South Carolina BCBS Allows Telephone Visits

On March 26, 2020, South Carolina Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) posted Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding COVID-19. You will want to read question #14 as this pertains to physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists.

Here is the Question and Answer:

Can physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists file for telephone visits?
Yes, we will accept claims for physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy, using the following codes:

• 98966: Telephonic Assessment and Management services provided by a qualified non-physician health care professional to an established patient; 5-10 minutes of medical discussion

• 98967: Telephonic Assessment and Management services provided by a qualified non-physician health care professional to an established patient; 11-20 minutes of medical discussion

• 98968: Telephonic Assessment and Management services provided by a qualified non-physician health care professional to an established patient; 21-30 minutes of medical discussion

It’s not telehealth, but it’s a start. If you are a provider in South Carolina, contact BCBS and ask them to expand telehealth coverage to outpatient physical, occupational and speech therapy services.

Click HERE to access the FAQs.