The Trump administration has waived telehealth restrictions and expanded Medicare telehealth coverage during the COVID-19 crisis so that patients do not have to travel to doctor’s offices, according to an article in Healthcare IT News.
According to a March 27 announcement sent out by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), worked with the administration to help secure the legislation so that audiologists and hearing care practitioners could “serve patients to the greatest extent possible.” As part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, $100 billion is earmarked to “support health care providers related expenses and lost revenue,” and $955 million for “aging and disability services programs, including senior nutrition, home and community-based supportive services, family caregivers, elder justice, and independent living,” among other things, according to ASHA.
As part of the expansion, Medicare will pay physicians, nurse practitioners, clinical psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers to offer telehealth services in any healthcare facility including doctor’s offices, nursing homes, hospitals, or their homes, according to the article.
“Clinicians can bill immediately for dates of service starting March 6, 2020, said CMS officials, with telehealth services paid under the Physician Fee Schedule at the same amount as in-person services. Medicare coinsurance and deductibles still apply,” Healthcare IT News reports.
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Source: Healthcare IT News
