CMS tweaks telehealth rules ahead of waiver expiration date

Why This Topic Matters

These updates affect whether telehealth services can continue under temporary flexibilities and what documentation, supervision, and site requirements will apply after waiver expiration. The article helps readers understand which CMS telehealth policies are changing for 2025 and which provisions are being extended.

Article Sections

1. Telehealth rules returning after the PHE

   Overview of the end of certain pandemic-era telehealth flexibilities and the general scope of CMS’s 2025 policy changes. It frames the article around Medicare telehealth coverage and waiver expiration timing.

2. Permanent audio-only changes

   Discussion of the narrow audio-only telehealth exception that CMS is keeping in place. The section explains the general circumstances under which audio-only access remains available and the related patient and provider considerations.

3. 3 telehealth waiver extensions

   Summary of three temporary extensions CMS is keeping through 2025. The section covers telehealth frequency limits, direct supervision through telecommunications, and teaching physician presence requirements at a broad policy level.