Is TeleMedicine an Option for Your Practice?

The Coronavirus is here and ready or not, it’s time to talk about TeleMedicine. You may be one of a number of providers who are considering closing their doors until the threat has passed. But of course, as a business owner, it’s prudent to look into ways to continue therapy regardless. One option is to treat some patients using the TeleMedicine approach. I know, there are a LOT of skeptics and probably a lot of misinformation about whether it’s even possible.

However, I can say that WellCare’s CMS program does allow TeleMedicine treatments for all therapy services that are appropriate. In fact, they agree that in light of the health crisis, this is a great option to continue care for your patients.

How does billing change? If you bill for services provided via TeleMedicine (For example: Speech Therapy over a HIPAA-Compliant streaming Video service), you only have to bill using place of service code 02 (Telehealth) and the GT modifier used to indicate a service was rendered via synchronous telecommunication.

So, what video teleconference service should you use? As with all technology platforms, there are a host of options so you must choose the solution that fits both your budget and your client’s and therapist’s technology needs. Here are a few options I’ve seen floating around recently; but please understand I’m not endorsing any of these products, merely passing along the information.

https://www.loom.com/ Offering a 50% discount on some subscriptions due to the coronavirus.

https://zoom.us/ $200 per month for their HIPAA-compliant platform.

Google Hangouts G Suite also has a HIPAA-compliant option.

https://doxy.me/ easy to implement but looks like it could get pricey with large offices.

What are the documentation requirements?

The patient has to agree to receive services via TeleMedicine and that has to be documented in their medical record. You can create a simple consent form for TeleMedicine and share it with all your therapists to keep on file.

What should be your next steps?

1.     Call your payers to confirm benefits and eligibility, authorization requirements, unique modifiers, etc. 

2.     Choose a technology that works for your practice.

3.     Get patient consent forms signed.

I know there is a lot of uncertainty surrounding the impacts of the CoronaVirus on your patients and your business but hang in there and we’ll get through this together. If you found this useful, please take a moment and share it on Facebook and sign up below for future updates and helpful information.