CMS released a Telehealth and Virtual Service update that impacts SNF therapy professionals. This last update released 10/14/20, includes additional Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes used by PT, OT and Speech, as well as allowing certain CPT codes to be provided via audio-only.
As we know, there are limited CPT codes for use with telehealth services….not all CPT codes can be billed as telehealth. As of this last update, the list is as follows:
Speech Therapy:
All Speech Therapy services below can be provided as audio-only (vs required audio-visual real time communication)
- Speech Evaluations:
- 92521 Fluency
- 92522 Sound
- 92523 Sound and Language
- 92524 Voice
- Speech Treatments:
- 92507 Speech Treatment
- 92508 Speech Group Treatment (added 10/14/20)
Physical and Occupational Therapy:
- Evaluations/ Re-evaluations:
- 97161 PT Eval (Low), 97162 PT Eval (Mod), 97163 PT Eval (High)
- 97164 PT Re-evaluation
- 97165 OT Eval (Low), 97166 OT Eval (Mod), 97167 OT Eval (High)
- 97168 OT Re-evaluation
- Other:
- 97110 Therapeutic Exercise
- 97112 Neuromuscular Reeducation
- 97116 Gait Training
- 97150 Group Therapy (added 10/14/20)
- 97530 Therapeutic Activity (added 10/14/20)
- 97535 ADL Training *Service for this code can be provided as “audio-only”
- 97542 Wheelchair Training (added 10/14/20)
- 97750 Physical Performance Test and Measure
- 97755 Assistive Technology Evaluation
- 97760 Orthotic – Initial
- 97761 Prosthetic – Initial
We have revised our Summary Document for Part B Virtual Services seen in the graphic above, which includes all rules and codes for each type of Virtual Service. You can download the PDF document pictured above by clicking HERE.
It goes without saying {but not without repeating…}, therapy professionals need to be aware of their State Practice Act for restrictions on providing Virtual Services, as this information would trump Medicare in terms of provision.
To view the full list of updated Telehealth codes on the CMS website, click HERE.
If you have any questions about any of the above information or need additional information, use our Just Ask Q&A Forum and one of our team members will respond to you directly to assist.
In Your Corner,
Dolores Montero, PT, DPT, RAC-CT, RAC-CTA
SNF Rehab and MDS Compliance Team
www.MonteroTherapyServices.com