On October 15, 2021, the Secretary of Health & Human Services renewed the Public Health Emergency (PHE). This move represents the seventh time the PHE was renewed since its declaration on January 27, 2020. The importance for medical practices is that the regulatory relaxations for telemedicine related to the federal government are extended for another 90 days. This includes Medicare reimbursement for certain Medicare services provided via telemedicine or, as applicable, by telephone. For a current list of reimbursed services, see this link. https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Medicare-General-Information/Telehealth/Telehealth-Codes
It is important to note that this federal extension does not apply to individual state board rules and physicians are encouraged to check with each state in which they practice as to the current licensure requirements in effect.
The contents of The Sentinel are intended for educational/informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Policyholders are urged to consult with their personal attorney for legal advice, as specific legal requirements may vary from state to state and/or change over time.