Coding and billing for telemedicine services during COVID-19

Why This Topic Matters

Telemedicine policies changed rapidly during the COVID-19 emergency, affecting which services could be billed, how they were documented, and what settings and communication methods were permitted. Understanding the scope of these updates helps practices align telehealth reporting with current Medicare and CMS guidance.

Article Sections

1. COVID-19 telemedicine policy background

   Introduces the CMS and HHS policy changes tied to the public health emergency and explains the broad purpose of the interim final rule. This section frames the article’s focus on expanded access and reporting considerations.

2. CPT coding for telemedicine during COVID-19

   Summarizes the general impact of the rule on reimbursement and reporting for telemedicine services. It also introduces the main virtual service categories discussed later in the article.

3. Telehealth visits

   Covers Medicare telehealth visit policy, documentation topics, and the general reporting approach for these encounters. This section also addresses setting, patient status, and communication platform considerations at a broad level.

4. Virtual check-ins

   Describes brief patient-provider interactions conducted remotely and how they fit into the article’s broader telemedicine discussion. It explains the section’s focus on reporting category distinctions and documentation context.

5. E-visits involving office and hospital consultations

   Reviews patient-initiated online communication services and their place in the telemedicine billing landscape. The section also notes the involvement of other qualified professionals and references further guidance sources.