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Billing for telehealth during COVID-19

During the COVID-19 public health emergency, reimbursements for telehealth continue to evolve. The federal government, state Medicaid programs, and private insurers have expanded coverage for virtual health care services.

Did you know?

The Administration’s plan is to end the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) on May 11, 2023. For more information about what is covered, see:

Medicare payment policies during COVID-19

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has expanded coverage for telehealth services and providers.

Medicaid and Medicare billing for asynchronous telehealth

Billing is allowed on a state-by-state basis for asynchronous telehealth — often called “store and forward.” Asynchronous health lets providers and patients share information directly with each other before or after telehealth appointments.

Billing tips for providers

Use the tip sheet Billing for Providers - What Should I Know? (PDF) to learn more about reimbursement for telehealth services with Medicare, Medicaid, and private payors.

Billing and coding Medicare Fee-for-Service claims

More Medicare Fee-for-Service (FFS) services are billable as telehealth during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Read the latest guidance on billing and coding FFS telehealth claims.

Billing Medicare as a safety-net provider

Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) can bill Medicare for telehealth services during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

State Medicaid telehealth coverage

Federal waivers allow broad coverage for telehealth through Medicaid, but COVID-19 reimbursement policies vary state to state.

Private insurance coverage for telehealth

Many commercial health plans have broadened coverage for telehealth services in response to COVID-19.

For an overview of federal and state COVID-19 reimbursement rules, watch this video on telehealth reimbursement policy.

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