OK, just explored and this is the mention from
this update:
CMS will now pay for more than 80 additional services when furnished via telehealth. These include emergency department visits, initial nursing facility and discharge visits, and home visits,
which must be provided by a clinician that is allowed to provide telehealth.
Providers also can evaluate beneficiaries who have audio phones only.
CMS is allowing telehealth to fulfill many face-to-face visit requirements for clinicians to see their patients in inpatient rehabilitation facilities, hospice and home health. During the
pandemic, individuals can use commonly available interactive apps with audio and video capabilities to visit with their clinician.
I am still in the process of wrangling just what is meant by all of the language; by providers do they mean MDs and NPPs or do they mean the broader definition of professionals
who provide services in any capacity? Not sure … And is the word “evaluate” significant, in that only a limited type of interactions can be done by audio only? Again, I’m not sure – I’d love to hear from some of you how you interpret this, and I will also
be asking NAHC for their interpretation. There was no mention of this line from the ruling in the NAHC call earlier today.
It’s been an crazy day today – so much coming at us so quickly – as we figure things out, we will continue to email you or post things in the newly-set up
COVID-19 Forum for members to discuss things… Please visit and comment or add questions and let’s get everyone helping everyone!!
Have a good evening and stay tuned for more tomorrow ….
-Karen
From: medicarewkgp@list.mnhomecare.org <medicarewkgp@list.mnhomecare.org>
On Behalf Of Krull, Margaret E
Sent: Tuesday, March 31, 2020 3:42 PM
To: medicarewkgp@list.mnhomecare.org
Subject: FW: CMS Updates
Hi-
I have read this a few times and cannot find the exact spot where it states Audio-only telehealth. Can someone point me in that direction? We were dabbling
with trying video but will scrap it if it is truly audio only.
Hope you’re all hanging in there! Sending good thoughts.
Thanks,
Margaret Krull
PT • SouthEast Clinical Manager
Allina Health Home Health
Phone • 612-262-7683 • Pager 612-654-3097 • Cell 612-600-6892
Mail Route 34100 • 1055 Westgate Drive Suite 100 • St. Paul, MN 55114-1451
From:
medicarewkgp@list.mnhomecare.org <medicarewkgp@list.mnhomecare.org>
On Behalf Of Karen Peterson
Sent: Tuesday, March 31, 2020 7:39 AM
To: medicarewkgp@list.mnhomecare.org
Subject: CMS Updates
Good morning –
Late yesterday CMS made some pretty significant announcements – wanted to be sure you see right away! Some of the highlights for home care:
·
Home Health and Hospice can use telehealth as appropriate
·
Audio-only telehealth allowed
·
Homebound applies for patients at risk of infection
·
2-week nurse visits waived
·
Expanded verbal orders guidelines
·
Expanded coverage of respiratory equipment
Full text here:
https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/additional-backgroundsweeping-regulatory-changes-help-us-healthcare-system-address-covid-19-patient
Go forth and conquer!!!
Karen Peterson
Regulatory Affairs and Advocacy Manager
Minnesota HomeCare Association
2550 University Ave. W., Ste. 350 S | St. Paul, MN 55114-1900
Direct: 651.659.1457 | Main: 651.635.0607
Toll-free: 866.607.0607 | Fax: 651.635.0043
Mission:
MHCA represents and supports Minnesota home care providers committed to high quality home care services.
Vision:
MHCA will shape the home care landscape to improve and sustain quality home care services.
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