CMS expands telehealth services covered by Medicare

A patient and his medical provider communicate 

via Video Technology Conferencing (VTC).

PARCA eNews – March 20, 2020 – In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) broadened access to Medicare telehealth services so that beneficiaries can receive a wider range of services from their doctors without having to travel to a healthcare facility.

The policy changes that provide coverage for a greater range of services delivered by telehealth systems build on the regulatory flexibilities granted under the President’s emergency declaration.

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. 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.

Prior to this waiver Medicare could only pay for telehealth on a limited basis: when the person receiving the service is in a designated rural area and when they leave their home and go to a clinic, hospital, or certain other types of medical facilities for the service.

There are three main types of virtual services physicians and other professionals can provide to Medicare beneficiaries including: Medicare telehealth visits, virtual check-ins, and e-visits.