COVID-era telehealth to remain through 2023. After that, the future is unclear.

Why This Topic Matters

Telehealth coverage and billing rules changed quickly during the public health emergency, and this article explains which flexibilities CMS extended, which were made permanent, and which remain uncertain. That matters for organizations planning Medicare telehealth workflows, documentation, and service delivery after the emergency period.

Article Sections

1. Telehealth

   Overview of CMS final telehealth policy changes tied to the COVID-era public health emergency and Medicare physician fee schedule updates. Covers temporary extensions and the broader policy context for telehealth coverage.

2. Mental health expands permanently

   Discussion of permanent telehealth flexibilities affecting mental health services, including home-based access and audio-only options. Also notes related coverage changes for certain site-based providers.

3. Waiting for laws

   Summary of stakeholder reactions, legislative efforts, and CMS limitations in expanding telehealth authority. Addresses the role of Congress and the uncertainty surrounding future changes.

4. Supervision stalls

   Discussion of CMS hesitation to make telehealth-based supervision policy permanent and the concerns cited in support of that decision. Includes the broader implications for services billed under supervision-based arrangements.