COVID-19 update: Medicare payment policies unshackled under CMS’ COVID-19 interim final rule

Why This Topic Matters

The article helps readers understand which Medicare rules were relaxed or expanded during the COVID-19 public health emergency and which program deadlines or model requirements were adjusted. It is useful for practices tracking Medicare coverage, documentation, and reporting changes during the emergency period.

Article Sections

1. Overview of CMS COVID-19 Medicare changes

   Introduces the interim final rule and summarizes the broad categories of Medicare policy revisions made during the public health emergency. It frames the article’s focus on coverage, documentation, and payment updates.

2. Updates and guidance from the rule

   Presents the main operational Medicare changes discussed in the rule, including telehealth, virtual services, remote monitoring, quality reporting, and bundled payment model adjustments. This section organizes the article’s practical guidance for physician practices.

3. Use your “real” place of service (POS) for telehealth

   Covers telehealth claim reporting and related billing conventions discussed by CMS. The section also addresses telecommunication technology and privacy-related considerations.

4. “Phones” aren’t just phones

   Explains CMS’s clarification of interactive telecommunications devices for telehealth services. It also discusses the agency’s temporary enforcement posture for certain widely used communication technologies.

5. Phone E/M codes payable, can be used on new patients

   Describes changes affecting telephone evaluation and management services and which patient types and practitioner groups are included. The discussion centers on coverage and payment updates.

6. Check-in and e-visits for new patients, NPPs

   Summarizes updates to virtual check-ins and e-visits, including who may furnish them and the patient types addressed in the rule. The section focuses on expanded access during the emergency period.

7. Remote physiologic monitoring OK for new patients

   Reviews temporary expansion of remote physiologic monitoring and the article’s discussion of consent and patient categories. It also notes the broader clinical contexts described by CMS.

8. Shared Savings, MIPS program extreme and uncontrollable circumstances policy

   Covers deadline extensions and emergency-related reporting relief under CMS quality programs. The section addresses how the policy affects participation and submission timing.

9. Changes to CJR model postponed

   Discusses the delay of proposed changes to the Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement model and the extension of the current program period. It also summarizes the emergency policy applied to affected hospitals.