CMS Releases Revised Telehealth Services Publication
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released a revised Medicare Learning Network (MLN) fact sheet on telehealth services. A number of changes have been made due to the end of the public health emergency (PHE), including the following items:
- Information on the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency as well as CY 2023 and telehealth policies.
- Status of Ongoing Flexibilities:
- Through December 31, 2024, all patients can get telehealth wherever they are located. They do not need to be at an originating site, and there are no geographic restrictions.
- Through December 31, 2024, all providers who are eligible to bill Medicare for professional services can provide distant site telehealth.
- For behavioral or mental health telehealth, you may use 2-way, interactive, audio-only technology. This is also part of the PA Telehealth Statute under Act 98.
- Additional Resources Provided:
- Chapter 12, Section 190 of the Medicare Claims Processing Manual
- Telehealth Policy Changes After the COVID-19 PHE
- Tips for Telehealth Success
- Added information on:
- New G-codes. Starting January 1, 2023, you may voluntarily report the use of telehealth technology in providing home health (HH) services on HH payment claims. See MLN Matters Article MM12805 for more information.
- Consent for care management and virtual communication services.
Providers are encouraged to review this document closely and bookmark it for future reference.
As RCPA continues its efforts to expand access via telehealth in Pennsylvania, we will be submitting comments on the new Calendar Year (CY) 2024 Physician Fee Schedule (PFS). RCPA will be sending out a communication on this in the coming days.
