Q:
I understand that CMS has approved telehealth services for outpatient therapy as billable on institutional claims (UB-04). Are we still restricted from utilizing telehealth therapy services for our Medicare Part A beneficiaries?
A:
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released an updated FAQ document on May 28, 2020. The document addresses 3 new questions outlined under the Outpatient Therapy Services heading. Question FF-2 clarifies that telehealth may be performed under Part A in a SNF, but it is not separately reimbursable because therapy is paid under a prospective payment system. The SNF provider would receive the same bundled reimbursement it would receive if those services were provided in person during the PHE. CMS representatives clarified on the June 3rd Office Hours Call that these services are applicable and reportable as therapy minutes on the MDS. As an additional note, CMS had already provided clarification on the May 12th Office Hours Call that the donning and doffing of PPE can count on the MDS.
Blog by Stacy Baker, OTR/L, RAC-CT, CHC, Proactive Medical Review
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