COVID-19: Encounters at the “drive-in” are reported as a face-to-face visit

Why This Topic Matters

Understanding whether a visit is treated as telehealth or as an in-person encounter affects claim reporting, documentation, and compliance. The article also highlights practical safeguards for practices delivering care in unusual COVID-era settings.

Article Sections

1. Drive-in encounters and reporting guidance

   Discusses how a socially distant encounter conducted from the practice parking lot or similar setting is treated for reporting purposes during the COVID-19 public health emergency. It also summarizes the general regulatory context that distinguishes telehealth from in-person services.

2. Additional tips for socially distant visits

   Provides broad compliance and workflow considerations for documenting encounters, handling time-based reporting, evaluating medical decision making, and protecting patient privacy and device security. It also notes the importance of monitoring public health emergency timing and related flexibilities.