COVID-19 PHE: Manage Telehealth Compliance and Coding with 3 Tips

Why This Topic Matters

Telehealth rules changed rapidly during the COVID-19 public health emergency, affecting coverage, documentation, and billing workflows. Staying current helps organizations support clean claims and reduce denials while tracking temporary policy changes.

Article Sections

1. Tip 1: Track ‘Temporary’ Telehealth Codes

   This section explains how to follow updated telehealth code lists during the public health emergency and notes the role of CMS status indicators. It also references corrections and updates affecting the telehealth list.

2. Tip 2: Master Telehealth Documentation

   This section covers documentation considerations for telehealth encounters, including encounter details, communication mode, and time-based reporting practices. It also discusses telehealth-related reporting elements and phone-only service distinctions.

3. Tip 3: Look to Telehealth’s Future

   This section addresses the policy outlook for telehealth after the public health emergency and discusses broader legislative and regulatory context. It also notes how federal guidance frames telehealth access during and after the emergency.