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03/23/20

BCBS of Rhode Island to Pay for Telehealth for Therapy

Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) of Rhode Island has announced they will pay for telehealth services for outpatient therapy services effective March 18, 2020. To read it straight from BCBS of Rhode Island, click HERE.

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03/23/20

South Carolina Issues Emergency Order Regarding Telehealth

On March 23, 2020, the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, Board of Physical Therapy Examiners has issued guidance regarding use of telehealth to provide physical therapy services during public health state of emergency.

Click HERE to read the entire order.

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03/23/20

New Jersey Governor Mandates Telehealth Coverage and Payment

New Jersey Governor Murphy announces Departmental Actions to Expand Access to Telehealth and Tele-Mental Health Services in Response to COVID-19. This includes physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists. Click HERE to read the announcement.

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03/22/20

2019 MIPS Data Submission Breaking News

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced changes to the submission date for the 2019 Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) Performance Period for MIPS eligible clinicians. In addition, CMS has implemented an Extreme and Uncontrollable Circumstances Exception for the 2019 MIPS Performance Period for MIPS eligible clinicians. QuestionWhat is the new deadline to submit data for the 2019 MIPS Performance Period? Answer QuestionWhat happens if I do not submit my individual data by the new deadline date and time? Answer QuestionWhat is the Automatic Extreme and Uncontrollable Circumstances policy? Answer QuestionWho does this automatic exception apply to?

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03/21/20

TriWest to Pay for Telehealth Services

According to the TriWest website, TriWest will pay for telehealth services if you have an active authorization on file to conduct care. The only exception to this rule is Behavioral Health, where virtual visits for the initial appointment are already allowed, VA has provided a waiver for all specialties under PC3 where virtual visits for the initial appointment are now allowed in light of the ongoing pandemic. In addition, TriWest has published I hope you found this article helpful. Thank you for being a Gold Member!

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03/20/20

BCBS of Michigan to Cover Telehealth Until June 30th

The Michigan Physical Therapy Association (MPTA) has updated their website with information stating “BCBSM has notified MPTA that it will cover CPT Codes 97110, 97112, 97116, 97530 and 97535 via telehealth effective for both commercial and MA population until June 30. The official notification and associated nuances/restrictions will be posted on the Provider Portal soon.”

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03/19/20

California Mandates Payment for Telehealth

Effective immediately, all health plans in the state of California shall comply with the following: Health plans shall reimburse providers at the same rate, whether a service isprovided in-person or through telehealth, if the service is the same regardless ofthe modality of delivery, as determined by the provider’s description of theservice on the claim. For example, if a health plan reimburses a mental healthprovider $100 for a 50-minute therapy session conducted in-person, the healthplan shall reimburse the provider $100 for a 50-minute therapy session done viatelehealth. For services provided via telehealth, a health plan may not subject enrollees tocost-sharing greater

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03/19/20

Kentucky Shuts Down All Outpatient Rehabilitative Settings

Effective March 19, 2020, all outpatient rehabilitative settings shall close and transition to a telehealth platform in accordance with DMS guidance immediately. Click HERE to read it straight from the Governor. Skilled rehabilitation professionals (physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech languagetherapists, and respiratory therapists) shall continue to work in acute care, inpatient rehabilitativesettings, and skilled nursing facilities. Their work will allow patients to heal sooner and return home to their preferred setting. All CDC recommended protective measures shall be in place when providing services to patients. Home health rehabilitation professionals shall use best clinical judgment to determine best practicefor the implementation

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