The implementation and continued expansion of telehealth services, assisted healthcare professionals to continue to deliver effective patient care during the COVID-19 pandemic, and beyond. In fact, the CDC reported a 154% increase in telehealth visits in the US during the last week of March 2020 compared with the same period in 2019. The CMS has established reimbursement rates for telehealth and virtual communication services, which enables healthcare professionals to streamline reporting and earn extra revenues.
Telephone E/M services: CPT codes 99441, 99442 and 99443
For telephone or audio-only evaluation and management services for new and established patients, physicians can bill using CPT codes 99441 – 99443. These services cannot relate to a medical visit within the previous 7 days, or a medical visit due to take place within 24 hours or the earliest available appointment. They are time-based codes, therefore the physician can use the cumulative time to determine which service to bill for.
- CPT code 99441 ($57): 5 – 10 minutes of medical discussion
- CPT code 99442 ($93): 11 – 20 minutes of medical discussion
- CPT code 99443 ($132): 21 – 30 minutes of medical discussion
Remote evaluation of images: HCPCS code G2010
HCPCS code G2010 was developed by CMS to review an image or recording with established Medicare patients. This code saves time for the patient, and they are able to receive communication from the physician in response to their issue. Submitting an image must not be related to a medical visit within the previous 7 days, nor leading to a medical visit within 24 hours or the earliest available appointment. It requires patient consent either verbally, written or electronic. It is worth noting that G2010 is not considered a telehealth service by CMS, therefore POS 02 or modifier 95 should not be used with it.
- HCPCS code G2010 ($12): Remote evaluation of recorded video and/or images submitted by an established patient, with a follow-up by the physician within 24 hours
QardioMD – Fully integrated RPM services for chronic care continuity
With QardioMD, video and audio consultations are available to all users of the QardioMD remote patient monitoring healthcare service at no additional cost. This function enables healthcare providers to initiate video and audio consultations with their patients, natively within the QardioMD service, to provide more regular care and help improve patient health outcomes. Patients can also upload photos via the QardioMD app to their healthcare provider. To learn more about how patient video consultations with Qardio can add value to your practice, speak with a product expert here.
*Actual figures may vary. All figures are non-facility prices, rounded to the nearest dollar.
Sources
CMS.gov Newsroom
CMS.gov Physician Fee Schedule Search Tool
American Medical Association
