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September 26, 2026

Takeaways from the most recent news in the technology and policies shaping healthcare.

Telehealth

Teladoc Named NBA Players Union's Preferred Virtual Care Provider

The National Basketball Players Association has named Teladoc Health its preferred virtual care provider through a new multiyear partnership, according to Becker's Hospital Review. Announced July 8, the deal gives active and retired NBA players and their families preferred access to Teladoc's virtual care network, including primary care, 24/7 urgent care, and preventive health screenings.

The arrangement extends coverage beyond current rosters to retirees and family members, a group whose health needs often go underserved once players leave the league. For Teladoc, the deal is a high-visibility endorsement as the company works to stabilize a business pressured by slowing growth and tough competition in the telehealth market.

Sports organizations are increasingly turning to virtual care to reach members who travel constantly and need on-demand access. The NBPA partnership signals that recognizable institutional customers still see value in a broad, integrated telehealth network, giving Teladoc a marketing win and a template for reaching other associations and large member groups.

More in Telehealth

Telehealth

Ayble Health Raises $16M for Virtual Digestive Care

Ayble Health raised $16 million in a Series A led by Neon to expand its virtual digestive health clinic.

Why it matters: Condition-specific digital clinics for underserved chronic diseases like GI disorders are drawing fresh capital as investors bet on measurable outcomes and lower costs.

Telehealth

Tele-Nephrology Targets Kidney Care Gaps for Rural Patients

Tele-nephrology is expanding access to kidney specialists for the 37 million U.S. adults with chronic kidney disease, particularly in rural areas where nephrologists are scarce.

Why it matters: Earlier, more consistent specialty care for a high-prevalence, costly condition can slow disease progression and cut expensive downstream treatment.

Telehealth

KFF Journalists Unpack Telehealth, ACA, and Covid Injury Fights

KFF Health News journalists broke down telehealth's uncertain federal future, ACA enrollment, and HHS's Covid injury list across a round of media appearances.

Why it matters: Telehealth reimbursement and access still depend on short-term federal extensions, leaving virtual-care operators unable to plan long term.