By:Jacqueline Thelian, CPC, CPC-I, CHCA, CPMA
What you need to know During this unprecedented healthcare crisis with the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare services are rapidly changing to make expanded access to Telehealth services to allow patients the opportunity to receive services from their doctors without having to travel to a healthcare facility and risk potential exposure to the virus.
As a service to our clients and the healthcare providers courageously serving the population, I have created a video detailing what you need to know to provide Telehealth, telephone and remote services to your patients.
The video will also provide you the links to the source documents from CMS and NYS Medicaid and show you where to go to sign up for updates.
I hope this information helps clear up any confusion you may have regarding remote office visits and services. And if you have any addition questions, we are here to help.
Thank you and be safe,
- Jacqueline Thelian
Video Links:
The latest NYS specific information can be found on the NYSDOH website at the following link:
https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/coronavirus/
The latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance for healthcare professionals is available at the following link:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/index.htmlMore information on the current telehealth policy can be found in the February 2019 Medicaid Update at the following link:
https://www.health.ny.gov/health_care/medicaid/program/update/2019/2019-02_speced.htmAdditional guidance can be found on the filling CDC websites:
When services are provided by an Article 28 facility, the telehealth practitioner must be credentialed and privileged at both the originating and distant sites in accordance with Section 2805-u of PHL. The law can be viewed at the following link:
http://public.leginfo.state.ny.us/lawssrch.cgi?NVLWOMMC general coverage questions may be directed to the Division of Healthcare Planning Contracting and Oversight (DHPCO) at covques@health.nt.gov
Fact Sheet visit: https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/medicare-telemedicine-health-care-provider-fact-sheet
Frequently Asked Questions visit: https://www.cms.gov/files/document/medicare-telehealth-frequently-asked-questions-faqs-31720.pdf
CMS Coronavirus Partner Virtual Toolkit https://www.cms.gov/outreach-education/partner-resources/coronavirus-covid-19-partner-toolkit
Sign up for CMS Updates https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USCMS/subscriber/new?preferences=true#tab1
Telehealth Benefits in Medicare are a Lifeline for Patients During Coronavirus Outbreak
Coverage and Payment Related to COVID-19 Medicare
https://www.cms.gov/files/document/03052020-medicare-covid-19-fact-sheet.pdf
List of Medicare Telehealth Services
https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Medicare-General-Information/Telehealth/Telehealth-Codes