21 Sid Kandan 4/16/21

5 Questions before the $250M FCC Telehealth Program Application Window Opens | April 19, 2021

With the application window slated to open in less than 2 weeks, we had some questions regarding the outreach program and changes to the application and reimbursement forms.

Background on Historic $550M FCC Telehealth and Connected Care Program

The FCC’s Telehealth and Connected Care Program is the government’s largest investment into connected health to date. This Program fully funds telecommunications services, information services, and devices necessary to provide critical connected care services to patients at their homes in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As seen by the vaccine rollout with elderly and disadvantaged populations, as channels to receive care change, it is critical to invest in connectivity for patients to ensure no one is left behind.

The first round was a critical success with over 539 Awardees receiving funds to improve connected care for their patients. We have personally seen this program benefit high-risk, vulnerable, and aging populations that never expected to receive connected care! The application window for Round 2 opens on April 29th and has the potential to connect one million high-risk patients with connected devices and services for a year. (more on round 2’s application process here)

First, we wanted to thank USAC and the FCC for all their hard work in rolling out this historic program! Given the accelerated timeline of the Round 1 roll out and the enormous number of submission (4000+), both organizations have performed a herculean feat with the first Round of FCC applications! Especially as this was all executed amidst a global pandemic. We can only imagine the magnitude of work involved in administering these funds. (more on our review here)

With the application window slated to open in less than 2 weeks, we had some questions regarding the outreach program and changes to the application and reimbursement forms. This review is provided in a spirit of collaboration across a complex and evolving industry which is vital to bridging the digital divide and providing access to care during this unprecedented time. We are excited by the potential for updates in Round 2 to maximize the number of connected patients!

Question 1: How is USAC / the Bureau determining eligible items when allocating funds to each awardee?

To ensure program funds were invested into improving connected care for patients, the FCC created FAQs (#27-31) to clarify eligible and ineligible devices and services.

(click images below to expand)

The FAQs and documents stressed that non-connected devices, staffing, professional, consulting services, and devices not critical for providing care to patients at their home would not be eligible.
However, due to the urgency of the first round, the following applications incorrectly listed certain requests as eligible:

For Round 2, how are these items filtered out when allocating funds to awardees?
With the $250M pool determining the number of awardees receiving funds, it's critical to ensure that funding isn't allocated or held for ineligible items. Imagine it will be difficult for USAC and the Bureau to verify the eligibility of requested items in this limited timeframe.
Can Vendors submit standardized forms to prove eligibility?
Or perhaps trusted and independent organizations can publish a review of eligible items?

Question 2: Clarifications on Round 2’s Report & Order
(Appendix B, pg.44 - Eligible Services and Devices)

“The costs for taxes, shipping, and installation or integration of eligible devices and services, are also eligible expenses”

If the program is only for non-profits, in what situations would non-profits pay taxes?
Why are program dollars set to reimburse taxes?

How is USAC going to track and enforce when (permitted) “installation or integration” cost transitions to (ineligible) “admin costs, labor, training, support, maintenance, warranties, protection”?
How are they defining the difference between installation and integration vs. IT Staff and admin expenses or development of a new system/platform?

What’s USAC’s process to identify if vendors and applicants include staff, travel, labor and consulting costs under “integration” fees?
Would systems and vendors need to break down consulting and services fees under installation and integration line items? Is there proof of installation or integrations required to be shown?

Question 3: What is USAC's / the Bureau's process for tracking accessibility and adoption by vulnerable patients? How is USAC / the Bureau tracking how technology for staff-only benefits patients?

The intention of the program is to fund better care to vulnerable populations and communities. The new scoring process also validates awarding funds to those vulnerable patients.

However, in our Round 1 analysis, we found that over 50% of awardees requested equipment for staff-only.
This may change channels of care, but does not guarantee patients access to those channels. Especially vulnerable populations.

Are there limits or requirements to ensure that funding doesn't end up going to non-healthcare solutions when so many patients are in need of connectivity?

Question 4: During the reimbursement review process and award outcomes, which Agency is responsible for tracking eligibility and usage?

For example, this awardee received $909,560 for in-patient fall sensors.

“Alert units which are virtual patient monitoring devices were installed in patient rooms, enabling remote monitoring of vitals of patients”

Please note - We do not blame the awardee or USAC/FCC for this award, as the vendor's advertising and timing of the first rounds probably contributed to this confusion.

Curious how vendors and systems can demonstrate eligibility in the reimbursement form process moving forward? Would be great to understand how these metrics also help other government sponsored programs to bridge the digital divide.

Question 5: How is USAC and the Bureau tracking cost-effectiveness of solutions?

Is there consideration to setting limits on costs for devices and services for requested solutions?

For example, we have seen massive variations with the following:

Remote patient monitoring -
Non-tablet and cellular (non-broadband dependent) solutions:

Remote patient monitoring -
Tablet and broadband dependent solutions:

Remote patient monitoring -
Vitals Device Only (for patients with compatible smartphones + tech literacy):

Remote patient monitoring -
Other Devices:

Unknown Device: $27,000 per device

Equipment for Staff Only:

More on our review of the Round 1 Awarded Applications: https://www.stel.life/blog/fcc-telehealth-round1-review

Sid Kandan 4/15/21 Sid Kandan 4/15/21

We reviewed all 539 FCC Telehealth Round 1 Awarded Applications | April 15, 2021

Our team analyzed awarded applications, press releases, and other supplemental information in order to produce this review. The intention of this post is to highlight lessons learned from the Round 1 awarded applications in order to improve the Round 2 application process.

Background on Historic $550M FCC Telehealth and Connected Care Program

We are excited about the government’s historic investment into connected health and hope Round 2 furthers federal priorities of bridging the Digital Divide, expanding Connected Care, and promoting Interoperability while also preventing waste, fraud, and abuse.

First, we wanted to re-iterate our gratitude and passion for this historic investment!
Both the Wireline Competition Bureau and USAC deserve incredible praise for stepping up to complete this complicated review process. Especially as this was all executed amidst a global pandemic! Their hard work not only ensured patients and care teams were supported in this unprecedented time, but also this historic investment into connected health devices and services wouldn’t promote government waste, fraud, and abuse.

The reason we are so passionate is because we have personally seen this program improve care for vulnerable populations across the country from patients experiencing the digital divide, to rural and aging populations unable to adopt new digital health tools. The awarded partners that we have supported through this program are responsible for sending over 200k vitals measurements! These partners stem from various backgrounds including FQHCs, low-income, rural, and aging populations that never expected to receive remote patient monitoring.

We are incredibly excited by Commissioner Starks's suggestions for Round 2 to further prioritize low-income communities. We think this investment could provide great relief and data to bridging the divide and improving inequities. The intention of this post is to highlight lessons learned from the Round 1 awarded applications in order to improve the Round 2 application process. Our team analyzed awarded applications, press releases, and other supplemental information in order to produce this review.

In the spirit of collaboration, we have provided direct links to the applications at the bottom of this post.
Please reach out if you’re interested in learning more or helping with future reviews.

Takeaways from Reviewing 539 Awarded Applications:

Round 1 applications show lack of standardization and evidence of pressures to submit quickly given the rolling window

Clicking through full links (at the bottom of this post) will show many applications omit specific cost breakdowns and detail in very generalized terms how funded solutions will be utilized. However, despite the lack of standardization, comparing charts of ‘requested funding’ vs ‘funding received’ illustrates a review process in action to grant awardees a certain amount of funding.

We hope the Bureau and USAC had visibility into additional application materials when reviewing eligibility and determining award amounts. Even with additional information, we imagine the review process must have been especially burdensome for the Bureau and USAC.

Many Round 1 applications incorrectly listed ineligible items as eligible

Telehealth is a very broad term. Round 1’s Report and Order emphasized cost-effective eligible solutions and the FCC even created FAQs (#27-31) to further define and clarify eligible devices and services. Despite that effort, we can see from the applications below, there must have been significant efforts from USAC and the Bureau to verify eligibility among requested solutions.

Based on our review, most ineligible requests were due to:

Admin, Staffing, and Indirect costs (Telehealth support staff, maintenance, technical support, etc.),
Non-connected accessories (cases, chargers, mounts, etc.),
Infrastructure (inpatient and overflow room upgrades, thermal cameras, etc.),
New project development (setting up new inpatient units, call centers, new routing technology, etc).

Examples include:

Unfortunately, it's currently unknown what items were actually reimbursed, but it must have been onerous going through this and validating eligibility with applicants. Hopefully full data becomes available in June after program invoicing is due.

Applications show variations in cost among requested solutions

We highlighted some of the vendor variance in a previous blog. It will be interesting to analyze reimbursements once full program reports publish in the summer to compare vendors on cost, usability, and program success.

Non-tablet and cellular (non-broadband dependent) solutions:

Tablet and broadband dependent solutions:

Vitals Device Only (for patients with compatible smartphones + tech literacy):

Other Remote Monitoring Devices:

Unknown Telehealth Device: $27,000 per device

Equipment for Staff Only:

Applications show varying plans on addressing Digital Divide.
Can be grouped into three categories:

Accessible to patients experiencing the Digital Divide - Programs that provide connected vitals devices, connected gateways (hubs or tablets), and connected services (telecom and information services) to patients. Especially helpful to patients experiencing the Digital Divide (Patients with no access or limited access to Wifi, smartphones, or required technology).
Only for patients with smartphones and/or Wifi - Programs that provide connected vitals, and digital health app services for patients that have compatible smartphones or wifi.
Devices for staff only (not for patient use) - For staff equipment or service enhancements.

All applicants acknowledged serving high-risk and vulnerable populations that struggled with connectivity and device access. However, less than 50% of awarded applications requested funding for patient-facing devices.

52.1% of Round 1 Awardees requested equipment for staff only

% Breakdown

52.13% of Awarded Applications - stated devices were for staff only (not for patients)
24.12% of Awarded Applications - mentioned devices for patients struggling with Digital Divide
23.75% of Awarded Applications - solutions for patients with Smartphones or Wifi

281 Awarded Applications (totaling $76,886,075) - devices were for staff only (not for patients)

130 Awarded Applications (totaling $67,347,198) - included solutions for patients struggling with Digital Divide
128 Awarded Applications (totaling $55,766,727) - solutions only for patients with smartphones and/or Wifi

FULL APPLICATION BREAKDOWN AND LINKS BELOW

Suggestions for Round 2:

Changes (from Round 2’s Report & Order) to improve review and selection process

Establish OIG Oversight
USAC to create an outreach program 3 weeks before the application window opens to clarify application process and eligible/ineligible items.
USAC and Bureau to improve the application process by requiring itemized lists of products and services, with quantity and cost for each listed item.
USAC (with Bureau oversight) to review the services and equipment listed on each application, and award only as much funding as is supported by the application and associated documentation.
Bureau and OMD to change Reimbursement form to facilitate program administration and to better track expenditures under the COVID-19 Telehealth Program

It appears that the FCC is implementing new rules for Round 2 to minimize confusion and burden on reviewers by implementing better indexing and oversight during the application stage.

Confirming eligibility in the application process prior to award/reimbursement stage
Allocating funds for ineligible items risks wasteful spending, withholding money from other worthy applicants, and leaving awardees with unplanned expenses. We have shared a blog post with the FCC’s update along with comments from a Round 1 Awardee further illustrating the confusion on eligible items as well as its impact on usable funds.

Another concept championed by Commissioner Starks and Chairwoman Rosenworcel is investing to bridge the Digital Divide in Healthcare. Round 2 stands to bring forward this goal. Preventing ineligible items will allow for more funds to be allocated to other projects focused on connecting patients.

Stel’s recommendations

With the application window to open by April 29 (30 days after the R&O), USAC’s required 3 week training should have begun by now. There’s a lot required from USAC. We submitted a filing on April 1 with suggestions on how to accomplish this in Round 2 without delaying the program rollout.

Suggestions include:

Request applicants fill out a separate “ineligible services” section in the application to better track requests and set expectations
Vendor standardized forms (example included in last page of filing)
Further defining approved/unapproved items and process
Request applicants detail how programs: improve patient care and access, organization’s ability to sustain program/investment, prevent fraud/waste/abuse, promote interoperability, and bridge the Digital Divide.
We also recommended applicants list any: required Patient Infrastructure (Wifi, smartphones, e-mails, etc…), Patient burden and risk of harm (tech literacy, risk of abuse or security), Patient’s out of pocket costs
Increased transparency and more frequent reports on applications and outcomes from investments.

Better Indexing
Our belief is that the only way to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse is through better indexing. Standardizing requested items, costs, and eligibility on applications enables better indexing and rapid review of applications as they are submitted. This streamlined system will ease the burden on reviewers, minimize delays when responding to applicants, and prevent waste, fraud, and abuse to ensure more funding is available for the maximum amount of deserving applicants.

Improving applicant and vendor education will help standardize forms. These forms should include direct and detailed components behind product offerings. This is the best defense to ensure (approved) implementation fees do not include (ineligible) consulting or labor fees. This will also allow better understanding conditions that resulted in massive variations between Vendors.

Promoting investments into devices for patients experiencing the Digital Divide
Investments into devices for Providers only does not help improve connections with disadvantaged populations, it only emboldens connections with privileged populations and furthers the Digital Divide. New devices and services for Providers will change channels to access care, but doesn’t guarantee patients access to those channels. (Ex. digital vaccine rollout registration/pipelines made it difficult for patients from high-risk communities struggling with the Digital Divide to reach the same level of care).

FCC Round 1 Awarded Application Links:

Full list of Awardees here. Applications found under FCC ECFS Docket 20-89

These applications were prepared during the height of the pandemic and under the pressures of a time-sensitive rolling process in Round 1. Please note that these applications may not represent the final outcomes of funding decisions. Actual payments may differ as the FCC reported not all Round 1 funding had been disbursed. We intend to do a further analysis once program reports or invoice data becomes available. If you are interested in contributing to this research please contact sid@stel.life.

281 Awarded Applications (totaling $76,886,075) - devices were for staff only (not for patients)
130 Awarded Applications (totaling $67,347,198) - included solutions for patients struggling with Digital Divide
128 Awarded Applications (totaling $55,766,727) - solutions only for patients with smartphones and/or Wifi

Awarded Applications with devices for staff only (not for patients):

Awardee announced 5/28 - $1M Awarded, Requested $1,659,744

Staff Equipment and Triaging Services

Awardee announced 6/3 - $1M Awarded (APP2- $866,750, APP3- $235k)

Staff Devices
(Apps 2 and 3 highlight funding for patient apps and hospital equipment)

Awardee announced 6/3- $794,909 Awarded, Requested $1M

Smart forms

Awardee announced 6/17 - $1M Awarded, Requested $1M

“Devices not for patient use”
Staff Equipment

Awardee announced 6/24 - $1M Awarded, Requested $2,801,926

Staff Equipment (Tablets, Phones, Accessories)

Awardee announced 7/1 - $1M Awarded, Requested $1M

“The devices, kept onsite at our hospital and ambulatory care locations, enable telephonic and video communication between patients and providers, as well as among providers. They are used for direct patient care. The devices also allow patients and providers to communicate with patients’ family members; however, this is not their intended purpose.”

Awardee announced 7/1 - $997,720 Awarded, Requested $1,027,563

Staff Equipment (Laptops and Video Licenses)

Awardee announced 7/1 - $996,119 Awarded, Requested $999,842.00

Laptops for providers

Awardee announced 6/17 - $995,000 Awarded, Requested $1M

Inpatient Telemedicine Carts

Awardee announced 5/13 - $990,716 Awarded, Requested amount not listed on App

Inpatient Devices

Awardee announced 7/1 - $986,261 Awarded, Requested $1M

Inpatient Devices and Software

Awardee announced 6/21 - $978,935 Awarded, Requested $999,355

Telehealth carts
Tablets for mobile clinicians

Awardee announced 7/1 - $944,766 Awarded, Requested $997,271

Staff equipment

Awardee announced 5/20 - $938,960 Awarded, Requested $934,147

Inpatient equipment
eICU

Awardee announced 7/1 - $923,989 Awarded, Requested $933,177

Laptops and equipment for providers

Awardee announced 5/28 - $909,560 Awarded, Requested $914,420 (Program results)

VST-Alert Fall Sensor

Awardee announced 6/3 - $881,958 Awarded, Requested $946,220

Inpatient telemedicine cart
Improvement to wireless network

Awardee announced 6/10 - $872,363 Awarded, Requested $940,189

Inpatient equipment

Awardee announced 7/1 - $870,925 Awarded, Requested $1,205,773

Staff equipment

Awardee announced 6/24 - $803,588 Awarded, Requested $1M

Inpatient equipment

Awardee announced 6/24 - $803,268 Awarded, Requested $999,153

Inpatient equipment

Awardee announced 7/1- $785,992 Awarded, Requested $986,177

Inpatient equipment

Awardee announced 5/6 - $782,903 Awarded, Requested $1M

Infrastructure

Awardee announced 7/8 - $781,964 Awarded, Requested $980,782

Staff equipment

Awardee announced 6/17 - $780,899 Awarded, Requested $889,887

Inpatient equipment

Awardee announced 6/24- $767,184 Awarded, Requested $1M

Work stations

Awardee announced 7/1 - $759,635 Awarded, Requested $978,446

Inpatient equipment

Awardee announced 7/1 - $754,950 Awarded, Requested $999,849

Staff equipment

Awardee announced 5/13 - $732,827 Awarded, Requested $1M

Inpatient equipment

Awardee announced 4/29 - $729,118 Awarded, Requested $827,930

Infrastructure

Awardee announced 6/17 - $715,723 Awarded, Requested $1,020,728

Staff equipment
Telehealth platform

Awardee announced 6/24- $710,316 Awarded, Requested $392,198 (App 2) (App 3) (App 4) (App 5)

Devices "not for patient use"

Awardees announced 6/24 - $707,298 Awarded, Requested $860,554

Inpatient equipment

Awardee announced 7/1 - $705,940 Awarded, Requested $653,032

Staff equipment(tablets, tablet cases, headsets, webcams, microphones, electronic stethoscopes)
Workstations - telemedicine carts

Awardee announced 5/20 - $690,671 Awarded, Requested $852,386

Drive up provider visits

Awardee announced 7/1 - $672,879 Awarded, Requested $236,179

Staff equipment(laptops, PCs, headsets)

Awardee announced 7/1 - $672,149 Awarded, Requested $781,822

Laptops and smartphones for staff
Portable medical devices for home visits

Awardee announced 5/6 - $668,335 Awarded, Requested $753,457

Inpatient equipment

Awardee announced 4/23 - $664,606 Awarded, Requested $567,759

Inpatient equipment

Awardee announced 6/3 - $659,092 Awarded, Requested $832,669

Inpatient equipment

Awardee announced 5/20 - $631,612 Awarded, Requested $819,409

Laptops for staff and Internet service upgrade

Awardee announced 6/10 - $627,667 Awarded, Requested $75,794

Inpatient equipment

Awardee announced 4/29 - $626,328 Awarded, Requested $939,522

Telemedicine platform

Awardee announced 6/10 - $615,545 Awarded, Requested $861,831

Platforms and services to provide synchronous video consultation and Tablets & Laptops

Awardee announced 6/10 - $600,456 Awarded, Requested $644,068

Inpatient equipment

Awardee announced 6/10- $598,000 Awarded, Requested $974,475

Inpatient devices

Awardee announced 6/17- $596,045 Awarded, Requested $1,141,900

Inpatient equipment and Tablets for staff

Awardee announced 6/3 - $593,957 Awarded, Requested $610,540

Inpatient equipment and Labor costs

Awardee announced 6/17 - $587,021 Awarded, Requested $889,957

Work stations, infrastructure, and software

Awardee announced 6/10 - $582,491 Awarded, Requested $940,727

Inpatient devices

Awardee announced 5/28 - $571,045 Awarded, Requested $999,956

Inpatient laptops

Awardee announced 6/24 - $540,410 Awarded, Requested $555,627

Radiology devices

Awardee announced 5/6 - $537,747 Awarded, Requested $1,338,539

Inpatient devices

Awardee announced 5/28 - $537,471 Awarded, Requested $675,126

Inpatient devices

Awardee announced 6/24 - $535,481 Awarded, Requested $1M

Inpatient devices

Awardee announced 6/3 - $534,139 Awarded, Requested $1M

Inpatient devices

Awardee announced 6/24 - $513,403 Awarded, Requested $538,214

Inpatient devices

Awardee announced 7/1 - $507,861 Awarded, Requested $990,462

Inpatient devices

Awardee announced 5/20 - $506,284 Awarded, Requested $1,427,815

cameras/comps for inpatient

Awardee announced 5/6 - $504,880 Awarded, Requested $1M

Inpatient equipment - tablets

Awardee announced 6/3 - $493,586 Awarded, Requested $782,062

Inpatient devices

Awardee announced 6/3 - $491,818 Awarded, Requested $500,800

Computers and Software upgrades

Awardee announced 5/20 - $473,159 Awarded, Requested $175,155

App to streamline in-patient forms

Awardee announced 5/6 - $460,572 Awarded, Requested $662,641

Inpatient devices

Awardee announced 5/6 - $456,871 Awarded, Requested $649,505

Software upgrades

Awardee announced 7/1 - $454,916 Awarded, Requested $467,971

Inpatient devices

Awardee announced 6/17 - $453,601 Awarded, Requested $479,084

Devices not for patient use

Awardee announced 5/6 - $444,462 Awarded, Requested $636,533.20

Inpatient devices

Awardee announced 5/28 - $439,286 Awarded, Requested $813,500

Telehealth carts and Network upgrades

Awardee announced 6/24 - $438,547 Awarded, Requested $446,138

Portable exam rooms

Awardee announced 6/3 - $414,717 Awarded, Requested $539,668

Staff Phones, not for patient use

Awardee announced 6/10 - $398,852 Awarded, Requested $383,760

App based solution

Awardee announced 6/10 - $393,575 Awarded, Requested $409,175

Staff Phones

Awardee announced 4/29 - $392,770 Awarded, Requested $637,486

Provider devices and workstations

Awardee announced 6/17 - $390,611 Awarded, Requested $832,381

Inpatient devices

Awardee announced 6/10 - $381,642 Awarded, Requested $432,781

Inpatient devices

Awardee announced 6/17 - $376,191 Awarded, Requested $632,000

Inpatient video devices

Awardee announced 6/3 - $371,175 Awarded, Requested $669,254

Improved call center

Awardee announced 5/20 - $368,912 Awarded, Requested $410,519

Staff Equipment

Awardee announced 6/17 - $362,550 Awarded, Requested $362,550

Devices not for patient use

Awardee announced 6/3 - $351,175 Awarded, Requested $358,622

Inpatient tablets and webcams

Awardee announced 6/24 - $350,679 Awarded, Requested $360,597

Inpatient devices

Awardee announced 7/8 - $338,909 Awarded, Requested $325,000

EHR implementation

Awardee announced 6/17 - $325,637, Requested $1M

Inpatient phones and computers

Awardee announced 5/28 - $315,672 Awarded, Requested $382,303

Inpatient devices

Awardee announced 6/10 - $315,357 Awarded, Requested $349,745

Inpatient iPads

Awardee announced 6/24 - $312,572 Awarded, Requested $530,944

Software upgrades

Awardee announced 6/10 - $302,000 Awarded, Requested $57,277

Devices not for patient use

Awardee announced 7/8 - $298,659 Awarded, Requested $299,571

Further implementation of telemedicine program

Awardee announced 6/10 - $294,749 Awarded, Requested $508,329

Devices for providers (mentions a budget but unable to find)

Awardee announced 6/3 - $294,368 Awarded, Requested $279,580

Laptops, phones, and hotspots for staff

Awardee announced 6/24 - $288,530 Awarded, Requested $573,864

Laptops, tablets, and laptop/tablet documentation carts for providers and internet upgrades

Awardee announced 6/3 - $284,739 Awarded, Requested $441,336 (Supplemental Information)

Ipads, protective cases w/ keyboard, security mount, airpods, and warranty for staff
Generator

Awardee announced 6/24 - $283,396 Awarded, Requested $1,212,580

EHR Addition

Awardee announced 6/17 - $281,231 Awarded, Requested $435,739

Laptops and tablets for staff
Telehealth kiosks and carts
Medical devices for home visits
Wheelchair accessible exam bed and wheelchair scales for inpatient use

Awardee announced 6/17 - $281,124 Awarded, Requested $495,620

Laptops for Providers
Workstations

Awardee announced 5/13 - $274,432 Awarded, Requested $416,158

Network upgrades
Mobile workstations

Awardee announced 6/10 - $273,522 Awarded, Requested $250,550

Laptops, Desktops, ipads, Webcams, Microphones, and laptop carts for staff
Internet upgrades
Otoscopes, endoscopes, stethoscopes

Awardee announced 6/3 - $271,850 Awarded, Requested $315,610

Telemedicine carts
Ipads for staff

Awardee announced 5/28 - $270,172 Awarded, Requested $413,537

Ipads and webcams for staff
Mobile carts
Telehealth software and internet upgrades

Awardee announced 7/8 - $269,104 Awarded, Requested $250,000

Laptops and cell phones for staff
Software for desktops, laptops and cell phones
Prescribing of controlled substances licenses

Awardee announced 6/10 - $264,969 Awarded, Requested $209,372

Ipads and ipad carts
Telehealth carts, keyboards and mice
Telemedicine software
Electronic stethoscopes

Awardee announced 5/13 - $262,934 Awarded, Requested $500,000

Telehealth computers with Webcams and Microphones for visits
Teleheath ready medical devices

Awardee announced 6/10 - $260,517 Awarded, Requested $275,329

Laptops for staff
Peripheral devices

Awardee announced 6/3 - $257,284 Awarded, Requested $336,162

Laptops for call center

Awardee announced 6/24 - $254,524 Awarded, Requested $387,749

Laptops and cell phones for providers

Awardee announced 5/20 - $249,773 Awarded, Requested $286,879

Laptops, telephones and wifi enabled Ipads for providers
Licenses for software

Awardee announced 7/1 - $247,510 Awarded, Requested $247,760

Tablets and smartphones for providers
Telemedicine kiosks

Awardee announced 6/10 - $242,600 Awarded, Requested $829,967

Devices which enable audio, video, and peripheral device communication for providers to give care to patients

Awardee announced 6/10 - $240,669 Awarded, Requested $330,957

Telemedicine carts and scope systems
Software and training for installed software

Awardee announced 7/8 - $240,428 Awarded, Requested $609,036

Unnamed devices for staff(mentions a spreadsheet but not found)

Awardee announced 6/3 - $240,390 Awarded, Requested $500,000

unnamed telehealth infrastructure devices

Awardee announced 6/24 - $239,346 Awarded, Requested $285,764

Unnamed devices for staff(mentions a spreadsheet but not found)

Awardee announced 5/6 - $232,291 Awarded, Requested $300,000

Data management infrastructure
Unnamed telehealth devices

Awardee announced 5/20 - $228,619 Awarded, Requested $243,000

Laptops, tablets, and desktop supplies

Awardee announced 5/20 - $223,720 Awarded, Requested $228,626

Laptops and headsets for staff

Awardee announced 6/17 - $223,485 Awarded, Requested $299,038

Laptops with docking stations for staff
Cloud based telephone system
Firewall/security programs
Upgrade of wiring and cabling infrastructure

Awardee announced 6/10 - $221,267 Awarded, Requested $305,285

Computers and copiers
Virtual visit platform
Upgrade to phone system

Awardee announced 6/17 - $219,251 Awarded, Requested $586,101

Desktops, monitors, and webcams
System and internet Upgrades
Virtual visit platform

Awardee announced 6/10 - $216,502 Awarded, Requested $232,823

Telehealth PC equipment for Staff only

Awardee announced 5/6 - $209,933 Awarded, Requested $213,392

Cell phones and laptops for clinicians
Telehealth platform for clinicians and support staff

Awardee announced 5/28 - $201,863 Awarded, Requested $200,000

Purchase and install of communication devices

Awardee announced 5/6 - $193,038 Awarded, Requested $203,831

Telemedicine cart for inpatient care

Awardee announced 6/24 - $189,653 Awarded, Requested $269,180

Laptops equipped with webcams, internal speakers, other hardware for staff

Awardee announced 5/28 - $183,195 Awarded, Requested $201,145

Tablets, laptops, webcams, conference phones, and table mounts.

Awardee announced 5/13 - $182,854 Awarded, Requested $360,009

Telehealth devices installed in exam rooms

Awardee announced 6/24 - $182,347 Awarded, Requested $261,815

Unnamed devices to build sufficient technology infrastructure (budget mentioned but not found)

Awardee announced 6/10 - $180,734 Awarded, Requested $202,774

Laptops for staff

Awardee announced 5/13 - $177,945 Awarded, Requested $177,945

Laptops, telephone upgrades, technical support, and CloudKey controller

Awardee announced 7/1 - $175,125 Awarded, Requested $291,085

ipads and laptops for clinic

Awardee announced 6/3 - $174,634 Awarded, Requested $185,130

Laptops and ipads for staff

Awardee announced 7/1 - $174,270 Awarded, Requested $48,787

Laptops and cellphones for providers

Awardee announced 5/20 - $173,037 Awarded, Requested $189,135

In-patient patient devices

Awardee announced 5/28 - $170,479 Awarded, Requested $185,087

Laptops, iphones, webcams, wireless hotspots, and routers for staff

Awardee announced 6/3 - $170,072 Awarded, Requested $229,317

Telehealth video units in patient rooms, and exam rooms

Awardee announced 7/1 - $169,538 Awarded, Requested $212,893

Land lines, internet capable cell phones, and laptops for staff

Awardee announced 5/20 - $165,478 Awarded, Requested $133,204

Laptops and telemedicine carts for providers

Awardee announced 6/17 - $159,750 Awarded, Requested $226,386

Telemedicine cases for remote care and cellular phones for providers

Awardee announced 5/13 - $157,123 Awarded, Requested $186,734

Unnamed devices for providers (budget mentioned but not found)

Awardee announced 6/3 - $152,075 Awarded, Requested $200,090

Desktops, laptops, smartphones peripherals and wifi hotspots for staff

Awardee announced 6/10 - $144,940 Awarded, Requested $125,000

Computers for site

Awardee announced 5/6 - $143,584 Awarded, Requested $212,275

Laptops, scanners, servers, wifi hotspots, telehealth platforms and licences

Awardee announced 7/1 - $143,454 Awarded, Requested $175,000

Transportable exam station, training, and activation fees

Awardee announced 6/17 - $141,465 Awarded, Requested $326,546

Desktop solutions in clinics

Awardee announced 6/3 - $141,397 Awarded, Requested $1M

Devices not for patient use

Awardee announced 6/24 - $135,707 Awarded, Requested $326,319

Staff equipment and software

Awardee announced 6/17 - $135,594 Awarded, Requested $169,074

Staff equipment

Awardee announced 6/24 - $134,286 Awarded, Requested $58,780

Staff equipment

Awardee announced 7/1 - $134,048 Awarded, Requested $134,048

Laptops and webcams

Awardee announced 5/20 - $133,445 Awarded, Requested $211,147

Provider equipment

Awardee announced 5/28 - $131,261 Awarded, Requested $346,880

Provider equipment

Awardee announced 6/10 - $130,401 Awarded, Requested $109,900

Onsite and provider equipment

Awardee announced 5/28 - $128,789 Awarded, Requested $157,160

Staff equipment

Awardee announced 7/8 - $128,347 Awarded, Requested $140,711

Laptops, phones, service plans for employees

Awardee announced 5/20 - $127,980 Awarded, Requested $150,545

“The main implementation for funding will be located in the hospital”

Awardee announced 4/29 - $126,799 Awarded, Requested $149,724

IT Infrastructure

Awardee announced 6/24 - $126,442 Awarded, Requested $126,441

Devices not for patients

Awardee announced 7/8 - $124,053 Awarded, Requested $142,149

Physician carts

Awardee announced 6/24 - $118,604 Awarded, Requested $150,307

Staff equipment

Awardee announced 5/28 - $113,768 Awarded, Requested $122,110

Laptops for providers

Awardee announced 6/24 - $112,926 Awarded, Requested $228,146

IT infrastructure

Awardee announced 6/10 - $112,547 Awarded, Requested $152,788

1GB Switches

Awardee announced 5/6 - $109,365 Awarded, Requested $142,265

Laptops for providers

Awardee announced 6/17 - $109,344 Awarded, Requested $149,723

Laptops, Headsets, Monitors, Webcams for providers

Awardee announced 5/20 - $108,306 Awarded, Requested $126,394

Laptops and Phone systems

Awardee announced 7/1 - $107,701 Awarded, Requested $149,712

Phone systems

Awardee announced 6/24 - $107,180 Awarded, Requested $76,760

Laptops and tablets for providers

Awardee announced 5/13 - $106,625 Awarded, Requested $205,000

Hotspots, internet, headsets for employees without access

Awardee announced 6/3 - $103,457 Awarded, Requested $103,683

Staff Equipment

Awardee announced 7/8 - $102,584 Awarded, Requested $99,320

Tablets for providers

Awardee announced 6/10 - $102,397 Awarded, Requested $144,546

Devices for providers

Awardee announced 6/10 - $101,294 Awarded, Requested $105,357

Devices “not for patient use”

Awardee announced 5/28 - $100,083 Awarded, Requested $115,637

Laptops and tablets for providers

Awardee announced 5/28 - $98,984 Awarded, Requested $100,000

Devices for providers

Awardee announced 7/1 - $98,435 Awarded, Requested $137,438

Laptops and tablets for providers

Awardee announced 4/29 - $97,965 Awarded, Requested $135,465

Laptops for providers

Awardee announced 6/17 - $94,972 Awarded, Requested $105,849

Laptops for providers

Awardee announced 4/29 - $93,380 Awarded, Requested $93,379

Laptops and Desktops for employees

Awardee announced 6/10 - $92,323 Awarded, Requested $244,995

Staff Hardware

Awardee announced 5/28 - $91,460 Awarded, Requested $164,075

Devices for providers and Server upgrades

Awardee announced 7/1 - $90,816 Awarded, Requested $115,000

Laptops and tablets for providers

Awardee announced 6/10 - $90,400 Awarded, Requested $595,759

IT infrastructure and Desktops

Awardee announced 5/20 - $86,386 Awarded, Requested $114,303

Devices for providers

Awardee announced 6/17 - $85,234 Awarded, Requested $94,477

PC equipment

Awardee announced 6/10 - $80,894 Awarded, Requested $81,403

Devices for visits

Awardee announced 4/29 - $75,710 Awarded, Requested $85,750

Laptops, Tablets, and Smartphones

Awardee announced 6/10 - $75,358 Awarded, Requested $86,000

Devices not for patient use

Awardee announced 6/10 - $73,848 Awarded, Requested $75,447

Tablets and Desktops

Awardee announced 7/1 - $71,564 Awarded, Requested $90,000

Telehealth video appointment software

Awardee announced 6/24 - $71,131 Awarded, Requested $71,300

Laptops for providers

Awardee announced 6/10 - $70,198 Awarded, Requested $183,239

Tablets for providers

Awardee announced 5/20 - $69,909 Awarded, Requested $86,779

Inpatient tablets

Awardee announced 6/24 - $69,636 Awarded, Requested $97,752

Cellphones, Laptops, and Accessories

Awardee announced 6/10 - $68,620 Awarded, Requested $36,706

Laptops, Docking Stations, and Speaker Phones

Awardee announced 6/3 - $67,979 Awarded, Requested $73,241

Laptops and Webcams

Awardee announced 6/17 - $67,958 Awarded, Requested $93,215

Staff Equipment

Awardee announced 6/24 - $65,142 Awarded, Requested $197,663

Laptops, Internet and phone service

Awardee announced 6/24 - $60,009 Awarded, Requested $104,707

Devices for providers

Awardee announced 6/10 - $57,499 Awarded, Requested $62,774

Tablets and Headsets

Awardee announced 7/1 - $56,768 Awarded, Requested $150,000

Desktops and Labor to install them

Awardee announced 5/6 - $56,332 Awarded, Requested $87,544

Laptops, Headsets, and Scanners

Awardee announced 6/17 - $55,260 Awarded, Requested $61,060

Tools for providers

Awardee announced 6/17 - $55,180 Awarded, Requested $59,429

Printers, Tablets, and Laptops

Awardee announced 7/1 - $51,460 Awarded, Requested $90,000

Computers and Televisions

Awardee announced 6/3 - $49,855 Awarded, Requested $50,000

Hardware and software upgrades

Awardee announced 6/3 - $49,580 Awarded, Requested $49,580

Laptops

Awardee announced 6/10 - $48,591 Awarded, Requested $49,228

Laptops and phones

Awardee announced 6/3 - $47,658 Awarded, Requested $49,307

Tablets, webcams, and headsets

Awardee announced 6/24 - $47,605 Awarded, Requested $47,185

Desktops, tablets and fiber internet installation

Awardee announced 4/29 - $46,437 Awarded, Requested $83,751

Video capable cameras

Awardee announced 6/24 - $45,132 Awarded, Requested $63,332

Webcams for clinic sites

Awardee announced 6/17 - $45,000 Awarded, Requested $45,000

Laptops

Awardee announced 5/28 - $44,263 Awarded, Requested $36,934

Staff equipment

Awardee announced 5/28 - $43,667 Awarded, Requested $43,667

Laptops, docking stations, and adapters

Awardee announced 6/17 - $43,411 Awarded, Requested $50,000

Phone system infrastructure

Awardee announced 7/1 - $42,354 Awarded, Requested $42,354

Laptops for providers

Awardee announced 6/3 - $41,619 Awarded, Requested $41,618

System upgrades

Awardee announced 7/1 - $41,553 Awarded, Requested $45,040

“Not for patients”

Awardee announced 5/6 - $40,417 Awarded, Requested $78,917

Staff equipment

Awardee announced 6/17 - $40,202 Awarded, Requested $100,000

Desktops

Awardee announced 5/13 - $39,639 Awarded, Requested $39,638

Laptops with webcams for providers

Awardee announced 5/13 - $39,181 Awarded, Requested $49,676

Laptops with webcams for providers

Awardee announced 5/20 - $37,571 Awarded, Requested $75,000

Laptops and cellphones for providers

Awardee announced 6/24 - $37,308 Awarded, Requested $38,865

Computers and webcams for providers

Awardee announced 6/17 - $37,193 Awarded, Requested $40,000

Laptops and cellphones

Awardee announced 5/13 - $36,673 Awarded, Requested $45,000

Not for patient use

Awardee announced 6/10 - $36,231 Awarded, Requested $36,230

Video conferencing equipment

Awardee announced 5/28 - $35,640 Awarded, Requested $35,640

Laptops for providers

Awardee announced 5/13 - $34,732 Awarded, Requested $50,558

Laptops for providers

Awardee announced 6/10 - $34,489 Awarded, Requested $37,350

Telemedicine system

Awardee announced 6/17 - $33,216 Awarded, Requested $15,241

Laptops and desktops for providers

Awardee announced 5/28 - $32,349 Awarded, Requested $45,000

Laptops and devices for in-patient use

Awardee announced 5/6 - $28,838 Awarded, Requested $30,921

In-house devices

Awardee announced 6/24 - $28,768 Awarded, Requested $45,500

Devices for providers

Awardee announced 5/20 - $28,270 Awarded, Requested $47,375

Smartphones for clinicians

Awardee announced 6/10 - $28,131 Awarded, Requested $37,971

Infrastructure

Awardee announced 5/6 - $27,468 Awarded, Requested $51,186

In house devices

Awardee announced 5/13 - $27,320 Awarded, Requested $30,000

Laptops for clinicians

Awardee announced 6/24 - $26,997 Awarded, Requested $29,853

Equipment for staff

Awardee announced 6/3 - $26,922 Awarded, Requested $27,397

Laptops, webcams, and phones

Awardee announced 7/8 - $26,733 Awarded, Requested $28,313

Computers, webcams, and telephone systems

Awardee announced 4/29 - $26,180 Awarded, Requested $36,713

Tablets and keyboards for staff

Awardee announced 6/24 - $24,690 Awarded, Requested $32,640

Tablet carts for in-patients

Awardee announced 6/17 - $23,218 Awarded, Requested $38,031

Computers and in-house devices

Awardee announced 6/3 - $23,025 Awarded, Requested $23,933

Awardee announced 6/10 - $23,015 Awarded, Requested $23,000

Telehealth and drive-thru labs

Awardee announced 7/1 - $22,708 Awarded, Requested $25,547

Fax services and video call services

Awardee announced 6/10 - $22,520 Awarded, Requested $22,519

Laptops

Awardee announced 5/28 - $21,533 Awarded, Requested $91,490

Wi-fi

Awardee announced 5/28 - $21,075 Awarded, Requested $25,000

Laptops and tablets for providers

Awardee announced 5/13 - $20,761 Awarded, Requested $20,761

Computers

Awardee announced 5/28 - $19,750 Awarded, Requested $19,986

Laptops for staff

Awardee announced 7/1 - $19,736 Awarded, Requested $19,736

Laptops, webcams, and headsets

Awardee announced 6/24 - $19,669 Awarded, Requested $24,214

Laptops and smartphones for providers

Awardee announced 5/13 - $19,636 Awarded, Requested $24,799

Laptops and video conference licenses

Awardee announced 6/17 - $19,562 Awarded, Requested $33,542

Laptops for staff

Awardee announced 5/13 - $18,601 Awarded, Requested $25,000

Hardware

Awardee announced 6/17 - $18,250 Awarded, Requested $18,250

Not for patient use

Awardee announced 5/20 - $17,124 Awarded, Requested $20,000

Laptops and cellphones for staff

Awardee announced 5/13 - $16,129 Awarded, Requested $16,128

Laptops

Awardee announced 6/24 - $16,079 Awarded, Requested $17,411

Tablets for facilities

Awardee announced 6/3 - $15,941 Awarded, Requested $15,941

Laptops for providers

Awardee announced 6/10 - $15,500 Awarded, Requested $15,500

Laptops for providers

Awardee announced 5/13 - $14,418 Awarded, Requested $14,417

Webcams, headsets, and monitors for providers

Awardee announced 6/10 - $14,356 Awarded, Requested $14,500

Devices for providers

Awardee announced 6/17 - $14,306 Awarded, Requested $14,305

Laptops for staff

Awardee announced 6/24 - $12,595 Awarded, Requested $12,594

Laptops for providers

Awardee announced 5/20 - $10,231 Awarded, Requested $42,000

Infrastructure

Awardee announced 6/3 - $9,420 Awarded, Requested $13,250

Laptops and IT consultation

Awardee announced 6/24 - $9,243 Awarded, Requested $9,718

Devices for providers

Awardee announced 6/24 - $9,015 Awarded, Requested $9,356

Tablets for providers

Awardee announced 5/13 - $8,586 Awarded, Requested $9,110

Laptops and webcams

Awardee announced 5/13 - $6,783 Awarded, Requested $3,486

In-patient tablet carts

Awardee announced 5/28 - $6,423 Awarded, Requested $7,550

Not for patient use

Awardee announced 7/1 - $6,344 Awarded, Requested $7,268

Monitors, webcams, and video conference licenses

Awardee announced 7/1 - $6,327 Awarded, Requested $6,326

Laptops and desktops

Awardee announced 5/13 - $5,886 Awarded, Requested $9,500

Phones and tablets for providers

Awardee announced 6/17 - $4,831 Awarded, Requested $4,830

Tablets and laptops for in-patient usage

Awardee announced 6/10 - $2,796 Awarded, Requested $4,692

For care teams

Awardee announced 6/10 - $2,082 Awarded, Requested $3,117

Tablets for in-patient use and phones for providers

Awardees’ applications emphasizing support for populations struggling with digital divide:

Awardee announced 4/29 - $1M Awarded, Requested $3,600,000

RPM kits

Awardee announced 5/20 - $1M Awarded, Requested $2,327,662 (Supplemental Information)

Remote monitoring kits

Awardee announced 5/28 - $1M Awarded, Requested $4,394,481 (Supplemental Information)

Remote monitoring kits

Awardee announced 6/10 - $1M Awarded, Requested $2,357,500 (Supplemental Information)

$420k for phones and data plans for 5000 high risk patients with limited connectivity

Awardee announced 6/17 - $1M Awarded, Requested $1,078,000 (APP2, APP3)

Tablet and peripherals provided

Awardee announced 6/24 - $1M Awarded, Requested $2,251,381.23 (Supplemental Information)

Remote monitoring kits

Awardee announced 7/1 - $1M Awarded, Requested $1M

Smartphones and data services

Awardee announced 6/10 - $999,700 Awarded, Requested $999,770

Smartphone and data services

Awardee announced 6/17 - $998,250 Awarded, Requested $998,250

Tablets and connected vitals devices

Awardee announced 5/1 - $994,950 Awarded, Requested $1M

Phones for patients

Awardee announced 7/1 - $976,679 Awarded, Requested $1M

Remote patient monitoring kits

Awardee announced 6/24 - $973,055 Awarded, Requested $998,917

Tablets and phones for patients

Awardee announced 6/24 - $967,304 Awarded, Requested $971,554

Remote patient monitoring kits

Awardee announced 5/20 - $967,304 Awarded, Requested $994,212

Network enabled devices

Awardee announced 6/24 - $966,026 Awarded, Requested $1,016,189

Tablets for patients

Awardee announced 4/21 - $958,270 Awarded, Requested $999,547.00

Internet hotspots and wireless devices

Awardee announced 5/6 - $954,990 Awarded, Requested $983,215

Internet hotspots and wireless devices

Awardee announced 6/10 - $948,576 Awarded, Requested $986,400

Cellular hub and wireless vitals devices

Awardee announced 6/6 - $939,627 Awarded, Requested $995,688

Phones and data plans for patients

Awardee announced 6/3 - $930,098 Awarded, Requested $999,825

Cell phones and data plans for patients

Awardee announced 5/28 - $929,834 Awarded, Requested $1,000,458

Remote patient monitoring kits

Awardee announced 5/20 - $928,183 Awarded, Requested $999,841

Cell phones and data plans for patients

Awardee announced 6/24 - $927,146 Awarded, Requested $1M

Devices to patients for telehealth

Awardee announced 6/24 - $926,266 Awarded, Requested $991,177

Phones with data plans for patients

Awardee announced 6/24 - $923,487 Awarded, Requested $778,828

Broadband enabled tablet and vital sign monitoring devices

Awardee announced 6/17 - $922,688 Awarded, Requested $996,619

Smartphones, services, and bluetooth vitals devices

Awardee announced 6/3 - $917,255 Awarded, Requested $998,730

Tablets for patients

Awardee announced 6/24 - $915,862 Awarded, Requested $957,447 (Supplemental Information)

Tablets for patients and RPM kits

Awardee announced 6/17 - $914,049 Awarded, Requested $973,950

RPM Kits for patients

Awardee announced 7/8 - $883,702 Awarded, Requested $999,973

Cellular tablets and bluetooth vitals devices

Awardee announced 7/1 - $882,255 Awarded, Requested $1M

Tablets and smartphones and connected vitals devices

Awardee announced 5/13 - $879,520 Awarded, Requested $1,272,967

RPM kits

Awardee announced 6/17 - $873,982 Awarded, Requested $1M

RPM kits

Awardee announced 5/20 - $873,202 Awarded, Requested $999,957

Cellular tablets

Awardee announced 6/3 - $866,750 Awarded, Requested $866,542.51 (App1-$1M, APP3-$235k)

RPM Kits

Awardee announced 5/6 - $862,950 Awarded, Requested $$999,750

Preloaded connectivity devices

Awardee announced 5/28 - $857,750 Awarded, Requested $777,250

Cellular phones and tablets

Awardee announced 6/24 - $836,243 Awarded, Requested $1,206,708

Cellular phones and tablets

Awardee announced 6/17 - $827,637 Awarded, $1,070,930 Requested

RPM kits

Awardee announced 6/10 - $817,248 Awarded, $835,892 Requested

Cellular phones and tablets

Awardee announced 7/1 - $784,200 Awarded, Requested $1M

RPM kits

Awardee announced 5/28 - $782,629 Awarded, Requested $847,718 (Supplemental Information)

RPM kits

Awardee announced 6/24 - $767,139 Awarded, Requested $996,794

RPM kits

Awardee announced 5/28 - $742,780 Awarded, Requested $962,759

RPM kits

Awardee announced 6/10 - $740,513 Awarded, Requested $669,479

Cellular phones and prepaid plans

Awardee announced 4/21 - $737,098 Awarded, Requested $818,528

Cellular phones, services, and vitals devices

Awardee announced 5/13 - $735,365 Awarded, Requested $873,641

Wearable devices

Awardee announced 4/16 - $727,747 Awarded, Requested $937,646

RPM kits

Awardee announced 6/3 - $718,752 Awarded, Requested $994,676

RPM kits

Awardee announced 4/23 - $714,322 Awarded, Requested $945,767

Cellular devices

Awardee announced 7/8 - $713,611 Awarded, Requested $939,658

RPM kits

Awardee announced 6/17 - $676,416 Awarded, Requested $950,000

Cellular devices

Awardee announced 6/24 - $663,704 Awarded, Requested $903,941

Tablets

Awardee announced 4/21 - $649,000 Awarded, Requested $951,141

RPM kits

Awardee announced 6/3 - $638,842 Awarded, Requested $796,557

Tablets

Awardee announced 6/24 - $637,128 Awarded, Requested $726,593

Internet services provided and tablets

Awardee announced 6/17 - $631,795 Awarded, Requested $2,047,650

RPM kits

Awardee announced 6/24 - $620,736 Awarded, Requested $956,169

Tablets

Awardee announced 5/28 - $546,009 Awarded, Requested $647,210

Tablets and cell coverage for patients

Awardee announced 7/8 - $524,062 Awarded, Requested $858,321

Cellular vitals devices

Awardee announced 7/8 - $510,190 Awarded, Requested $999,950

RPM kits

Awardee announced 5/13 - $504,034 Awarded, Requested $703,220

Phones and data plans for patients

Awardee announced 6/24 - $499,800 Awarded, Requested $999,600

Cellular vitals Device

Awardee announced 7/1 - $499,779 Awarded, Requested $1,745,780

RPM Kit

Awardee announced 6/3 - $498,818 Awarded, Requested $1M

Prepaid mobile phones

Awardee announced 5/28 - $480,854 Awarded, Requested $600,000

RPM kit and Tablets

Awarded announced 6/10 - $452,166 Awarded, Requested $526,417

Internet connected tablets

Awardee announced 5/28 - $448,442 Awarded, Requested $995,200

Tablets and hotspots for patients

Awardee announced 6/24 - $442,361 Awarded, Requested $457,996

Tablets for patients

Awardee announced 5/28 - $440,875 Awarded, Requested $819,423

Tablets for patients

Awardee announced 5/28 - $437,114 Awarded, Requested $523,114

Tablets and vitals devices

Awardee announced 5/20 - $435,879 Awarded, Requested $595,795

Cell phones for patients

Awardee announced 5/6 - $430,438 Awarded, Requested $654,986

Home cellular vitals hub and Connected vitals devices

Awardee announced 6/3 - $423,645 Awarded, Requested $453,645

Tablets and connected devices

Awardee announced 6/17 - $421,748 Awarded, Requested $430,022

Tablets for patients

Awardee announced 5/20 - $420,675 Awarded, Requested $500,436

Cell phones for patients

Awardee announced 5/6- $415,621 Awarded, Requested $470,700

RPM kits

Awardee announced 7/1 - $399,320 Awarded, Requested $889,263

Tablets and Connected vitals devices

Awardee announced 5/28 - $373,731 Awarded, Requested $999,040

Tablets for patients

Awardee announced 6/17 - $372,757 Awarded, Requested $629,551

Tablets for patients

Awardee announced 5/20 - $356,597 Awarded, Requested $500,000

Mobile phones for patients

Awardee announced 6/24 - $347,358 Awarded, Requested $381,051

Laptops for patients

Awardee announced 6/17 - $342,346 Awarded, Requested $551,833

Tablets and internet connectivity

Awardee announced 5/28 - $328,126 Awarded, Requested $540,235.84

Internet connected tablets

Awardee announced 7/8 - $321,244 Awarded, Requested $877,698

Tablets and cell phone minutes

Awardee announced 6/24 - $313,974 Awarded, Requested $314,169

Tablets and connected devices

Awardee announced 4/16 - $312,500 Awarded, Requested $55,000

RPM kits

Awardee announced 6/17 - $308,471 Awarded, Requested $308,471

Tablets and connected devices

Awardee announced 5/6 - $297,975 Awarded, Requested $991,331

Cellular phones and services for patients and medical carts with vitals devices

Awardee announced 6/10 - $295,215 Awarded, Requested $356,525

LTE enabled vitals devices for patients

Awardee announced 5/28 - $291,235 Awarded, Requested $350,000

Expanding telehealth to reach to patients who currently have limited or no access to technology.

Awardee announced 5/28 - $286,046 Awarded, Requested $398,003

Hotspot enabled tablets for vulnerable patients

Awardee announced 6/10 - $266,944 Awarded, Requested $600,000

RPM Kits

Awardee announced 5/28 - $266,800 Awarded, Requested $267,790

RPM Kits

Awardee announced 5/28 - $245,988 Awarded, Requested $288,016

Tablets with wifi hotspot for homeless patients that are staying in their own single room shelter

Awardee announced 4/16 - $244,282 Awarded, Requested $321,477

RPM Kits

Awardee announced 6/24 - $242,209 Awarded, Requested $355,924

RPM Kits

Awardee announced 6/17 - $241,200 Awarded, Requested $244,300

RPM Kits

Awardee announced 6/24 - $232,009 Awarded, Requested $1M

upgrades to radio towers and chromebooks for patients

Awardee announced 6/17 - $225,359 Awarded, Requested $260,818

Devices with Services

Awardee announced 5/28 - $202,065 Awarded, Requested $918,159

iPads, Laptops, Cell Phones - to be deployed at homeless shelters

Awardee announced 6/10 - $197,387 Awarded, Requested $208,083

Clients that need a smartphone, as well as internet connectivity to be able to connect with their clinicians

Awardee announced 4/16 - $192,500 Awarded, Requested $197,500

Patient phones preloaded with software

Awardee announced 5/13 - $190,150 Awarded, Requested $190,150

RPM Kits

Awardee announced 7/8 - $164,474 Awarded, Requested $4,335,913

Cellphones and ipads for homeless

Awardee announced 6/17 - $149,339 Awarded, Requested $229,312

Smartphones with prepaid minutes

Awardee announced 5/28 - $120,035 Awarded, Requested $216,000

Phones and data plans

Awardee announced 6/10 - $118,294 Awarded, Requested $140,519

Smartphones with data plans

Awardee announced 6/17 - $114,123 Awarded, Requested $124,863

Devices and cellular hotspots

Awardee announced 6/24 - $110,577 Awarded, Requested $255,605

Data plans devices

Awardee announced 7/8 - $110,295 Awarded, Requested $244,793

iPads with data, and bluetooth vitals devices

Awardee announced 7/1 - $98,247 Awarded, Requested $107,253.90

Tablets for patients without phones

Awardee announced 6/3 - $96,500 Awarded, Requested $120,000

Devices for patients without broadband

Awardee announced 7/1 - $86,626 Awarded, Requested $100,000

Devices for shelters

Awardee announced 6/17 - $63,700 Awarded, Requested $121,249

" Goal:Increase use of telehealth treatment for individuals who do not have access to the technology needed due to socioeconomic barriers."

Awardee announced 7/8 - $55,380 Awarded, Requested $121,210

Phones and tablets for patients

Awardee announced 7/1 - $45,843 Awarded, Requested $91,983

Laptops and phones for patients

Awardee announced 5/13 - $44,949 Awarded, Requested $48,785

Mobile telehealth carts

Awardee announced 5/13 - $41,457 Awarded, Requested $50,000

Ipads and cell plans

Awardee announced 6/3 - $40,850 Awarded, Requested $41,750

Smartphones with data plans

Awardee announced 6/3 - $39,959 Awarded, Requested $42,359

Prepaid smartphones

Awardee announced 6/24 - $33,961 Awarded, Requested $58,313

Devices and cell services to children

Awardee announced 5/28 - $30,494 Awarded, Requested $34,000

Devices with internet service

Awardee announced 6/10 - $28,919 Awarded, Requested $31,000

Tablets and hotspot devices

Awardee announced 5/28 - $20,069 Awarded, Requested $21,500

Tablets and apps

Awardee announced 5/20 - $19,965 Awarded, Requested $35,000

Tablets and hotspots

Awardee announced 6/17 - $12,591 Awarded, Requested $12,668

RPM Kit

Awardee announced 6/24 - $10,029 Awarded, Requested $10,028

RPM Kit

Awardee announced 6/24 - $9,250 Awarded, Requested $10,000

tablets with no-cost wifi

Awardee announced 6/24 - $4,220 Awarded, Requested $4,220

iphones with service fees paid

Awardee announced 6/10 - $1,468 Awarded, Requested $1,500

smartphones with prepaid plans

Awardees’ applications utilizing technology for populations with required infrastructure and technology experience:

Awardee announced 4/16 - $1M Awarded, Requested $1M (Supplemental Information)

Connected Vitals Devices provided - additional breakdown in supplemental Information

Awardee announced 5/20 - $1M Awarded, Requested $1,062,828

Connected vitals devices to be deployed on patient’s existing smartphone

Awardee announced 5/20 - $1M Awarded, Requested $1,100,000

Bluetooth vitals devices and staff equipment

Awardee announced 5/28 - $1M Awarded, Requested $1,289,300.05

Connected vitals devices and smart phone application and staff equipment

Awardee announced 6/10 - $1M Awarded, Requested $2,174,530.38

Patient vitals device

Awardee announced 6/17 - $1M Awarded, Requested $1M

Smart vitals devices

Awardee announced 7/1 - $1M Awarded, Requested $870,000

Smartphone app with EHR connection and service + maintenance

Awardee announced 7/8 - $1M Awarded, Requested $1M

Mentions equipment provided from another application, training and staff equipment

Awardee announced 7/8 - $1M Awarded, Requested $1M (Supplemental Information)

Supplemental includes peripherals

Awardee announced 7/1 - $985,312 Awarded, Requested $1M

iPads and wireless vitals devices

Awardee announced 4/21 - $983,772 Awarded, Requested $1,004,611

App based telehealth solution

Awardee announced 6/10 - $977,720 Awarded, Requested $1M

Wireless vitals devices and tablets for providers

Awardee announced 7/1 - $945,590 Awarded, Requested $971,092

Bluetooth vitals devices

Awardee announced 6/24 - $940,693 Awarded, Requested $999,992

Bluetooth vitals devices

Awardee announced 7/1 - $937,755 Awarded, Requested $987,855

Wireless vitals devices for patients

Awardee announced 7/1 - $920,019 Awarded, Requested $1M

Wireless vitals devices

Awardee announced 6/17 - $907,383 Awarded, Requested $949,315

Wireless bluetooth devices

Awardee announced 5/28 - $902,290 Awarded, Requested $1,000,162

Mobile app based solution

Awardee announced 7/1 - $891,276 Awarded, Requested $987,226

Connected vitals devices

Awardee announced 5/20 - $884,116 Awarded, Requested $938,165

Connected vitals devices

Awardee announced 7/8 - $842,637 Awarded, Requested Not Listed on App

Connected vitals devices

Awardee announced 5/28 - $821,882 Awarded, Requested $1M

Bluetooth devices

Awardee announced 7/1 - $820,493 Awarded, $999,092 Requested

Laptops, webcams, and self-monitoring blood pressure machines for patients

Awardee announced 4/29 - $807,090 Awarded, $993,394.00 Requested

Vitals devices

Awardee announced 6/17 - $804,641 Awarded, $979,127 Requested

Vitals devices

Awardee announced 5/20 - $799,305 Awarded, $994,630 Requested

Remote monitoring platform and equipment

Awardee announced 6/17 - $793,274 Awarded, $858,205 Requested

Connected devices

Awardee announced 7/1 - $791,398 Awarded, Requested $999,559

Vitals devices

Awardee announced 6/24 - $781,831 Awarded, Requested $1M

App based solution

Awardee announced 4/23 - $772,687 Awarded, Requested $981,817

Smartphone app

Awardee announced 5/13 - $772,680 Awarded, Requested $1M

Connected vitals devices

Awardee announced 7/1 - $770,913 Awarded, Requested $994,354

Vitals devices

Awardee announced 5/13- $755,468 Awarded, Requested $938,011

Vitals devices

Awardee announced 4/16 - $753,367 Awarded, Requested $788,734

Vitals devices

Awardee announced 7/1 - $749,766 Awarded, Requested $981,065

Vitals devices

Awardee announced 6/24 - $730,008 Awarded, Requested $982,042

Virtual vitals monitoring

Awardee announced 5/13 - $719,098 Awarded, Requested $712,800

Vitals devices

Awardee announced 7/1 - $712,694 Awarded, Requested $804,042

Vitals devices

Awardee announced 6/24 - $698,603 Awarded, Requested $765,435

Home vitals equipment

Awardee announced 7/1 - $638,263 Awarded, Requested $997,450

RPM kits

Awardee announced 7/1 - $636,834 Awarded, Requested $920,816

Vitals devices

Awardee announced 5/6 - $629,051 Awarded, Requested $999,084

RPM Kit for patients with Wifi

Awardee announced 6/3 - $618,628 Awarded, Requested $907,454

Wifi enabled vitals devices for patient and laptops and tablets for staff

Awardee announced 6/17, $600,583 Awarded, Requested $999,663

RPM kits

Awardee announced 7/1 - $574,594 Awarded, Requested $653,200

App based solutions

Awardee announced 6/3 - $561,131 Awarded, Requested $924,506

RPM kits

Awardee announced 6/30 - $560,356 Awarded, Requested $600,000

Inpatient INR

Awardee announced 5/20 - $539,797 Awarded, Requested $2,250,000

Telehealth app

Awardee announced 5/28 - $536,485 Awarded, Requested $575,545

RPM kit

Awardee announced 5/28 - $536,359 Awarded, Requested $940,593

RPM kit

Awardee announced 7/8 - $535,172 Awarded, Requested $956,981

Vitals devices

Awardee announced 6/17 - $515,449 Awarded, Requested $1,046,650

Mobile health app

Awardee announced 6/10 - $494,839 Awarded, Requested $504,579

RPM devices

Awardee announced 5/20 - $472,059 Awarded, Requested $596,663

Telehealth platform

Awardee announced 5/20 - $463,866 Awarded, Requested $630,000

Telehealth platform

Awardee announced 5/20 - $462,797 Awarded, Requested $574,100

Bluetooth thermometer and pulse oximeters

Awardee announced 6/3 - $451,400 Awarded, Requested $469,000

Connected vitals devices

Awardee announced 6/24 - $443,417 Awarded, Requested $595,731

Connected RPM devices

Awardee announced 5/6 - $442,376 Awarded, Requested $856,081

Connected RPM devices

Awardee announced 7/1 - $418,996 Awarded, Requested $660,647

Connected vitals devices

Awardee announced 7/1 - $400,392 Awarded, $163,909 Requested

App enabled solution

Awardee announced 6/10 - $399,038 Awarded, Requested $700,000

Bluetooth vitals devices and app based solution

Awardee announced 5/20 - $384,024 Awarded, Requested $1,155,041

Bluetooth connected devices

Awardee announced 4/21 - $382,331 Awarded, Requested $446,556

Home vitals devices for patients with wifi

Awardee announced 6/24 - $342,449 Awarded, Requested $854,050

Connected vitals devices

Awardee announced 7/8 - $333,781 Awarded, Requested $352,734

Video software and in-home connected devices

Awardee announced 5/6 - $332,079 Awarded, Requested $1M

Phone based solution

Awardee announced 7/8 - $299,118 Awarded, Requested $245,765 (Supplemental Information)

Wireless system upgrades, laptops, tablets and webcams for staff tablets for in person patient visits, and vitals devices - additional breakdown in Supplemental Information

Awardee announced 5/13 - $292,000 Awarded, Requested $500,000

Remote patient monitoring devices and telehealth platform(voice or video)

Awardee announced 7/1 - $288,847 Awarded, Requested $333,543

Exam cameras, bluetooth stethoscopes and internet gateways for telehealth kits and telehealth platform expansion

Awardee announced 6/24 - $264,132 Awarded, Requested $245,610

Bluetooth enabled monitoring devices for patients' use

Awardee announced 6/10 - $260,959 Awarded, Requested $586,694

In-home patient self monitoring devices for uninsured patients with uncontrolled hypertension and/or diabetes chronic conditions

Awardee announced 7/1 - $247,819 Awarded, Requested $360,800

Remote webcam for patients’ computer

Awardee announced 7/1 - $226,016 Awarded, Requested $225,740

Virtual intensive outpatient treatment program for youth negatively impacted by the crises

Awardee announced 7/1 - $223,569 Awarded, Requested $230,150

Laptops for patients

Awardee announced 5/28 - $213,997 Awarded, Requested $815,650

Remote patient monitoring devices and system

Awardee announced 6/10 - $206,763 Awarded, Requested $221,153

Bluetooth enabled vitals devices for patients

Awardee announced 6/24 - $204,603 Awarded, Requested $259,939

Vitals devices for patients

Awardee announced 6/3 - $194,700 Awarded, Requested $189,124

Blood pressure machines for patients

Awardee announced 6/17 - $193,645 Awarded, Requested $263,586

Vitals devices to be integrated into EMR

Awardee announced 5/20 - $188,500 Awarded, Requested $325,000

Home vitals equipment for patients

Awardee announced 6/10 - $180,050 Awarded, Requested $389,300

Devices for clients

Awardee announced 5/13 - $174,840 Awarded, Requested $217,215

Laptops for patients at home

Awardee announced 4/23 - $165,832 Awarded, Requested $279,085

Vitals devices for patients at home

Awardee announced 5/28 - $164,634 Awarded, Requested $285,865

Laptops for patients with wifi

Awardee announced 5/20 - $162,207 Awarded, Requested $330,906

Vitals devices for patients with smartphones

Awardee announced 6/3 - $159,022 Awarded, Requested $170,175

Tablets for patients with wifi

Awardee announced 6/3 - $156,293 Awarded, Requested $1M

Vitals devices with patients calling in to report values

Awardee announced 6/24 - $152,931 Awarded, Requested $395,408

Bluetooth vitals devices for patients use at home

Awardee announced 6/3 - $150,475 Awarded, Requested $172,000

Tablet and home vitals devices

Awardee announced 7/8 - $146,390 Awarded, Requested $250,000

Home vitals devices

Awardee announced 7/1 - $140,357 Awarded, Requested $147,601

Remote monitoring devices for patients

Awardee announced 6/10 - $136,214 Awarded, Requested $236,240

Telemonitoring devices for patients

Awardee announced 4/23 - $130,217 Awarded, Requested $136,856

Remote vitals devices for patients

Awardee announced 6/24 - $126,960 Awarded, Requested $216,000

Remote equipment for patients

Awardee announced 6/3 - $122,710 Awarded, Requested $128,689

Home vitals devices

Awardee announced 4/23 - $116,049 Awarded, Requested $204,803

Video conferencing for patients

Awardee announced 4/29 - $113,744 Awarded, Requested $114,267

Home pulse oximeters

Awardee announced 6/24 - $112,244 Awarded, Requested $165,539

Tablets and vitals devices for patients with wifi

Awardee announced 7/1 - $110,785 Awarded, Requested $149,126

Home vitals devices

Awardee announced 6/17 - $105,000 Awarded, Requested $235,000

Software for patients with smartphones

Awardee announced 7/1 - $103,169 Awarded, Requested $226,665

Home vitals devices

Awardee announced 5/20 - $102,016 Awarded, Requested $111,110

Bluetooth and wifi home vitals devices

Awardee announced 7/1 - $99,006 Awarded, Requested $204,802

Wifi tablets

Awardee announced 5/28 - $78,528 Awarded, Requested $81,440

Devices

Awardee announced 5/13 - $75,000 Awarded, Requested $75,000

Smartphones and tablets

Awardee announced 5/20 - $61,515 Awarded, Requested $58,333

Tablets for video connections

Awardee announced 4/29 - $60,480 Awarded, Requested $120,960

Home Vitals Devices

Awardee announced 6/10 - $58,336 Awarded, Requested $82,246

Devices for outreach workers

Awardee announced 6/3 - $58,312 Awarded, Requested $73,327

Vitals devices

Awardee announced 5/20 - $56,786 Awarded, Requested $57,983

Wifi Tablets

Awardee announced 6/3 - $56,266 Awarded, Requested $57,702

Remote patient monitoring equipment

Awardee announced 7/1 - $55,135 Awarded, Requested $53,010

Telehealth

Awardee announced 6/24 - $53,846 Awarded, Requested $99,580

Wifi Tablets

Awardee announced 6/10 - $51,425 Awarded, Requested $58,345

For patients with smartphone and wifi

Awardee announced 5/28 - $49,455 Awarded, Requested $42,084

Tablets and headset for patients

Awardee announced 5/28 - $34,982 Awarded, Requested $41,831

Tablets

Awardee announced 6/3 - $34,856 Awarded, Requested $75,000

Unknown equipment for patients

Awardee announced 5/20 - $21,434 Awarded, Requested $40,000

“Possible” smartphones

Awardee announced 7/1 - $17,538 Awarded, Requested $16,668

Laptops and accessories

Awardee announced 7/1 - $15,149 Awarded, Requested $15,224

Tablets, webcams, scanners and laptops

Awardee announced 6/17 - $14,253 Awarded, Requested $18,570

“Lending” laptops

Awardee announced 6/24 - $13,234 Awarded, Requested $20,554

Internet dependent loaned devices

Awardee announced 7/1 - $11,768 Awarded, Requested $15,000

Laptops, tablets, devices

Awardee announced 6/3 - $8,013 Awarded, Requested $8,000

Computers and tablets for “lending library”

Awardee announced 6/3 - $7,171 Awarded, Requested $10,000

Devices for patients

For more information on Round 2 metrics: www.telehealthmetrics.com

For our general thoughts on Round 2: www.stel.life/blog/fcc-round2

For more on Stel’s filings with the FCC: fcc.gov/ecfs

Sumner Sykes 4/5/21 Sumner Sykes 4/5/21

FCC Round 2 Telehealth Metrics Walkthrough | April 5, 2021

Here is a quick guide from our team organizing the factors, links to find information, and eligible points.

Below is a full breakdown of the evaluation metrics from the FCC’s Report & Order and example walkthroughs from our team.

Video walkthrough here

Schedule a time to discuss with one of our FCC Telehealth specialists here!

Connected Devices and Services Support Page

Steps before applying:

Request an eligibility determination from USAC by filing an FCC Form 460
Obtain an FCC Registration Number (FRN) and an FCC Commission Registration System (CORES) ID
Enroll with System for Awards Management (SAM) and Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) for funding submissions

Round 2 application process

In order to increase transparency in Round 2 of the FCC’s Telehealth Program, the FCC has shared the evaluation metrics USAC will use during the Round 2 application review process. Each metric is assigned its own objective scoring mechanism, which will allow USAC to score applications.

Applications will be scored to ensure that the providers who need funding the most will be prioritized. A higher score translates to a higher likelihood of receiving funding in Round 2.

Directly below is our team’s reference guide on the Round 2 metrics, resources links, and eligible points.

Factor	Resource Links	Points
Hardest Hit Area (Hotspot / Sustained Hotspot)	HHS Hotspot Guide	+15: Sustained Hotspot +7: Hotspot
Low-Income Area	Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates (SAIPE) Census Tract	+15: ≥ 75th percentile of poverty for area SAIPE (17.5%) OR Census Tract (19.8%) +7: ≥ median poverty level of SAIPE (13.5%) OR Census Tract (11.4%), but <75th percentile 0: Less than the median poverty rate
Round 1 Application Experience	Round 1 Awardee? Applicant? (https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/ under Docket 20-89)	+15: Applied, but did not receive, Round 1 funding +5: Did not apply for Round 1 0: Received Round 1 Funding
Tribal Community	Operate on Tribal Lands or affiliation with Indian Health Services?	+15: Operate on Tribal land or affiliation with Indian Health Services (IHS)
Critical Access Hospital	Critical Access Hospital eligibility	+10: Designated Critical Access Hospital
FQHC, Look-Alike, or DSH	FQHC FQHC Look-Alike Disproportionate Share Hospitals	+10: Designation as an FQHC, FQHC Look-Alike, or DSH
Healthcare Provider Shortage Area (HPSA)	HPSA database by address (under “primary care” category)	+10: HPSA score between 13-25 +5: HPSA score between 1-12
Rural County	USAC’s Eligible Rural Areas Search tool	+5: If you are located in a rural county

Eligible Items and Invoicing

Supporting invoice documentation and materials to prove eligibility must be submitted.
Examples of these forms can be found through links on this page: www.stel.life/order

The COVID-19 Telehealth Program Request for Reimbursement Form.
Enroll with the Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) and register with the System for Award Management (SAM) to receive funding.
FAQs and details on Invoicing process can be found on “invoices & reimbursements” tab

“Eligible health care providers should not include the cost of ineligible items in their funding application.” #27 on FCC FAQ

(Below: list of Eligible and Ineligible items from the FCC FAQS)

Eligible Services And Devices

Connected Vitals Devices (Bluetooth / Wifi Blood Pressure Monitors, Scales, etc…)

Connected Equipment (Tablets, smart phones, connected vitals devices) to receive connected care services at home
Telemedicine Kiosks / carts
Telecommunications and Internet Connectivity
Information Services (remote patient monitoring, store and forward, async patient data, synchronous video)
Recurring Fees (12 months for eligible services)

Ineligible

Personnel and Administrative Expenses - e.g., IT staff, project managers, medical professionals, consultant fees, training, customer service, marketing, etc.
Technical support, maintenance, warranties, and protection plans, development / implementation of platforms, websites, or systems.
Unconnected devices and supplies - Devices patients use and manually enter / report results to professionals, testing strips, lancets, disposable covers, and personal protective equipment, etc.
Unconnected accessories - e.g., cases, mouse pads, cable clips, laptop bags, tablet stands, charging stations, back-up batteries, power cords, surge protectors, etc.
Consumer Devices and Non-Telehealth Items - e.g., Smartwatches and fitness trackers, office furniture and supplies, security systems, and incidental expenses, etc.
Construction: e.g., fiber/ethernet/cable network constructions, facility alterations, and temporary site location structures, etc.

$200M FCC Telehealth Program - Application Highlight | March 29, 2021

This week, we wanted to dig into Round 1 winners’ applications and analyze how those applications would be classified against the metrics we proposed to the FCC earlier this year. Stel’s additional discussions with the FCC and can be found here.

Last week, we wrote about our excitement for the upcoming round of the FCC Telehealth program.

Before diving into the breakdown, the beginning recaps Round 1’s rules and Stel’s recommendations for Round 2.

FCC Program Round 1 Rules:

The FCC’s $200 million Telehealth Program and $100 million Connected Care Pilot Program was adopted to fund the purchase of telecommunications services, information services, and connected devices for eligible health care providers.

“For purposes of this Report and Order, we broadly define “connected care services” as a subset of telehealth that uses broadband Internet access service-enabled technologies to deliver remote medical, diagnostic, patient-centered, and treatment-related services directly to patients outside of traditional brick and mortar medical facilities—including specifically to patients at their mobile location or residence. Examples of connected care services delivered to patients at their residence or mobile location rather than a health care provider’s physical location include, but are not limited to, remote patient monitoring, patient health education, store and forward services, and synchronous video” pg. 10

“Eligible health care providers should not include the cost of ineligible items in their funding application.” #27 on FCC FAQ

(Below: list of Eligible and Ineligible items from the FCC FAQS)

Ineligible

Unconnected Vitals Devices - Devices patients use and manually enter / report results to professionals

Unconnected supplies - testing strips, lancets, disposable covers, and personal protective equipment, etc.
Consumer Devices - Smartwatches and fitness trackers.
Unconnected accessories - e.g., cases, mouse pads, cable clips, laptop bags, tablet stands, and charging stations, back-up batteries, redundant power cords, surge protectors, etc.
Non-Telehealth Items - e.g., office furniture and supplies, security systems, and incidental expenses, etc.
Technical support, maintenance, warranties, and protection plans
Personnel costs - e.g., IT staff, project managers, medical professionals, etc.
Staff Training Costs
Administrative Expenses - Consultant fees, payroll, customer service, records management, and doctor’s costs, etc.
Marketing Costs
Development / Implementation of platforms, websites, or systems.
Construction: e.g., fiber/ethernet/cable network constructions, facility alterations, and temporary site location structures, etc.
Solutions purchased before March 13 or after December 31, 2020
More than six months of recurring fees

Eligible Services And Devices

Connected Vitals Devices (Bluetooth / Wifi Blood Pressure Monitors, Scales, etc…)

Connected Equipment (Tablets, smart phones, connected vitals devices) to receive connected care services at home
Telemedicine Kiosks / carts
Telecommunications and Internet Connectivity
Information Services (remote patient monitoring platforms and services, patient reported outcome platforms, store and forward services, async transfer of patient images and data, platforms and services for synchronous video)
Recurring Fees (six months for eligible services)

Stel’s Round 2 Recommendations:

In order to further Federal priorities in curing the Digital Divide, expanding Connected Care, and promoting Interoperability while also preventing fraud/waste/abuse, Stel recommends that applicants detail how their solutions impact the following:

Patient Care and the Digital Divide:

Efficacy of program or number of patients that can be treated per dollar of investment (ex. cost of devices and services per patient)
Impact on Digital Divide and Vulnerable Patient Populations:
- Required Patient Infrastructure (Wifi, smartphones, e-mails, etc…)
- Patient burden and risk of harm (required tech/security literacy)
- Patient’s out of pocket costs

Organization’s Capability and Connected Health Initiatives:

Track-record of previous investments into connected care and telehealth programs
Impact on Interoperability, EHR integration, or on other agency initiatives
Fraud/waste/abuse - listing out investments into eligible vs. ineligible items

Round 1 Application Review:

Data collected from FCC applications. Full list of awardees here.

Full vendor breakdown can be found in previous blog post.

The intention of this post is to highlight the natural alignment applicants expressed to our proposed Round 2 metrics. The following is a breakdown of Round 1 applications with goals in curing the digital divide, expanding Connected Care, and promoting Interoperability while also preventing fraud/waste/abuse.

These applications were prepared during the height of the pandemic and under the pressures of submitting applications under a time-sensitive rolling process in Round 1. Please note that these applications may not represent the final outcomes of funding decisions. Actual payments may differ as the FCC reported not all Round 1 funding had been disbursed. As a result, to maintain context on the application review process and not on specific applicants, links to applications are below, but the name of the applicant will be withheld from the post itself. We intend to do a further analysis once program reports or invoice data becomes available.

If you are interested in contributing to this research please contact sid@stel.life.

(Updated 04-8-21: $800,000 awardees complete)

84- Total Awardee Applications reviewed below

39 - Awardees supporting patients struggling from the digital divide

27 - Awardees supporting privileged patients (with required tech infrastructure - wifi/smartphones)

18 - Awardees with no mention of devices or services for patients at home

Awardees supporting populations struggling from the digital divide:

Awardee announced 4/29 - $1M Awarded, Requested $3,600,000

Remote monitoring kits
Breakdown not in application

Awardee announced 5/20 - $1M Awarded, Requested $2,327,662 (Supplemental Information)

Remote monitoring kits

Awardee announced 5/28 - $1M Awarded, Requested $4,394,481 (Supplemental Information)

Remote monitoring kits

Awardee announced 6/10 - $1M Awarded, Requested $2,357,500 (Supplemental Information)

$420k for phones and data plans for 5000 high risk patients with limited connectivity

Awardee announced 6/17 - $1M Awarded, Requested $1,078,000 (APP2, APP3)

Tablet and Peripherals provided

Awardee announced 6/24 - $1M Awarded, Requested $2,251,381.23 (Supplemental Information)

Remote monitoring kits

Awardee announced 7/1 - $1M Awarded, Requested $1M

Smartphones and data services

Awardee announced 6/10 - $999,700 Awarded, Requested $999,770

Smartphone and data services

Awardee announced 6/17 - $998,250 Awarded, Requested $998,250

Tablets and connected vitals devices

Awardee announced 5/1 - $994,950 Awarded, Requested $1M

Phones for patients

Awardee announced 7/1 - $976,679 Awarded, Requested $1M

Remote patient monitoring kits

Awardee announced 6/24 - $973,055 Awarded, Requested $998,917

Tablets and phones for patients

Awardee announced 6/24 - $967,304 Awarded, Requested $971,554

Remote patient monitoring kits

Awardee announced 5/20 - $967,304 Awarded, Requested $994,212

Network enabled devices

Awardee announced 6/24 - $966,026 Awarded, Requested $1,016,189

Tablets for patients

Awardee announced 4/21 - $958,270 Awarded, Requested $999,547.00

Internet hotspots and wireless devices

Awardee announced 5/6 - $954,990 Awarded, Requested $983,215

Internet hotspots and wireless devices

Awardee announced 6/10 - $948,576 Awarded, Requested $986,400

Cellular hub and wireless vitals devices

Awardee announced 6/6 - $939,627 Awarded, Requested $995,688

Phones and data plans for patients

Awardee announced 6/3 - $930,098 Awarded, Requested $999,825

Cell phones and data plans for patients

Awardee announced 5/28 - $929,834 Awarded, Requested $1,000,458

Remote patient monitoring kits

Awardee announced 5/20 - $928,183 Awarded, Requested $999,841

Cell phones and data plans for patients

Awardee announced 6/24 - $927,146 Awarded, Requested $1,000,000

Devices to patients for telehealth

Awardee announced 6/24 - $926,266 Awarded, Requested $991,177

Phones with data plans for patients

Awardee announced 6/24 - $923,487 Awarded, Requested $778,828

Broadband enabled tablet
Vital sign monitoring devices

Awardee announced 6/17 - $922,688 Awarded, Requested $661,300

Smartphones
Bluetooth vitals devices

Awardee announced 6/3 - $917,255 Awarded, Requested $998,730

Tablets for patients

Awardee announced 6/24 - $915,862 Awarded, Requested $957,447 (Supplemental Information)

Tablets for patients
Remote patient monitoring kits

Awardee announced 5/28 - $909,560 Awarded, Requested $914,420

Remote monitoring devices

Awardee announced 7/8 - $883,702 Awarded, Requested $999,973

Cellular tablets
Bluetooth vitals devices

Awardee announced 7/1 - $882,255 Awarded, Requested $1,000,000

Tablets and smartphones
Connected vitals devices

Awardee announced 5/13 - $879,520 Awarded, Requested $1,272,967

Remote patient monitoring kits

Awardee announced 6/17 - $873,982 Awarded, Requested $1,000,000

Remote patient monitoring kits

Awardee announced 5/20 - $873,202 Awarded, Requested $999,957

Cellular tablets

Awardee announced 5/6 - $862,950 Awarded, Requested $$999,750

Preloaded connectivity devices

Awardee announced 5/28 - $857,750 Awarded, Requested $777,250

Cellular phones and tablets

Awardee announced 6/24 - $836,243 Awarded, Requested $1,206,708

Cellular phones and tablets

Awardee announced 6/17 - $827,637 Awarded, $1,070,930 Requested

Remote patient monitoring kits

Awardee announced 6/10 - $817,248 Awarded, $835,892 Requested

Cellular phones and tablets

Awardees Supporting populations with SmartPhones:

Awardee announced 4/16 - $1M Awarded, Requested $1,000,000 (Supplemental Information)

Connected Vitals Devices provided - additional breakdown in supplemental Information

Awardee announced 5/20 - $1M Awarded, Requested $575,545
(Only application we could find from FCC Search, Please let us know if there’s an updated application, and we’ll update link)

Connected Vitals Devices to be deployed on Patient’s existing smartphone

Awardee announced 5/20 - $1M Awarded, Requested $1,100,000

Bluetooth Vitals Devices Mentioned
Staff Equipment

Awardee announced 5/28 - $1M Awarded, Requested $1,289,300.05

Connected Vitals Devices and Smart phone application broken down in application
Staff equipment also broken down in application

Awardee announced 6/3 - $1M Awarded, Requested $866,542.51 (APP2, APP3)

Bluetooth Vitals Devices
Apps 2 and 3 highlight funding for patient apps and hospital equipment

Awardee announced 6/10 - $1M Awarded, Requested $2,174,530.38

Bluetooth PulseOx Devices mentioned, but not broken down
App/Video Software for patients and providers mentioned, but not broken down
In-Patient Cameras and tools mentioned, but not broken down
Staff Equipment mentioned, but not broken down

Awardee announced 6/17 - $1M Awarded, Requested $1,000,000

Patient smartphone apps
Staff Equipment

Awardee announced 6/17 - $1M Awarded, Requested $1,000,000

Smart Vitals Devices
Staff Equipment

Awardee announced 7/1 - $1M Awarded, Requested $870,000

Smartphone App with EHR connection
Service + maintenance included in breakdown in application

Awardee announced 7/8 - $1M Awarded, Requested $1M

Mentions equipment provided from another application
Training and staff equipment mentioned
Full breakdown in non-public application

Awardee announced 7/8 - $1M Awarded, Requested $1M (Supplemental Information)

Supplemental includes Peripherals

Awardee announced 7/1 - $985,312 Awarded, Requested $1M

iPads
Wireless vitals devices

Awardee announced 4/21 - $983,772 Awarded, Requested $1,004,611

App based telehealth solution

Awardee announced 6/10 - $977,720 Awarded, Requested $1M

Wireless vitals devices
Tablets for providers

Awardee announced 7/1 - $945,590 Awarded, Requested $971,092

Bluetooth vitals devices

Awardee announced 6/24 - $940,693 Awarded, Requested $999,992

Bluetooth vitals devices

Awardee announced 7/1 - $937,755 Awarded, Requested $987,855

Wireless vitals devices for patients

Awardee announced 7/1 - $920,019 Awarded, Requested $1M

Wireless vitals devices

Awardee announced 6/17 - $907,383 Awarded, Requested $949,315

Wireless Bluetooth devices

Awardee announced 5/28 - $902,290 Awarded, Requested $1,000,162

Mobile app based solution

Awardee announced 7/1 - $891,276 Awarded, Requested $987,226

Connected vitals devices

Awardee announced 5/20 - $884,116 Awarded, Requested $938,165

Connected vitals devices

Awardee announced 7/8 - $842,637 Awarded, Requested UNKNOWN

Connected vitals devices

Awardee announced 5/28 - $821,882 Awarded, Requested $1,000,000

Bluetooth devices

Awardee announced 7/1 - $820,493 Awarded, $999,092 Requested

Laptops, webcams, and self-monitoring blood pressure machines for patients

Awardee announced 4/29 - $807,090 Awarded, $993,394.00 Requested

Vitals devices

Awardee announced 6/17 - $804,641 Awarded, $979,127 Requested

Vitals devices

Awardees with no mention of devices or services for patients at home:

Awardee announced 5/28 - $1M Awarded, Requested $1,659,744

Staff Equipment and Triaging Services

Awardee announced 6/24 - $1M Awarded, Requested $2,801,926

Staff Equipment (Tablets, Phones, Accessories)

Awardee announced 7/1 - $1M Awarded, Requested $1M

“The devices, kept onsite at our hospital and ambulatory care locations, enable telephonic and video communication between patients and providers, as well as among providers. They are used for direct patient care. The devices also allow patients and providers to communicate with patients’ family members; however, this is not their intended purpose.”

Awardee announced 7/1 - $997,720 Awarded, Requested $1,027,563

Staff Equipment (Laptops and Video Licenses)

Awardee announced 7/1 - $996,119 Awarded, Requested $999,842.00

Laptops for providers

Awardee announced 6/17 - $995,000 Awarded, Requested $1M

Inpatient Telemedicine Carts

Awardee announced 5/13 - $990,716 Awarded, Requested (Blank)

Inpatient Devices

Awardee announced 7/1 - $986,261 Awarded, Requested $1M

Inpatient Devices and Software

Awardee announced 6/21 - $978,935 Awarded, Requested $999,355

Telehealth carts
Tablets for mobile clinicians

Awardee announced 7/1 - $944,766 Awarded, Requested $997,271

Staff equipment

Awardee announced 5/20 - $938,960 Awarded, Requested $934,147

Inpatient equipment
eICU

Awardee announced 7/1 - $923,989 Awarded, Requested $933,177

Laptops and equipment for providers

Awardee announced 6/17 - $914,049 Awarded, Requested $332,578

Staff equipment
Chat line

Awardee announced 6/3 - $881,958 Awarded, Requested $946,220

Inpatient telemedicine cart
Improvement to wireless network

Awardee announced 6/10 - $872,363 Awarded, Requested $940,189

Inpatient equipment

Awardee announced 7/1 - $870,925 Awarded, Requested $1,205,773

Staff equipment

Awardee announced 6/24 - $803,588 Awarded, Requested $1,000,000

Inpatient equipment

Awardee announced 6/24 - $803,268 Awarded, Requested $999,153

Inpatient equipment

Sid Kandan 3/22/21 Sid Kandan 3/22/21

$250M FCC Telehealth Program - Impact on Healthcare's Digital Divide | March 22, 2021

Excitement for FCC Round 2!

Last week, the FCC and Chairwoman Rosenworcel announced an update on Round 2 of the COVID19 Telehealth Program. This round would provide nearly $250 million in additional funding to the $200 million FCC’s COVID-19 Telehealth Program from last year.

As health care providers, government agencies, and companies unite to better address the digital divide in healthcare, the combined $550 million investment stands poised to shape the future of connected health similarly to how the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT (ONC) encouraged the adoption of electronic health records.

The intention of this blog post is to share findings from Round 1 comments and applications and to offer suggestions ahead of Round 2. Our hope is that these findings help highlight additional perspectives in order to continue encouraging excitement for connected health devices and services. This is especially important as we have seen hundreds of health care providers utilize Round 1 funds to improve care for underserved and higher-risk communities. As these government programs tend to increase venture capital investments, we hope these findings help highlight the desire to design digital health solutions for older and higher-risk populations.

Items to clarify prior to Round 2 launch

Round 1 disbursements

The process for Round 1 was:

Applicants submit their plans to purchase telecommunications services, information services, and connected devices.
After receiving commitments, awardees purchase connected devices and eligible services before December 31, 2020 and submit their request for reimbursement.
The reimbursements are reviewed by the FCC staff before funding is disbursed.

However, during the FCC Telehealth Program update on Feb 17, 2021, the Wireline Competition Bureau shared:

Nearly 30% of the CARES Act funding (nearly $60M) had not been disbursed.
Nearly 16% of Awardees (86/539 awardees) had not filed invoices.

Besides that update, little public data on disbursement is available at this time.

Round 1 awardees have until July 31, 2021 to file reimbursement requests, so perhaps the $60M will end up disbursed to the 86 awardees that have yet to file invoices. However, in the FCC’s public notice seeking comment on Telehealth Program Application Evaluation Metrics, awardees voiced concerns regarding supply chain issues and understanding eligibility requirements.

Usability among higher risk and vulnerable populations

Full program reports won’t be available until July 2021, however, further classifying vendors on usability and cost may help the FCC and other agencies better promote solutions for vulnerable populations. This is especially valuable as care teams and patients begin to trust new connected health devices and services. However, as adoption increases, so to have vulnerabilities associated to consumer mHealth Apps and devices that may risk awardees and federal priorities.

The FCC, HHS, and ONC have collaborated to support populations struggling with technology literacy. Perhaps a similar collaboration and campaign could help awardees to better understand the attributes of certain offerings and their impact on those vulnerable populations.

Deadline to implement metrics and award funding

The FCC moved at a historic pace to implement this monumental program last year. In order to maintain program integrity, FCC faces the challenge of creating applications and metrics that do not further burden health care teams, but also provide useful data to scale programs. As a result, the following suggestions are designed to be implemented with minimal effort and note specific evidence on Round 1 problems that could be improved.

Stel’s recommendations:

Opportunity #1: Better assist applicants’ understanding of Eligible vs. Ineligible Devices + Services

Round 1 Comments and Applications indicate confusion on eligible devices and services:

an Awardee commented: “It was difficult to know which devices met the FCC definition of ‘connected’. It was further compounded by the myriad unsolicited vendor offers and claims. The FCC FAQs and support were helpful.” - As of Jan 21, 2021 - $274k spent, $176k remaining.
Application: $909,560 on 94 in-clinic fall detection devices and a dashboard. Both of these items are on the ineligible items list (31 on FAQ).
Application: $1M on training, staffing, software maintenance, and technical support. These items are on the ineligible list (27-2 on FAQ).
Application: $99,000 on consulting and training, deployment, testing costs and integration. These items are on the ineligible list (27-2 and 28 on FAQ).

Suggestions

Oschner shared in their comments: The Commission should require HCPs to demonstrate that 1) the devices or services are ‘connected’; 2) the type of healthcare functionalities are eligible (such as “remote patient monitoring”); and 3) the purposes of/diseases to be treated (such as “to manage diabetes”) by any connected services or devices that the applicant plans to purchase. We agree with this suggestion.

The FCC has done a great job highlighting eligible services and devices on their FAQ, however, the pandemic and Round 1’s rolling nature may have not permitted enough time to fully review supporting materials and documentation. Hopefully, Round 2’s review process can further clarify and educate applicants.

Stel recommends including the device eligibility lists as an attachment to the application form. (images below from the FAQ).

Screen Shot 2021-03-22 at 10.57.59 AM.png

Screen Shot 2021-03-22 at 10.58.22 AM.png

Screen Shot 2021-03-22 at 10.58.31 AM.png

Stel also recommends including the following questions within the application form:

The percentages of funding spent on connected devices, telecom, and information services, versus ineligible devices and services.
Ineligible expenditures (such as administrative costs, cost of integration, training, setup, maintenance, etc.) necessary to make the solution work.

Additionally, we also recommend that the ineligible requests could be shared with the ONC, HHS, FDA, USDA, and other agencies that may offer complementary subsidies and initiatives (ex. incentive programs for providers).

Award winners should still have flexibility to switch between solutions, but initial expenditure goals will help set market standards similar to those established by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (“ONC”) for electronic health records (“EHRs”) in the HITECH ACT.

Opportunity #2: Prioritize applications designed to reduce healthcare’s digital divide

“We’re going to move forward, the question is: Who will we leave behind?” ~Dr. Lee Schwamm, VP of Digital Health Virtual Care at Mass General Brigham in Massachusetts

As patient usability of digital health solutions is studied, the ONC is working with developers and health IT specialists to better understand usability among care teams. As the FCC ramps up demand and adoption for digital health, it becomes increasingly important for them to collect information on usability, costs, and integration into existing health workflows. Luckily, these data points are readily available in the applications and could be further standardized to track and share with other Agency partners.

Round 1 applications varied in cost and impact on healthcare’s digital divide

Tablet and broadband dependent solutions:

Non-tablet and non-broadband dependent solutions:

Suggestions

Stel recommends standardizing data by adding the following questions to application forms.

How would the requested connected devices and services:

Improve patient care and access for vulnerable populations struggling with digital divide, specifically how it impacts:
- Patient burden and risk of harm (tech literacy, risk of abuse or security)
- Infrastructure dependency (Wifi, e-mail, etc…)
- Potential out of pocket costs required for those patients.
Scale and/or establish scalable connected health programs that will continued to be used post-pandemic (goal to be to discourage fraud and abuse)
Maximize the number of patients that can be treated per dollar of investment (Cost of Devices and Service)

Opportunity #3: Long-term tracking TO reduce healthcare’s digital divide, and maintain safeguards to prevent fraud, abuse, and scams.

Upon the initial order’s adoption, Chairwoman Rosenworcel and Commissioner O’Rielly voiced support for better defining and measuring outcomes. (Commissioner Rosenworcel on FCC 20-44 April 2, 2020; Commissioner O’Rielly on FCC 20-44 April 2, 2020)

The importance of studying digital health usage by vulnerable and aging populations was on display during the pandemic. Recent articles include:

Lessons learned from vaccine rollout with elderly and disadvantaged populations
Internet access prevents older adults to benefit from digital health technology lack of access for Seniors
Federal, state and private industry efforts can benefit from access to outcome data to design programs to better support disadvantaged communities

Suggestions

More frequent and public reporting on vendor cost and availability would benefit care teams and vendors. Making invoice and receipt confirmations public would also save time for care teams and applicants from adopting rigorous and time-consuming RFP processes.

Similar to how the HITECH Act and ONC’s investments went towards EHR vendors and not consumer technology companies, the FCC could set goals to have the majority of investment in connected devices and services go to connected health companies that reduce the digital divide instead of consumer technology companies (ex. smartphone and tablet manufacturers).

It may be difficult at this stage to create meaningful use metrics for vendors and awardees, but perhaps the FCC would benefit from highlighting systems and award winners' success stories. Such stories could highlight:

Scalable programs
- Number of patients reached with solution
- Internal deployment and process (similar to EHR meaningful use)
Impact towards disadvantaged patients struggling with the digital divide
- Broadband access + Infrastructure dependency (Wifi, e-mail, etc…)
- FCC’s initiatives re: preventing scams and fraud

About Us:

This post is from a connected health vendor and naturally carries bias. That bias may not be a bad thing, however, since we changed our business model and strategy to better support populations experiencing the digital divide. We hope this is what the FCC and other agencies had in mind when establishing these programs.

Stel focuses on a Connected Health Hub and Services to support care teams, patients, and digital health platforms and devices. Stel can support any digital health platform, device company, or care team hoping to address the digital divide. If interested in learning more about our mission or collaborating, please visit www.stel.life or reach out to me directly to sid@stel.life.

Sid Kandan

CEO

twitter: @sidkandan

Blog

How Stel helped high-risk and vulnerable populations transmit 300k+ vitals amidst the COVID-19 pandemic

300k+ vitals transmitted from vulnerable elderly, low-income, and rural populations.

5 Questions before the $250M FCC Telehealth Program Application Window Opens | April 19, 2021

Background on Historic $550M FCC Telehealth and Connected Care Program

Question 1: How is USAC / the Bureau determining eligible items when allocating funds to each awardee?

Question 2: Clarifications on Round 2’s Report & Order(Appendix B, pg.44 - Eligible Services and Devices)

“The costs for taxes, shipping, and installation or integration of eligible devices and services, are also eligible expenses”

Question 3: What is USAC's / the Bureau's process for tracking accessibility and adoption by vulnerable patients? How is USAC / the Bureau tracking how technology for staff-only benefits patients?

Question 4: During the reimbursement review process and award outcomes, which Agency is responsible for tracking eligibility and usage?

Question 5: How is USAC and the Bureau tracking cost-effectiveness of solutions?

Remote patient monitoring -Non-tablet and cellular (non-broadband dependent) solutions:

Remote patient monitoring -Tablet and broadband dependent solutions:

Remote patient monitoring -Vitals Device Only (for patients with compatible smartphones + tech literacy):

Remote patient monitoring -Other Devices:

Equipment for Staff Only:

More on our review of the Round 1 Awarded Applications: https://www.stel.life/blog/fcc-telehealth-round1-review

We reviewed all 539 FCC Telehealth Round 1 Awarded Applications | April 15, 2021

Background on Historic $550M FCC Telehealth and Connected Care Program

Takeaways from Reviewing 539 Awarded Applications:

Round 1 applications show lack of standardization and evidence of pressures to submit quickly given the rolling window

Many Round 1 applications incorrectly listed ineligible items as eligible

Applications show variations in cost among requested solutions

Non-tablet and cellular (non-broadband dependent) solutions:

Tablet and broadband dependent solutions:

Vitals Device Only (for patients with compatible smartphones + tech literacy):

Other Remote Monitoring Devices:

Equipment for Staff Only:

Applications show varying plans on addressing Digital Divide.Can be grouped into three categories:

52.1% of Round 1 Awardees requested equipment for staff only

FULL APPLICATION BREAKDOWN AND LINKS BELOW

Suggestions for Round 2:

FCC Round 1 Awarded Application Links:

Awarded Applications with devices for staff only (not for patients):

Awardees’ applications emphasizing support for populations struggling with digital divide:

Awardees’ applications utilizing technology for populations with required infrastructure and technology experience:

For more information on Round 2 metrics: www.telehealthmetrics.comFor our general thoughts on Round 2: www.stel.life/blog/fcc-round2

For more on Stel’s filings with the FCC: fcc.gov/ecfs

FCC Round 2 Telehealth Metrics Walkthrough | April 5, 2021

Round 2 application process

Eligible Items and Invoicing

Eligible Services And Devices

Ineligible

Popular Solutions from Round 1 Applications (alphabetical order)

TABLET AND BROADBAND DEPENDENT SOLUTIONS:

VITALS DEVICE ONLY (FOR PATIENTS WITH COMPATIBLE SMARTPHONES + TECH LITERACY):

Hardest Hit Area:

Low-Income Area:

Round 1 Unfunded:

Round 2 New Applicant

Tribal Community

Critical Access Hospital

FQHC or FQHC Look-Alike or DSH

Healthcare Provider Shortage Area:

Rural County

Walkthrough - Scoring Examples

Other notes:

$200M FCC Telehealth Program - Application Highlight | March 29, 2021

FCC Program Round 1 Rules:

Ineligible

Eligible Services And Devices

Stel’s Round 2 Recommendations:

Patient Care and the Digital Divide:

Organization’s Capability and Connected Health Initiatives:

Round 1 Application Review:

84- Total Awardee Applications reviewed below

Awardees supporting populations struggling from the digital divide:

Awardees Supporting populations with SmartPhones:

$250M FCC Telehealth Program - Impact on Healthcare's Digital Divide | March 22, 2021

Excitement for FCC Round 2!

Items to clarify prior to Round 2 launch

Round 1 disbursements

Usability among higher risk and vulnerable populations

Deadline to implement metrics and award funding

Stel’s recommendations:

Opportunity #1: Better assist applicants’ understanding of Eligible vs. Ineligible Devices + Services

Opportunity #2: Prioritize applications designed to reduce healthcare’s digital divide

“We’re going to move forward, the question is: Who will we leave behind?” ~Dr. Lee Schwamm, VP of Digital Health Virtual Care at Mass General Brigham in Massachusetts

Opportunity #3: Long-term tracking TO reduce healthcare’s digital divide, and maintain safeguards to prevent fraud, abuse, and scams.

About Us:

Question 2: Clarifications on Round 2’s Report & Order
(Appendix B, pg.44 - Eligible Services and Devices)

Remote patient monitoring -
Non-tablet and cellular (non-broadband dependent) solutions:

Remote patient monitoring -
Tablet and broadband dependent solutions:

Remote patient monitoring -
Vitals Device Only (for patients with compatible smartphones + tech literacy):

Remote patient monitoring -
Other Devices:

Applications show varying plans on addressing Digital Divide.
Can be grouped into three categories:

For more information on Round 2 metrics: www.telehealthmetrics.com

For our general thoughts on Round 2: www.stel.life/blog/fcc-round2