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OIG finds $348M in improper Medicare payments for telehealth psychotherapy

Mobi Health News

According to an audit by the Office of the Inspector General, Medicare improperly paid for $580 million of psychotherapy care, including $348 million of telehealth services, during the first year of the COVID-19 public health emergency.

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House extends virtual care flexibilities beyond public health emergency

Healthcare IT News - Telehealth

House of Representatives approved an omnibus spending bill late Wednesday night that extends temporary telehealth flexibilities under Medicare beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. Senate, several COVID-19-era telehealth policies will remain in place for about five months after the public health emergency ends. WHY IT MATTERS.

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Billing Medicare and Private Payers for Telehealth Visits: What to Expect Post-Public Health Emergency

Healthcare IT News - Telehealth

Prepare Now for Anticipated Changes to Medicare and Private Payer Rules. ” While the AMA and many others are advocating for continued support of telehealth post-pandemic, healthcare providers and practice leaders should anticipate and prepare for a return to more standardized regulation after the public health emergency (PHE).

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Reimbursement Repercussions for April 2023 End of Public Health Emergency

Telebehavioral Health Institute

While the official end of the public health emergency (PHE) was extended to April 2023 for many federal government programs, two federal actions will further extend the deadline for federal Medicare reimbursement until at least December 31, 2024.

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The End Of The Public Health Emergency Part 2 – Temporary Medicare Changes and Their Effects

Mend

In part 2 of our blog series, Mend reviews the temporary Medicare changes for telehealth lasting until the end of 2024. As we head closer to the public health emergency (PHE) end date of May 11, 2023, providers must prepare for changes. This change meant that patients could receive care from providers in different areas.

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The End Of The Public Health Emergency Part 1 – Permanent Medicare Changes and Their Effects

Mend

In part 1 of our blog series, Mend reviews the permanent Medicare changes to the Telehealth policy. The COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) has been in place for three years. Permanent Medicare Changes Relating to Telehealth Policy At the start of COVID-19, the CMS used emergency waivers to streamline access to virtual care.

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Congress Extends Flexible Telehealth Rules Past Official End of COVID Public Health Emergency

Healthcare IT Today

However, if no action was taken to head this off, these rules were due to expire with the official end of the COVID-19 public health emergency. For some time now, special pandemic rules have been in effect which allowed providers to offer various forms of government-funded telehealth.