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January 2023

The South Central Region Virtual Visit Billing Guides have been updated with the most recent payor changes. Below is this announcement's most recent updates, or click on any state to go directly to that state's guide.

This Quarter’s Highlights

The COVID-19 Public Health Emergency will officially expire May 11th, 2023, resulting in the end of several telehealth flexibilities.  Flexibilities ending include the cost share waiver for COVID-19 testing-related visits, OCR’s HIPAA compliant telehealth platform waiver, and audio only allowable telehealth services for several insurance companies.  However, for Medicare, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, has allowed numerous flexibilities to continue through December 31st, 2024, which are detailed below.

Aetna

  • Added 99418, G0316 – G0318, G3002, G3003, 96105, 97750, C7900-C7902 to the list of synchronous covered services.
  • Added C7900-C7902 to audio only covered services with modifiers 93, FR

BCBS of MS

  • Revised section to reflect permanent telehealth policy
  • Updated allowable telehealth code list

Medicare

  • Updated the following based on the 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act, which will allow the following flexibilities through December 31st, 2024:
    • Originating site restriction waiver
    • Expanded list of allowable telehealth practitioners
    • Audio only telehealth services
    • In person requirement for mental health services via telehealth
    • Extension of FQHC/RHC to serve as originating site for non-behavioral/mental telehealth services
  • Updated telehealth allowable codes for 2023

UHC Community Plan of Tennessee

  • Updated UHC telehealth allowable code list

CIGNA

  • Modifiers 93 and FQ added as allowable modifiers
  • Behavioral Health Services billing guidance and allowable codes added
  • Medical Health Services allowable codes updates
  • Updated Allowable and excluded services language

Medica

  • Updated policy end date
  • Updated allowable telehealth code list

Mississippi Medicaid

  • Removed emergency declaration information

About SCTRC

Since 2010, the South Central Telehealth Resource Center (SCTRC) has been providing telehealth training and technical assistance. We offer a wide variety of services and resources to help develop, maintain, and expand telehealth services. While we strive to help anyone reaching out to us for assistance, we prioritize the needs of those who work with rural and other underserved communities and populations in our region — Arkansas, Mississippi, and Tennessee. The SCTRC offers in-person and virtual assistance including on-site demos at our regional telehealth training centers, and popular online resources here such as billing and reimbursement guides, beginner courses, a variety of webinars and recordings, podcasts, and more. The SCTRC team is eager to hear more about your efforts and to brainstorm how we could work together to expand telehealth adoption.

How can we help you today?

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Staff & Advisory Council

The SCTRC is staffed by telehealth professionals with backgrounds in nursing, business, education & instructional design, and mass media/communications.

Staff Directory »

The SCTRC also works with a dedicated group of professionals who comprise the SCTRC Advisory Council. This group provides a grassroots voice for the telehealth initiatives needed in Arkansas, Mississippi, and Tennessee.

Advisory Council List »

The SCTRC is proud to be part of the National
Consortium of Telehealth Resource Centers
SCTRC / UAMS Institute for Digital Health & Innovation

The South Central Telehealth Resource Center is made possible by Grant #U1UTH42528 from the Office for the Advancement of Telehealth, Health Resources and Services Administration, DHHS, and the support of the UAMS Institute for Digital Health & Innovation. Please note: This information, content, and conclusions are those of the author and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government. The information and tools presented on the SCTRC website should not be considered legal advice. The SCTRC is not guaranteeing that any information provided will result in reimbursement from a payer. All materials are strictly for informational and educational purposes. The SCTRC encourages you to check with the appropriate state agency for further information and direction for legal opinions, interpretation of the laws, regulations, and/or policies. Additionally, please consult with your legal counsel or attorney if seeking legal opinions. © 2024 Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas acting for and on behalf of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. All Rights Reserved.