Covid-19 & Telehealth Services: Refresh Your PHE and Telehealth Policies With This Primer

Why This Topic Matters

Telehealth billing requirements changed repeatedly during the COVID-19 emergency period, and outdated reference materials can lead to incorrect claim reporting. This primer helps readers identify which Medicare guidance areas to recheck so they can keep telehealth billing aligned with current policy materials.

Article Sections

1. PHE and Telehealth Policy Background

   Introduces the COVID-19 public health emergency context and the need to review Medicare telehealth policy materials. It also references the role of MAC guidance and CMS updates.

2. Modifier CR and Telehealth Services

   Discusses the CR modifier in relation to COVID-19 emergency-related claims and telehealth billing workflows. The section emphasizes when the modifier is discussed in the emergency context.

3. Modifier CS and COVID-19 Testing-Related Services

   Covers the CS modifier in connection with Medicare cost-sharing and COVID-19 testing-related services. It explains the broader claim context in which the modifier is discussed.

4. Medicare Telehealth Services List Updates

   Reviews the importance of using the current Medicare telehealth services list and checking service status information. It also points readers to CMS-maintained telehealth resources.

5. Telehealth Modifiers for Mental Health Services

   Summarizes CMS telehealth-related modifiers discussed for mental health services under the 2022 fee schedule. It notes that readers should review the related CMS guidance document for additional context.

6. Place of Service Guidance for Telehealth

   Addresses current place-of-service considerations for telehealth claims during the public health emergency. It includes discussion of CMS guidance and manual references related to telehealth POS reporting.