Telehealth Services: MAC Offers Insight on COVID-19 Telehealth Changes

Why This Topic Matters

The piece helps readers orient themselves to temporary Medicare telehealth changes and the operational areas most affected by them, including claim submission, documentation, and use of CMS policy summaries. It is relevant to practices adjusting workflows during the public health emergency and trying to keep telehealth claims consistent with current guidance.

Article Sections

1. Tip 1: Know That the Telehealth Waivers Are Temporary

   Explains the temporary nature of the COVID-19 telehealth flexibilities and their connection to the public health emergency. Provides general context for how long the expanded coverage remains in effect.

2. Tip 2: Utilize Online CMS Code List

   Discusses the CMS telehealth code list and how it relates to Medicare telehealth claims during the public health emergency. Mentions broad billing considerations for covered service codes and telehealth reporting.

3. Tip 3: Use Appropriate POS Codes

   Addresses place-of-service reporting for telehealth claims under the COVID-19 flexibilities. Covers the general issue of selecting a location indicator for Part B claims.

4. Tip 4: Understand These Reimbursement Facts

   Summarizes general payment and coverage considerations for telehealth services during the public health emergency. Notes compliance and practice-location considerations discussed by the MAC.

5. Tip 5: Remember to Document for F2F

   Reviews documentation themes for telehealth encounters during the pandemic, including the need to capture encounter details and participant information. Focuses on documentation expectations rather than clinical content.

6. See New CMS Summary on Telehealth and More

   Introduces a CMS release that consolidates telehealth-related policy updates and related Medicare rules. Highlights the existence of a summary resource for practice review and protocol updates.