Here’s a question we’re getting a lot right now: When are the policy changes that went into effect at the onset of the coronavirus pandemic expiring? Or: Will these changes be made permanent? The fact is, we don’t know but we’re seeing the winds of change starting to take hold. Whereas wide acceptance of telehealth was an uphill climb for many pre-pandemic, the current demand for telehealth has flung the doors wide open. Blue Cross Blue Shield in Tennessee recently announced the permanence of the temporary pandemic changes.
“In March, the mission-driven insurer began covering telephone and video visits with in-network providers. The change initially included primary care providers, specialists and behavioral health providers and was later expanded to include occupational, physical and speech therapy as well as ABA therapy services. All of these services will now be covered on an ongoing basis.” (BCBS)1
Last week, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released guidelines with a statement encouraging the resumption of in-person care saying, “while telehealth has proven to be a lifeline, nothing can absolutely replace the gold standard: in-person care.”2
CMS is mostly referring to those who have postponed non-emergency visits during the onset of the pandemic, and with some states seeing spikes in COVID-19 cases, many are wondering what this resumption of care will look like. The Mississippi Hospital Association and Mississippi State Medical Association created Prepare to Care, a campaign to inform their residents about safe treatment options… including telemedicine.3
Health professionals and lawmakers alike are calling for telehealth expansion. Thomas Ferrante with Foley and Lardner law firm says, “Before the pandemic, Medicare fee-for-service coverage of telehealth services was extremely restrictive, with limitations for rural locations, originating sites, eligible practitioners and services, and qualifying technology. The CARES Act allowed CMS to temporarily remove these requirements under broad waivers.”4
With national and local levels of government revisiting and revising policy, public and private sectors reviewing and restructuring operating procedures and financial matters, no one knows what the healthcare landscape will look like when we come out on the other side. But one thing is certain: there will be no return to the way it was.
And if you want a hint of what the future may look like, check out the 2021 Physician Fee Schedule, which should be released next month. Stay tuned…
Sources:
- https://www.bcbs.com/press-releases/bluecross-making-network-telehealth-services-permanent
- https://www.cms.gov/index.php/newsroom/press-releases/trump-administration-encourages-reopening-healthcare-facilities
- https://www.wcbi.com/mississippi-hospital-association-mississippi-state-medical-association-highlight-centers-medicare-medicaid-services-recommendations-mississippians-safely-seek-care/
- https://mhealthintelligence.com/news/experts-weigh-in-on-post-covid-19-telehealth-rules-and-policies
