Medicare_Benefit_Policy_Manual / Chapter_15 / 270.3_Conditions_of_Payment

Why This Topic Matters

Understanding these payment conditions helps organizations determine whether a telehealth encounter meets Medicare’s general requirements and where special demonstration-program rules may apply.

Article Sections

1. Interactive Telecommunications Requirement

   Overview of the standard telehealth communication requirement for Medicare payment and the need for patient participation during the visit.

2. Exception to the Interactive Telecommunications Requirement

   Discussion of the limited demonstration-program exception and the general context in which asynchronous store-and-forward technology is addressed.

3. Store and Forward

   Explanation of the asynchronous transmission concept and examples of the types of medical information referenced by the policy.

4. Note

   Additional clarification about single-media asynchronous telecommunications and the types of media and images discussed by the guidance.

5. Telepresenters

   Policy discussion of when a medical professional is required to present the beneficiary at the distant site and who determines medical necessity.