Telehealth Mods GQ & GT

[sfritch]

Has anyone heard of reducing payment when using mods GQ or GT? In other words, should services rendered face-to-face be reimbursed at a higher rate than comparable services rendered over the phone or online? For instance, would the same payment be expected for 99212 as for 99212-GT? Thank you.

 

[jenzeli]

I found this in the CMS manual. Looks like reimbursement should be the same as a face-to-face visit

http://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Manuals/downloads/clm104c12.pdf

190.5 - Payment Methodology for Physician/Practitioner at the Distant Site

2. The payment amount for the professional service provided via a telecommunications system by the physician or practitioner at the distant site is equal to the current fee schedule amount for the service provided. Payment for an office visit, consultation, individual psychotherapy or pharmacologic management via a telecommunications system should be made at the same amount as when these services are furnished without the use of a telecommunications system