Telehealth policy changes after the COVID-19 public health emergency
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services took a range of administrative steps to expedite the adoption and awareness of telehealth during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Some of these telehealth flexibilities have been made permanent while others are temporary.
Recent legislation authorized an extension of many of the Medicare telehealth flexibilities that were in place during the COVID-19 public health emergency through December 31, 2024.
Permanent Medicare changes
- Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) can serve as a distant site provider for behavioral/mental telehealth services
- Medicare patients can receive telehealth services for behavioral/mental health care in their home
- There are no geographic restrictions for originating site for behavioral/mental telehealth services
- Behavioral/mental telehealth services can be delivered using audio-only communication platforms
- Rural Emergency Hospitals (REHs) are eligible originating sites for telehealth
Sources: Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (PDF), Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (PDF), CMS CY 2022 Physician Fee Schedule (PDF), CMS CY 2023 Physician Fee Schedule (PDF)
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Temporary Medicare changes through December 31, 2024
- FQHCs and RHCs can serve as a distant site provider for non-behavioral/mental telehealth services
- Medicare patients can receive telehealth services in their home
- There are no geographic restrictions for originating site for non-behavioral/mental telehealth services
- Some non-behavioral/mental telehealth services can be delivered using audio-only communication platforms
- An in-person visit within six months of an initial behavioral/mental telehealth service, and annually thereafter, is not required
- Telehealth services can be provided by all eligible Medicare providers
Source: Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (PDF)
Tip: Read about HIPAA and telehealth technology and prescribing controlled substances via telehealth.
Additional Resources
- FAQs: CMS waivers, flexibilities, and the end of Public Health Emergency (PDF) — Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)
- Telehealth Policy
- Telehealth Flexibilities and Resources and the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency — Department of Health & Human Services
- Coronavirus waivers & flexibilities — Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
- Post-PHE Billing Policies FAQs (PDF) — National Policy Center — Center for Connected Health Policy
- What Do I need to Know: CMS Waivers, Flexibilities, and the End of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PDF) — Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)