Over the past couple of weeks, CMS has communicated multiple modifications to telehealth service provisions and payments to benefit both providers and patients. To date, these requirements are only in effect for the duration of the national emergency as it relates to the COVID-19 pandemic.

CMS defines three types of telehealth visits as follows:

Telehealth Visits: Use of two-way telecommunication technology for office visits, hospital visits and other services that generally occur in person. These are paid at the same rate as regular, in-person visits.

CPT® Codes: 99201 - 99205, G0425 - G0427, G0406 - G0408

E-Visits: Patient-initiated communication via patient portals.

CPT® Codes: 99421 - 99423, G2061 - G2063

Virtual Check-Ins: Brief (5-10 minutes) communication with a patient about an established condition via synchronous technology such as a messaging app, telephone or email.

        CPT® Codes: G2012, G2010

The following requirements have been waived temporarily during the current national emergency:

While the information above is from CMS, many major payors have opted to follow this guidance as well.

For more detailed information related to billing and reimbursement, contact Julie Hardy at [email protected].

Additional information for Rural Health Clinics and Federally Qualified Health Centers is forthcoming.