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

Why This Topic Matters

Telehealth policies changed rapidly during the COVID-19 public health emergency, creating ongoing risk for claim denials and documentation errors. Understanding the general categories of CMS guidance discussed here can help organizations stay current as telehealth coverage and reporting requirements evolve.

Article Sections

1. Tip 1: Track ‘Temporary’ Telehealth Codes

   Discusses how to follow CMS telehealth code updates during the public health emergency and how to monitor temporary coverage lists. It also notes that the article compares different CMS telehealth status designations and references related CPT telehealth indicators.

2. Tip 2: Master Telehealth Documentation

   Covers documentation elements commonly associated with telehealth encounters, including encounter details, participant information, communication mode, and time reporting. It also addresses telehealth-related billing context such as place of service, audio/video considerations, and phone-only service references.

3. Tip 3: Look to Telehealth’s Future

   Reviews broader policy and legislative discussion about the future of telehealth after the public health emergency. It includes general references to federal authority, timing of the emergency declaration, and anticipated updates from HHS.