COVID-19 PHE: Master Billing Alternatives for Non-Video Patient Contact

Why This Topic Matters

During the COVID-19 public health emergency, CMS temporarily expanded coverage for several non-face-to-face services. Understanding the broad billing categories and the relevant code sets helps practices document and bill patient communications appropriately while limiting exposure risks.

Article Sections

1. Look to Telephone Codes

   Introduces CMS pandemic coverage for audio-only patient communication and discusses the general billing context for telephone-based services. The section distinguishes these services from other virtual visit types.

2. Understand Virtual Check-In

   Covers brief communication-based services that occur outside a standard office visit. It also explains the broad Medicare coverage context for these interactions during the public health emergency.

3. Code E-Visits for Patient Portal Communication

   Describes digital communication through a secure online portal and explains the general category of e-visit services covered during the public health emergency. The section also notes the relationship between e-visits and other virtual service types.

4. Capture Remote Monitoring

   Summarizes remote physiologic monitoring and related data collection and management services. It discusses the broader CMS pandemic-era coverage changes affecting these services.