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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?
During the COVID-19 public health emergency, any health care provider who is eligible to bill Medicare can bill for telehealth services regardless of where the patient or provider is located. For more information about what is covered, see:
- Calendar Year 2023 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule — from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
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Medicare Coverage and Payment of Virtual Services
(video) — from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services - List of Telehealth Services — from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
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Current State Laws & Reimbursement Policies — from the National Policy Center - Center for Connected Health Policy
- Coronavirus Waivers & Flexibilities — from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Medicare payment policies during COVID-19
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has expanded coverage for telehealth services and providers during the COVID-19 public health emergency.
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 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 .
