Wiki Per CMS, are we able to capture HCC gaps in TeleHealth (video) visits?

[sjustice333]

Hello,
I am needing clarification on whether or not we can assess HCC gaps during TeleHealth visits via VIDEO. We would like to continue to close HCC gaps, but with COVID, physical visits are very limited and TeleHealth visits are increasing. Are we able to close HCC gaps during TeleHealth video visit, if possible? Thank you so much for answering this question

 

[Pathos]

Yes, I believe so as long as the video has synchronous video stream (like Skype or other live video streaming). Can't be a phone call or asynchronous. Here are the key points from CMS:

"

• Effective for services starting March 6, 2020 and for the duration of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, Medicare will make payment for Medicare telehealth services furnished to patients in broader circumstances.
• These visits are considered the same as in-person visits and are paid at the same rate as regular, in-person visits.
• Starting March 6, 2020 and for the duration of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, Medicare will make payment for professional services furnished to beneficiaries in all areas of the country in all settings.
• While they must generally travel to or be located in certain types of originating sites such as a physician’s office, skilled nursing facility or hospital for the visit, effective for services starting March 6, 2020 and for the duration of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, Medicare will make payment for Medicare telehealth services furnished to beneficiaries in any healthcare facility and in their home.
• The Medicare coinsurance and deductible would generally apply to these services. However, the HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) is providing flexibility for healthcare providers to reduce or waive cost-sharing for telehealth visits paid by federal healthcare programs.
• To the extent the 1135 waiver requires an established relationship, HHS will not conduct audits to ensure that such a prior relationship existed for claims submitted during this public health emergency.

"

Source:

https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/medicare-telemedicine-health-care-provider-fact-sheet