Wiki Telephone e/m during COVID-19

[reddaway@sbcglobal.net]

Does the patient still have to initiate the telephone e/m visit during COVID-19 in order to bill Medicare? I have read the CMS Interim Final Rule and don't see any language that says the patient has to initiate the service. I just see that in the AMA CPT book as a guideline under normal circumstances.

 

[Chelle-Lynn]

We can advise or educate the patient of the option if they are calling in to cancel a visit or if they express hesitation at coming into the office, but ultimately the patient has to request a telehealth visit.