News: CMS updated list of covered telehealth services
During the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE), telehealth services have evolved dramatically becoming one of the most sought after forms of care. To support this change, CMS has updated its list of services payable under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule when furnished in telehealth for the calendar year of 2021.
In the 2021 rule, 144 telehealth services have been temporarily added, and several others permanently added. Permanent additions include group psychotherapy services, certain home visits for established patients, and care planning services.
CMS further expanded telehealth coverage by providing flexibility for subsequent nursing home visits to be delivered via remote connected, as well as expanded the professionals that can provide communications technology-based services.
Within the list of telehealth services, some services are available to be covered in an audio-only assessment. This addition makes telehealth services more accessible to those patients who may not have computers or smart phones, giving them better access to care.
Editor’s note: The CMS list of telehealth covered services can be found here. Additional ACDIS coverage of telehealth news can be found here.