Navigate modifier reporting for COVID-19 visits to ensure your claims get paid

Why This Topic Matters

Temporary public health emergency policies changed how certain telehealth, waiver-related, and testing-related services were reported. Understanding the article helps readers assess whether their organization handled modifier reporting in a way consistent with the guidance discussed in the premium content.

Article Sections

1. Telehealth and emergency policy context

   Introduces the COVID-19 public health emergency and the broad CMS policy changes that expanded access to telehealth and modified certain payment requirements. Sets the context for the modifier guidance discussed later in the article.

2. Modifier 95: Synchronous telehealth services

   Covers the telehealth reporting topic associated with real-time interactions and related claim context. The section also references place of service considerations and CMS/AMA resource material.

3. Modifier GQ: Asynchronous telehealth services

   Summarizes the telehealth reporting topic involving asynchronous telecommunications and the limited program context in which it was discussed. The section notes related CMS reference material.

4. Modifier G0: Telehealth services for an acute stroke

   Describes the acute stroke telehealth reporting topic and the settings or claim types discussed in the article. The section also references related CMS guidance.

5. Modifier CR: Modified services covered under a waiver

   Explains the emergency waiver topic and the categories of services and locations discussed under the public health emergency framework. The section references CMS waiver guidance and related administrative material.

6. Modifier CS: Cost-sharing waiver

   Covers the cost-sharing waiver topic for COVID-19 testing-related encounters and the types of services addressed in the article. The section also discusses the related Medicare and group health plan context.

7. Editor’s note and resources

   Provides source attribution and a list of external CMS and HCPro resources mentioned for additional reference. This section does not add substantive coding guidance.