Telemedicine Updates for 2024

All platforms used for telehealth must be HIPAA compliant per the Office of Civil Rights.

With the public health emergency expiration and services to patients via telehealth extended under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 to December 31, 2024, groups that provide services under this platform need to be aware of the changes.

Here is a list of changes that are in effect until December 31, 2024:

• All platforms used for telehealth must be HIPAA compliant per the Office of Civil Rights.
• All patients can get telehealth no matter where they are located. There are no geographical restrictions.
• All providers who are eligible to bill Medicare for professional services can provide distant site telehealth. Provider should be licensed in the State where the patient is at the time of the encounter in order to bill for the services rendered.
• You must use 2-way, interactive, audio-video technology for non-behavioral or mental telehealth.
• For behavioral or mental telehealth, you may still continue to use 2-way, interactive, audio-only technology.
• Telehealth can be used to conduct hospice recertification.
• Place of service is broken down to allow for additional specificity.
• Submit the services using the appropriate CPT or HCPCS code.
• Add appropriate telehealth modifiers to your CPT codes.

Telehealth continues to be one of those areas that the OIG continues to keep on their radar. To avoid unnecessary scrutiny, groups should be aware of changes and continue to analyze their practices services to remain compliant.