Page 29 - Part 2 Introduction to Telemedicine

SVMIC Introduction to Telemedicine

several instructional documents on billing the CCM codes and
added reimbursement for complex CCM, as well as two add-on

codes. Additionally, in the 2018 Physician Fee Schedule, CMS

unbundled code allowing providers to get reimbursed separately
for time spent on collection and interpretation of health data

generated remotely. By not defining these codes as telehealth

services, they are not subject to the restrictions other telehealth
services currently face, such as geographic and location limitations

and prohibitions on the use of asynchronous technology in most
cases. For more information, see CMS’ CY 2018 Physician Fee

Schedule, FAQs on CCM and other resources on the new codes.

Medicare Advantage, APMs and ACOs

Medicare offers some exceptions to its geographic and originating

site requirements through special programs, including the Next
Generation ACO, Shared Savings Program, Episode Payment

Models and Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement Models.

Factsheets are available on many of these models on
under CCHP’s Resources tab. Medicare Advantage Plans may also

offer telehealth as a supplemental benefit; however, patients who

elect to receive the benefit may pay for it with higher premiums,
additional co-pays or from plan rebates.

MIPS

Telemedicine is one of the options available for meeting the
clinical improvement activity requirement in the CMS Merit-based

Incentive Payment System (MIPS).

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