In response to the Covid-19 pandemic and rising need for social distancing, shelter-in-place orders and general caution, government and commercial payers have loosened restrictions on requirements for telemedicine services while expanding coverage. From CMS:
EXPANSION OF TELEHEALTH WITH 1135 WAIVER: Under this new waiver, Medicare can pay for office, hospital, and other visits furnished via telehealth across the country and including in patient’s places of residence starting March 6, 2020. A range of providers, such as doctors, nurse practitioners, clinical psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, will be able to offer telehealth to their patients. Additionally, the HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) is providing flexibility for healthcare providers to reduce or waive cost-sharing for telehealth visits paid by federal healthcare programs.
Telemedicine represents an effective and necessary way for providers to stay in touch with patients and to provide the care needed during these times. Review the policies and requirements with your billing company and review payer updates frequently. Billable codes include:
99441 – 99443 / G2012 ( Telephone evaluation and management service)
99421-99423 ( Online digital evaluation and management service)
For video visits, use standard E&M codes appropriate for the service and specialty modified with the telemedicine designation. Modifier -95 Synchronous Telemedicine Service Rendered via Real-Time Interactive Audio and Video Telecommunications System
