Telehealth reimbursement refers to how healthcare providers get paid for delivering care remotely—through video visits, phone calls, remote patient monitoring, and more. Just like in-person visits, providers bill payers (such as Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance) using specific billing codes.
Reimbursement policies vary depending on the payer and location. For example:
- Medicare has a list of covered telehealth services, and payment rules may change year to year based on federal policy.
- Medicaid reimbursement is set by each state and can differ widely in terms of what services are covered and how they must be delivered.
- Private insurers often follow Medicare’s lead but may have their own rules and restrictions.
Other factors—like where the patient is located, what type of technology is used, and the provider’s specialty—can also impact reimbursement. Staying updated on changing regulations and payer guidelines is key to making telehealth financially sustainable.
Updated July 2025
