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Telehealth for emergency preparedness

Billing for telehealth services

Learn about policies and reimbursement for telehealth services.

Medicare

Medicare policies for telehealth continue to evolve. For the latest information, view the list of telehealth services. The following Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) and Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) codes are frequently used to bill for telehealth services. Coding guidance is subject to change.

CPT/HCPCs CodesDescriptionTimePermanent coverage for telehealth
90791Psychological diagnostic evaluationUp to 90 minYes
90792Psychological diagnostic evaluation with medical services1-2 hoursYes
90839Psychotherapy for crisis60 minYes
90840Psychotherapy for crisisAdditional 30 minYes
99281Emergency department visit, straightforwardN/ANo
99282Emergency department visit, self-limited or minorN/ANo
99283Emergency department visit, low complexityN/ANo
99284Emergency department visit, moderate complexityN/ANo
99285Emergency department visit, high complexityN/ANo
99291Critical careUp to 60 minNo
99292Critical care, additional timeAdditional 30 minNo
G0508Critical care consultation60 minYes
G0509Critical care consultationAdditional 50 minYes

Medicaid

Each state has its own billing and reimbursement policies. For tips on Medicaid policies, visit Medicaid and Medicare overview.

Private insurance

Find out if the patient has private insurance. If so, check with the patient’s insurance company for information on their billing and reimbursement policies. For tips on private insurance policies, look up policy by jurisdiction.

More information:

Billing for telehealth — Health Resources and Services Administration

Medicare and Medicaid policies — Health Resources and Services Administration

Medicare payment policies — Health Resources and Services Administration

Telehealth policy — Health Resources and Services Administration

Understanding telehealth policy — National Telehealth Policy Resource Center