12.04.2024
As you may recall, HHS implemented various telehealth flexibilities during the COVID-19 public health emergency to promote the adoption and awareness of telehealth services. While some of these flexibilities have been made permanent, several key regulations are temporary and are set to expire on December 31, 2024.
Key Points
- Expiration of Telehealth Flexibilities: The Medicare telehealth flexibilities that have allowed health systems like Munson to be reimbursed for telehealth services since 2020 are scheduled to expire on December 31, 2024.
- Potential Extension: Although it is highly likely that Congress will extend these telehealth flexibilities, this may occur just days before the expiration date.
- Munson, along with many other health systems, is advocating at a federal level to encourage continued reimbursement of video visits.
Guidance for Munson-Employed Providers
- Continue Scheduling Video Visits: Please continue to schedule video visits for patients in 2025.
- Reduce Phone Visits: Reimbursement for phone visits has already been reduced and could be discontinued in the future, so please reduce these where possible.
- Advocacy: We encourage you to contact your congressional representatives to support the extension of Medicare telehealth flexibilities.
- As of Dec. 1, Munson providers have completed 60,000+ video visits so far this year.
Look for updates as new information becomes available.