CMS Approves Therapists for Telehealth

CMS has announced they are now permitting physical, occupational, and speech therapists to temporarily bill telehealth services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Today’s announcement is a major victory for therapists after CMS previously announced they would temporarily allow therapy codes to be billed under telehealth, but still would not permit therapists to bill them.

Under the temporary telehealth expansion, the following therapy codes are permitted:

• PT Evaluations – 97161, 97162, 97163, 97164
• OT Evaluations – 97165, 97166, 97167, 97168
• Treatment Codes – 97110, 97112, 97116, 97150, 97530, 97535, 97542, 97750, 97755, 97760, 97761
• Speech – 92521, 92522, 92523, 92524, 92507, 92508, 92601, 92602, 92603, 92604

Here are a few additional key facts about treating Medicare patients under telehealth:

• At this time, it is unclear if CMS will allow PTAs and COTAs to bill telehealth claims.
• Two-way audio and visual communication must be used. 
• Therapists are permitted to conduct treatment from their own homes.
• Services can be provided to both new and established patients.
• Telehealth claims will be paid at the same rate as an in-person visit.
• Claims should be billed with modifier 95 and the place of service (POS) should indicate the location that services would have been furnished in person.

We will provide you with additional details as they become available.

You May Also Like:

• The 8 Minute Rule: Medicare vs. AMA
• Real-Time Physical Therapy Practice Benchmarks
• Medicare Fee Calculator
• Glossary of Physical Therapy Terms