Policy Considerations
There are a number of policy considerations that must be taken into account when building a telehealth program. Because telehealth is a unique form of providing care, there are unique policy considerations that go along with it. That includes rules related to licensure, prescribing controlled substances, and billing and reimbursement. The COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) also added temporary services and rules that are still being considered. See the resources below for more information about policy considerations related to telehealth:
Telehealth.HHS.GOV – Licensure for Providers
“Interstate licensure resources for health care providers, states, and health care organizations.”
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) – List of Telehealth Services
“List of services payable under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule when furnished via telehealth.
In the CY 2023 Final Rule, CMS finalized alignment of availability of services on the telehealth list with the extension timeframe enacted by the CAA, 2022. The CAA, 2023 further extended those flexibilities through CY 2024. We have updated and simplified the Medicare Telehealth Services List to clarify that these services will be available through the end of CY 2023, and we anticipate addressing updates to the Medicare Telehealth Services List for CY 2024 and beyond through our established processes as part of the CY 2024 Physician Fee Schedule proposed and final rules.”
UMTRC – Preparing for the End of the COVID-19 PHE
“On January 30, 2023, it was announced that the national public health emergency (PHE) would be ending on May 11, 2023 following almost 3 years. Because the PHE extended over multiple years and impacted a wide range of different health services, there has been confusion over which telehealth waivers and flexibilities allowed during the PHE would cease immediately, which would continue for a time, and which are now considered permanent.
This write-up is intended to provide a look how, based on current guidance, waivers and flexibilities are expected to be addressed following the PHE.”
Center for Connected Health Policy – All Telehealth Policies
“The Center for Connected Health Policy is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization working to maximize telehealth’s ability to improve health outcomes, care delivery, and cost effectiveness. Our expertise in telehealth policy was recognized in 2012, when we became the federally designated National Telehealth Policy Resource Center.”
More questions? Contact us at [email protected]
Last Updated March 14th, 2023
On July 13, 2023, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a proposed rule that announces and solicits public comments on proposed policy changes for Medicare payments under the Physician Fee Schedule (PFS), and other Medicare Part B issues, effective on or after January 1, 2024. The calendar year (CY) 2024 PFS proposed rule is one of
AHA launches first telehealth certification for physicians The American Heart Association launched its first individual certification for telehealth, it said in a July 5 news release. The Certified Professional by the American Heart Association-Telehealth certification is available through the association's education hub. The certification aims to
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