Agenda

2026 MATRC Telehealth Summit Agenda – Draft*

*Please note: This is a preliminary agenda and is subject to change.

**All Pre-Summit Sessions at the Summit will be eligible for Continuing Education (CE) credits through ACCME, ANCC, APA and ASWB. Adding CE to your registration for a nominal $20 fee will allow you to claim credits for any Pre-Summit session you attend.

Click Here to View Full Accreditation Statement (forthcoming)

General Session / Telebehavioral Health Track / Rural Health Track / Networking

MONDAY, AUGUST 10, 2026
8:00 AM – 6:00 PM	Registration
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM	MATRC Advisory Board Meeting
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM	Pre-Summit Sessions
	Pre-Summit Session A: Real-World Application of an Integrated Telehealth Framework A shared conceptual model and definition for integrated telehealth is essential for addressing the diverse challenges faced by different stakeholders within the healthcare ecosystem: payers, health systems, providers, policy experts, patient and caregiver advocates, and researchers. Without shared understanding of what constitutes integrated telehealth, organizations struggle to measure and communicate outcomes consistently, shape reimbursement models, and design scalable systems that promote both clinical effectiveness and financial viability. A shared conceptual model and definition of integrated telehealth enable policymakers and payers to develop coherent and inclusive standards for coverage, payment parity, and value‑based care, ensuring that telehealth integration supports safe, effective, and coordinated care delivery. A cohesive conceptual model further supports the design of interoperable but adaptable workflows, advances flexible patient‑centered policies and access solutions, and ensures that care models reflect the needs and experiences of patients, caregivers, physicians, and clinical teams across a wide variety of clinical scenarios. It also enhances research study comprehensibility and comparability by enabling clearer assessment of existing evidence and supporting the development of core telehealth metrics that distinguish integrated telehealth from stand‑alone in‑person or virtual care. In October 2025, UNC Chapel Hill Center for Virtual Care Value and Excellence and the American Heart Association Center for Telehealth® convened multistakeholder telehealth experts to derive a shared definition and core characteristics to create a shared conceptual model for integrated telehealth. This interactive workshop introduces the Integrated Telehealth in Care (ITEC) Model and demonstrates its practical use in designing and evaluating integrated telehealth approaches. The model links infrastructure, workflows, and measurement to operationalize integrated telehealth at scale. Participants will learn to apply the model and definition across diverse care settings and to distinguish integrated telehealth from stand-alone services. Through real world examples, a design-thinking approach, and hands-on exercises, attendees will develop actionable strategies to advance sustainable, high quality integrated care within their organizations. By the end of the session, participants will be able to apply the ITEC Model into operational and programmatic decisions that enhance scalability, workflow consistency, payer alignment, and patient centered care. The session will move through two phases: Present Key Findings: Introduce the integrated telehealth definitions, the Integrated Telehealth Model, its development process, and its intended application. Clarification of characteristics that differentiate: Integrated Telehealth for inpatient or outpatient settings Vendor Supported Integrated Telehealth Models Standalone Services Apply the Conceptual Model in Real-World Contexts: During this workshop, participants will apply the conceptual model for integrated telehealth to real-world scenarios. Working with an assigned medical condition, participants will: Describe four different approaches to longitudinal healthcare service delivery, including: Traditional stand-alone in-person care Integrated in-person and telehealth care within a single healthcare organization Vendor-delivered telehealth services integrated with traditional in-person service delivery by a healthcare organization Stand-alone telehealth services delivered by a vendor with no connection to an in-person provider Compare and contrast strengths, benefits, limitations and risks of each healthcare service delivery approach for the assigned medical condition. Rank the four approaches from the safest and most effective to the most risky or ineffective Discuss policy and payment implications, exploring how the conceptual model for integrated telehealth can inform conversations with payers and policymakers about reimbursement for telehealth and integrated care services for the assigned medical condition. Presenters/Facilitators: Christian Milaster, CEO, Ingenium Digital Health Advisors Kristina Wait, MEd, National Senior Director Center for Telehealth and Professional Education Hub, American Heart Association Center for Telehealth Saif Khairat, PhD, MPH, UNC Chapel Hill Center for Virtual Care Value and Excellence S. David McSwain, MD, MPH,** UNC Chapel Hill Center for Virtual Care Value and Excellence
	Pre-Summit Session B: The Behavioral Health Patient Journey: Designing Systems that Prevent Crisis Escalation Preventing behavioral health crises—emergency department visits, psychiatric hospitalizations, suicide attempts, school disengagement, family disruption, involvement with law enforcement, and other forms of escalation—requires far more than a single clinical encounter. It demands coordinated action across providers, settings, community-based organizations, families, and payers. In this highly interactive 3-hour design lab, participants will map the real-world behavioral health journey over time—from early signs of concern to crisis risk. The shared goal will be to co-design models that support earlier intervention and stronger continuity and coordinated care – reducing crisis escalation and improving long-term outcomes. The session will move through four intentional phases: Mapping the Journey: Through a series of progressive case vignettes, participants will map the timeline from subtle early concerns to escalating risk. Together, they will identify critical intervention opportunities, pain points, missed connections, and system-level inefficiencies that contribute to crisis escalation across the behavioral health continuum. Telehealth & Infrastructure Overlay: Participants will explore where digital tools could improve access, coordination and outcomes – and where they introduce barriers. Payment Model Reflection and Dialogue: Payers will engage throughout the session and then respond to observed challenges, including: Payment model constraints Fraud, waste, and abuse considerations Documentation and compliance requirements Opportunities for innovation From Mapping to Momentum: Participants will synthesize key insights to identify: High-impact intervention opportunities What is feasible now vs. requires policy change Key alignment challenges across systems Facilitator: Jonathan Neufeld, PhD, Program Director & Principal Investigator, Great Plains Telehealth Resource & Assistance Center Payer/Payment Model Panel: Chris Wheelock, MD, Clinical Transformation Executive, Highmark Health Jennifer Joyce, MSW, MBA, Behavioral Health Coordinator, DC Department of Health Care Finance Brian Masterson, MD, Senior Behavioral Health Medical Director, Optum (invited) Representative, CMS Division of Demonstration Monitoring and Evaluation Representative, CMS Division of Quality and Health Outcomes, Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services Will Sellheim, MPP,** Managing Director, ATI Advisory
	Pre-Summit Session C: From Lived Experience to System Redesign: A Rural Health Transformation Design Lab Rural communities are often discussed in policy rooms, conference panels, and academic publications — but too rarely are they centered as the drivers of innovation. This three-hour interactive design lab builds on the energy of Bridging Rural Communities and creates space for those living and working in rural areas to lead the conversation. Rather than talking about rural health, this session will begin by listening to rural voices. Using maternity care access and the growing crisis of maternity deserts as a focal case study (with transferable lessons for dental access, hospital-at-home, community paramedicine, and other rural care models), the workshop will follow a structured design thinking framework to model what rural health transformation planning can look like in practice. The session will move through four intentional phases: Empathize: A facilitated “fishbowl” dialogue featuring rural providers, community members, and others with lived experience. Participants will hear firsthand accounts of hospital closures, workforce shortages, transportation barriers, funding instability, technology limitations/opportunities and community-driven successes. Define: Together, participants will synthesize themes and frame the core challenge(s), distinguishing symptoms from root causes and identifying structural barriers that lead to poor patient experiences that impact maternal and child outcomes. Ideate: The circle widens to include policymakers, academic medical centers, technology collaborators, payers, and other partners. These participants will respond directly to what they heard, offering potential solutions, models, and resources aligned with the realities described. Prototype: Small groups will develop rapid, real-world experiments — practical pilots or policy concepts that could be implemented in rural settings. Prototypes will be shared and refined with feedback from rural participants to assess feasibility, sustainability, and community fit. Facilitators: Anissa Davenport, MBA, Founding Partner, Possibility Partners, LLC David Eilers,** Innovation Partner, Possibility Partners, LLC
Welcome to #MATRC2026!
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM	Welcome and Networking Reception Enjoy a cash bar, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and back by popular demand—live music from The Broadband from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM. 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM \| Collaboration Zone: Where Curiosity Leads In keeping with the Summit theme Accelerating Innovation Through Collaboration, the Welcome & Networking Reception will begin with a 90-minute Collaboration Zone. This format was developed in response to participant feedback, as many participants shared that they limit the time they spend in “exhibit halls” because they worry about being immediately placed in a sales conversation. To bring structure and energy to the experience, facilitators will guide participants from initial introductions to meaningful collaborations – helping connect individuals with aligned interests and complementary expertise. During the 90-minute Collaboration Zone, our Technology and Service Collaborators have agreed to focus on: Demonstrations and use cases Sharing lessons learned Problem-solving conversations They will hold off on pricing discussions, contracts, and lead capture unless you request it, making it easier to explore and ask questions freely. This creates space for curiosity-driven exploration and relationship-building. After the Collaboration Zone concludes, the reception will transition into open networking in the Innovation Hall, allowing conversations to naturally evolve toward deeper discussions about implementation, partnerships, and next steps. At #MATRC2026, our Technology and Service Collaborators are more than vendors — they are partners helping shape the future of connected care. More curiosity. More conversations. More meaningful connections. 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM \| Open Exhibit Networking Following the Collaboration Zone, the reception transitions into open networking, allowing conversations to continue and evolve naturally for those interested in discussing implementation, partnerships, pricing, or next steps. *Curiosity first. Collaboration second. Business when it makes sense.*
TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2026
7:00 AM – 5:30 PM	Registration
7:45 AM – 8:45 AM	Networking Breakfast
8:00 AM – 8:45 AM	Breakfast Info Session: Unlocking the $740M in Rural Health Care Funding Join Blythe Albert with the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) for a practical overview of the FCC Rural Health Care Program – a major funding opportunity supporting rural hospitals, clinics and health systems. Learn how eligible providers can access support for telecommunications and broadband services that strengthen patient care, expand access, and improve connectivity in rural communities. With more than $740 million available annually, this session is a must-attend for organizations looking to reduce costs, improve infrastructure and better serve patients. Whether you’re exploring telehealth expansion, network upgrades or future funding opportunities, come hear directly from USAC and get your questions answered over breakfast. Presenter: Blythe Albert, Advisor of Program Management – RHC Outreach
8:45 AM – 10:30 AM	Welcome to #MATRC2026 Karen S. Rheuban, MD, Senior Associate Dean for CME and External Affairs; Medical Director, Office of Telemedicine and Director, Karen S. Rheuban Center for Telehealth, University of Virginia Kathy H. Wibberly, PhD, Director, Mid-Atlantic Telehealth Resource Center and Director of Research, Karen S. Rheuban Center for Telehealth, University of Virginia Carlos Mena, Public Health Analyst, Office for the Advancement of Telehealth, Health Resources and Services Administration, USDHHS Jordan Berg, BA MIS, Director, National Telehealth Technology Assessment Center (TTAC), Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) Calvin Ross, Telehealth Technology Specialist, National Telehealth Technology Assessment Center (TTAC), Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) Real-World Pitches & Provocative Debates Plenary Session Innovate to Elevate: Workforce Augmentation — Who Delivers Care? Healthcare systems across the country are facing unprecedented workforce pressures—clinician shortages, burnout, rising costs, and growing demand. In response, many organizations are turning to virtual partnerships and outsourced clinical services to expand capacity and maintain access to care. But as these models scale, so do the questions. In this dynamic plenary session, selected companies will deliver concise, high-impact pitches showcasing real-world workforce augmentation models, including telestroke services, virtual urgent care, remote patient monitoring, specialty consults, and virtual nursing. Each pitch will highlight how organizations are leveraging external partners to extend their clinical workforce. Following the pitches, the session will shift to a lightning-round Point & Counterpoint Spark Session—bold, structured debates designed to challenge assumptions, surface tradeoffs, and model the kinds of strategic questions healthcare leaders should be asking. Through live argument, cross-examination, rebuttal, and audience engagement, we will explore provocative questions such as: Should health systems outsource more clinical services instead of building capabilities internally? Does outsourcing improve access at the expense of long-term workforce development? Can virtual clinical partners deliver the same quality of care as locally staffed services? This session is not about promoting outsourcing. It is about examining the implications of workforce strategy decisions. Participants will: Explore real-world models for augmenting clinical capacity through virtual partnerships Examine tradeoffs between insourcing and outsourcing, including cost, scalability, and quality Consider the long-term impact of these models on workforce recruitment, retention, and identity Engage in structured debate around one of the most pressing challenges in healthcare today By modeling thoughtful critique alongside real-world innovation, this session reflects the Summit’s theme: accelerating innovation through collaboration while rethinking how care is delivered. Moderator: TBA
10:30 AM – 11:15 AM	Morning Break in Innovation Hall TTAC Telehealth Technology Showcase
11:15 AM – 12:45 PM	Real-World Pitches & Provocative Debates Plenary Session Innovate to Elevate: Workforce Redesign — Who Else Can Deliver Care? Even with new models of care delivery, the healthcare workforce shortage persists—and in many regions, continues to worsen. Increasingly, healthcare systems are looking beyond traditional pipelines and professional roles, exploring how trained lay workers, non-traditional providers, and technology-enabled care models can safely and effectively expand access. But as these approaches gain traction, so do the questions. In this interactive plenary session, presenters will share real-world examples of workforce redesign across the full continuum of care—from community health workers, community paramedics, and telepresenters using digital tools, to mid-level providers practicing at the top of their licenses, to emerging models that incorporate automation and robotics. These examples will highlight how organizations are rethinking who can deliver care—and how. Each set of examples will be followed by a lightning-round Point & Counterpoint Spark Session—structured debates designed to surface tensions around safety, regulation, scope of practice, and accountability. Through live argument, cross-examination, rebuttal, and audience engagement, we will explore provocative questions such as: Should health systems rely far more on trained lay workers to expand access to care? Are existing regulations limiting who can provide care outdated in a digital health era? Can technology safely enable non-clinicians to perform tasks traditionally reserved for licensed professionals? How should accountability be defined across licensed and unlicensed members of the care team? This session is not about replacing clinicians. It is about reimagining the composition and capabilities of the care team. Participants will: Explore innovative models for expanding care teams beyond traditional clinical roles Examine the balance between competence, supervision, and collaboration across workforce models Consider regulatory, ethical, and safety implications of workforce redesign Engage in structured debate about the future of workforce development and care delivery The session will conclude with cross-cutting reflections on workforce sustainability, including the role of productivity, efficiency, and alternative career pathways, and the question: Will the workforce shortage be solved by training more clinicians—or by fundamentally redesigning how care is delivered? By examining both the opportunities and tensions in workforce redesign, this session embodies the Summit’s theme: accelerating innovation through collaboration while building a more adaptive and resilient healthcare workforce. Moderator: TBA
12:45 PM – 1:45 PM	Food Truck Court Networking Lunch Step outside and explore our Food Truck Court for lunch, featuring a curated lineup of local favorites and globally inspired cuisine. It’s a perfect opportunity to grab a great meal, enjoy the outdoors, and connect with fellow attendees in a relaxed setting.
1:45 PM – 2:45 PM	MATRC Tribute and Post-Lunch Keynote: TBA Luncheon Keynote: Title TBA Keynote Speaker: Shawn Nason Founder, Chief Experience & Innovation Officer, Nason Group
2:45 PM – 3:30 PM	Dessert and Coffee in Innovation Hall TTAC Telehealth Technology Showcase
3:30 PM – 4:45 PM	Breakout Sessions
	Breakout Session A1: General/Integrated Care Track – Access – Expanding Reach and Reducing Barriers Through Telehealth Poster submissions for this focus area may address approaches that reduce barriers related to geography, digital access, language, literacy, or care coordination, and that strengthen access for rural and underserved communities. We encourage work that highlights practical integrated models, implementation lessons, and innovations that make telehealth more reachable, inclusive, and responsive to patient and community needs. Moderator: TBA Presenters: TBA
	Breakout Session A2: Mental/Behavioral Health Track – Mental Health Focus Poster submissions for this focus area will explore telehealth-enabled approaches to mental health across the lifespan and across the continuum of care (prevention, early intervention, treatment, and recovery), as well as provider training and education. Submissions may highlight innovative program models, clinical or community-based interventions, and scalable training and workforce development approaches (e.g., Project ECHO, AI-enabled education) that leverage digital tools to support patients, families, and providers. Strong submissions will demonstrate real-world application, collaboration across settings or sectors, and practical insights that can inform replication or scaling. Within each session, efforts will be made to curate a balanced set of presentations that reflect both the depth and breadth of the continuum of care and the range of populations served across the lifespan—from children and adolescents through adults and older adults. Moderator: Anna Ditkoff Dorsey, LCSW-C, Program Manager, Telehealth Department, Mental Health Champion, Epic, Kennedy Krieger Institute Presenters: TBA
	Breakout Session A3: Rural Health Track Poster submissions for this track focuses on innovative telehealth strategies designed to address access, infrastructure, workforce and sustainability challenges in rural and frontier communities, including policy and payment models that support long-term success. Submissions may highlight clinical or educational interventions, population health initiatives, and workforce development efforts that leverage digital tools to expand access and improve care delivery. Strong submissions will demonstrate approaches that are deeply rooted in rural community context, reflecting meaningful engagement with rural stakeholders and alignment with local priorities and lived experience. Moderator: TBA Presenters: TBA
4:45 PM –5:45 PM	Networking Reception in the Innovation Hall TTAC Telehealth Technology Showcase

6:00 PM – 8:30 PM	Connect & Celebrate: A Mid-Atlantic Crab Fest & Awards Dinner (all are welcome, but an advanced purchase ticket is required) Join us for an evening of connection, celebration, and bold, crowd-pleasing flavors at our annual Networking and Awards Dinner. This year, we’re serving up a hearty, coastal-inspired feast featuring Alaskan red king crab and snow crab legs and claws, steamed to perfection and paired with white garlic butter or spicy Cajun butter. The menu also includes a variety of sides and alternative protein options, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy. All dietary restrictions will be taken into consideration.. This relaxed evening is designed to bring people together—whether you’re diving into crab legs, sampling a little of everything, or simply enjoying great food and conversation with colleagues from across the telehealth community. Beyond the usual drinks, our cash bar will also be featuring local craft beers and ciders. The evening will also feature our annual Breaking Barriers through Telehealth awards presentation, recognizing programs and projects that have defied the odds, dismantled barriers, and championed access to high-quality care. Come hungry and get ready to Connect, Collaborate, and Celebrate! Enjoy live music from The Broadband from 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2026
7:45 AM – 8:45 AM	Networking Breakfast
8:45 AM – 10:00 AM	Breakout Sessions
	Breakout Session B1: General/Integrated Care Track – Value – Demonstrating the Experience, Efficiency, and Impact of Integrated Telehealth Poster submissions for this focus area may explore patient and caregiver experiences, satisfaction, quality, efficiency, workflow improvements, costs, and broader system impacts. We encourage work that moves beyond adoption alone to show how integrated telehealth can deliver measurable benefits and support more sustainable models of care. Moderator: TBA Presenters: TBA
	Breakout Session B2: Mental/Behavioral Health Track – Substance Use/Addictions Focus Poster submissions for this focus area will explore telehealth-enabled approaches to substance use/addictions across the lifespan and across the continuum of care (prevention, early intervention, treatment, and recovery), as well as provider training and education. Submissions may highlight innovative program models, clinical or community-based interventions, and scalable training and workforce development approaches (e.g., Project ECHO, AI-enabled education) that leverage digital tools to support patients, families, and providers. Strong submissions will demonstrate real-world application, collaboration across settings or sectors, and practical insights that can inform replication or scaling. Within each session, efforts will be made to curate a balanced set of presentations that reflect both the depth and breadth of the continuum of care and the range of populations served across the lifespan—from children and adolescents through adults and older adults. Moderator: TBA Presenters: TBA
	Breakout Session B3: Rural Health Track Poster submissions for this track focuses on innovative telehealth strategies designed to address access, infrastructure, workforce and sustainability challenges in rural and frontier communities, including policy and payment models that support long-term success. Submissions may highlight clinical or educational interventions, population health initiatives, and workforce development efforts that leverage digital tools to expand access and improve care delivery. Strong submissions will demonstrate approaches that are deeply rooted in rural community context, reflecting meaningful engagement with rural stakeholders and alignment with local priorities and lived experience. Moderator: TBA Presenters: TBA
10:00 AM – 10:15 AM	Quick Break
10:15 AM – 11:45 AM	Real-World Pitches & Provocative Debates Plenary Session Innovate to Elevate: AI in Action — Transforming Care Delivery Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping healthcare — from clinical documentation to predictive analytics to imaging and decision support. But as AI adoption accelerates, so do the questions. In this dynamic closing plenary, selected companies will deliver concise, high-impact pitches showcasing real-world AI applications across diverse use cases. Each pitch will be followed by a lightning-round Point & Counterpoint Spark Session — bold, structured debates designed to challenge assumptions, surface risks, and model the kinds of questions healthcare leaders should be asking. Through live argument, cross-examination, rebuttal, and audience engagement, we will explore provocative questions such as: AI documentation may improve clinician efficiency – but does it degrade clinical thinking? If AI misses a diagnosis, who is accountable – the vendor or the clinician? If AI outperforms clinicians in diagnostic accuracy, should human review still be required? This session is not about sales. It is about discernment. Participants will: Learn how to critically evaluate AI claims — including accuracy rates, bias, transparency, and implementation realities Experience structured debate as a tool for advancing responsible innovation Provide meaningful feedback to vendors based on real-world provider and administrator concerns Engage in active discussion that continues beyond the plenary hall By modeling thoughtful scrutiny alongside bold innovation, this session embodies the Summit’s theme: accelerating innovation through collaboration — while building the future of connected care responsibly. Moderator: TBA Presenters: TBA
11:45 AM – 12:30 PM	Plenary Session: Innovate to Elevate: The 2027 Policy Landscape— Signals, Shifts & What Comes Next Licensure, reimbursement, prescribing, and regulatory trends shaping the next phase of telehealth nationally and within the MATRC region. Moderator: TBA Presenters: Mei Wa Kwong, JD, Executive Director, Center for Connected Health Policy Nate Lacktman, JD, Partner, Foley & Lardner, LLP Helen Kinsman Hughes, MD, MPH, Medical Director, Office of Telemedicine, Johns Hopkins Medicine
12:30 PM – 1245 PM	Wrap Up/Next Steps