As the U.S. government shutdown drags on, hospitals and health systems nationwide are facing the ripple effects of recent Medicare telehealth policy changes. Pandemic-era telehealth flexibilities officially expired October 1, coinciding with the stoppage of federal operations. For many providers, this has meant the abrupt loss of CMS reimbursement for numerous virtual visits putting added strain not only on patient care but also on healthcare staffing needs.
For international nurse recruiters, healthcare HR leaders, and organizations managing large patient populations, the disruption is yet another challenge in a year marked by staffing shortages and rising demand for clinical talent. At VisaMadeEZ, we specialize in helping healthcare providers hire international nurses through visa sponsorship to meet critical staffing needs and situations like this underscore why proactive workforce planning is essential.
Hospitals Begin Pausing Medicare Telehealth
Several major health systems have already suspended Medicare and Medicaid telehealth access, citing reimbursement uncertainty.
- Providence Health, a 51-hospital system based in Washington, confirmed that Medicare patients are being asked to attend in-person visits instead of previously scheduled telehealth appointments.
- NYU Langone Health announced that Medicare and Medicaid patients cannot book new video visits during the shutdown, although existing ones will still take place.
- Nebraska Medicine has contacted affected patients to either switch to in-person care or pay out-of-pocket; about one-third have canceled virtual appointments.
These operational changes not only impact patient convenience but also create additional workload for nurses and administrative staff, deepening the need for sustainable staffing strategies.
Telehealth Restrictions Increase Staffing Strain
Hospitals that relied on telehealth to efficiently manage patient load especially in rural and underserved areas are now being forced to shift back to in-person care models. This means:
- More demand for bedside and outpatient nurses, including specialized roles like geriatric care, primary care, and chronic disease management.
- Increased patient scheduling complexity, leading to higher workloads for frontline teams.
- Greater pressure on systems already struggling with the *national nurse shortage.
For many facilities, international nurse recruitment has become a critical part of keeping operations running smoothly during policy shifts like this. At VisaMadeEZ, we help ensure these staffing pipelines remain strong by navigating immigration requirements, EB-3 visas, and other sponsorship routes efficiently.
Mixed Responses Across the Country
While some hospitals have paused telehealth, others have chosen to continue offering services despite the lack of reimbursement:
- NYC Health + Hospitals, the largest U.S. municipal health system, is continuing telehealth for all patients.
- *Mass General Brigham and Sanford Health have maintained Medicare telehealth visits without disruption.
- Scripps Health, in San Diego, rescheduled over 400 Medicare telehealth appointments to in-person, while 600 remained virtual under its ACO program.
- St. Elizabeth Healthcare in Kentucky is notifying patients who choose to keep virtual visits that they may be billed.
This inconsistency means patient access varies dramatically depending on location, creating care gaps that further stress staffing needs.
A Growing Case for Workforce Resilience
Healthcare executives, like Michael Hasselberg, PhD, RN of Nebraska Medicine, are urging Congress to permanently extend telehealth flexibilities and reduce care disruptions. The uncertainty caused by fluctuating regulations only increases administrative burdens and delays in service.
In the meantime, building workforce resilience through permanent hires, flexible staffing models, and recruiting international nursing talent remains a strategic priority for hospitals navigating unpredictable policy environments.
How VisaMadeEZ Supports Healthcare Staffing
At VisaMadeEZ, we work closely with U.S. healthcare organizations to:
- Recruit highly qualified international nurses to fill immediate staffing gaps.
- Provide expert immigration law guidance for EB-3 visas, TN visas, and green card sponsorship.
- Help hospitals adapt staffing strategies during policy changes that affect Medicare, Medicaid, and telehealth reimbursement.
With global talent pools and comprehensive visa support, we ensure our clients have steady access to the skilled nurses they need whether care is delivered in-person or virtually.
The Road Ahead
Healthcare systems across the country are closely watching the government shutdown and hoping for rapid resolution. Many anticipate retroactive reimbursement from CMS once operations resume. In the meantime, the reduction in telehealth access will likely continue to strain staffing resources making international nurse recruitment an even more valuable lifeline for hospitals aiming to maintain quality care during uncertainty.
Bottom line: Telehealth flexibility is more than a convenience; it’s a staffing solution. As hospitals pivot to meet changing reimbursement rules, partnering with an immigration law firm specializing in healthcare staffing like VisaMadeEZ can help ensure your organization remains fully staffed and ready to deliver exceptional patient care.
