CMS has published a final rule Nov. 2 outlining policy adjustments for Medicare payments for telehealth through the physician fee schedule and various Medicare Part B matters, which will be in effect from Jan. 1 onward.
Seven things to know about the medicare telehealth services list:
- For 2024, CMS is confirming its decision to incorporate health and well-being coaching services into the Medicare Telehealth Services List temporarily.
- Social Determinants of Health Risk Assessments will become a permanent addition.
- CMS is implementing several telehealth-related provisions under the Consolidated Appropriations Act. These include the temporary expansion of telehealth originating sites to encompass any location within the U.S. where the beneficiary is situated during the telehealth service, such as an individual's home.
- The definition of telehealth practitioners will now include qualified occupational therapists, qualified physical therapists, qualified speech-language pathologists and qualified audiologists.
- The requirement for in-person visits before initiating mental health telehealth services will be delayed.
- CMS will maintain coverage and payment for telehealth services listed on the Medicare Telehealth Services List (as of March 15, 2020) until Dec. 31, 2024.
- Beginning in 2024, telehealth services delivered to individuals in their homes will be compensated at the non-facility PFS rate.