Telehealth Guidance
News Updates
The OSMA is monitoring developments and working diligently to provide the most important updates and resources here as new material becomes available.
AMA Telehealth Immersion Program
The Telehealth Immersion Program is the AMA’s newest offering to guide physicians, practices and health systems in optimizing and sustaining telehealth at their organizations and builds on The Telehealth Initiative. Through a series of curated webinars, interactive peer-to-peer learning sessions, virtual discussions, bootcamps and resources on-demand, the Telehealth Immersion Program offers a comprehensive curriculum and enhanced experience navigating the world of telehealth alongside peers nationwide.
December 20, 2020
New Telehealth Policies in Medicare 2021 Physician Fee Schedule – The changes for 2021 are designed to expand the use of telehealth technologies among Medicare beneficiaries.
July 22, 2020
Help Support Making Telehealth Reimbursement & Regulatory Changes Permanent
July 21, 2020
Medicaid Extends Telehealth Coverage Emergency Rules
May 6, 2020
AMA Releases Coding for Telemedicine & COVID-19 Webinar to General Public
April 30, 2020
Second Round of Sweeping Changes to Healthcare System – These changes include continuing CMS’s efforts to further expand telehealth services, as well as making it easier for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries to get tested for COVID-19.
April 23, 2020
If you are a physician that works with public or non-for-profit entities like schools, health clinics, etc. some federal funding might be available to you to help fund telehealth programs. These funds are available now through grant and public programs. These programs include:
April 6, 2020
New Video Available on Medicare Coverage & Payment of Virtual Services – CMS released a video providing answers to common questions about the Medicare telehealth services benefit. CMS is expanding this benefit on a temporary and emergency basis under the 1135 waiver authority and Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act.
March 30, 2020
UnitedHealthcare announces updates to their reimbursement of appropriate claims for telehealth services for dates of service through June 18, 2020 under the following codes.
March 30, 2020
New Telehealth Resource Toolkit at your fingertips – The Upper Midwest Telehealth Resource Center has created a comprehensive toolkit on the latest policies and implementation resources regarding telemedicine in the time of COVID-19.
March 24, 2020
FREE Webinar Now Available – Ohio Physicians: How to Conduct a Patient Visit Electronically
The OSMA, in partnership with CliniSync, developed a recorded webinar to explain telehealth options, consent and security issues, and documentation and coding considerations.
March 24, 2020
AMA launches a virtual panel discussion focused on telemedicine and COVID-19 –The American Medical Association is helping mobilize a dramatic increase in the nation’s telemedicine capacity. The discussion is hosted by the AMA’s Physician Innovation Network (PIN), an online networking community of physicians, digital health companies and entrepreneurs.
March 20, 2020
Emergency Rules Expand Access to Telehealth Services – The Ohio Departments of Medicaid and Mental Health and Addiction Services, in partnership with the Governor’s Office, have developed emergency rules to expand and enhance telehealth options for Ohioans and their providers. These rules will relax regulations so that more people can be served safely in their homes rather than needing to travel to addiction and mental health treatment centers.
March 18, 2020
Medical Board Action on Telemedicine –The State Medical Board of Ohio voted on the below details to better allow licensees to respond and provide essential health care during the COVID-19 pandemic. The exercise of this enforcement discretion is effective the day the State of Ohio Declared an Emergency, March 9, 2020, and will conclude upon expiration of Executive Order 2020-01D.
March 18, 2020
Update on Telehealth Changes and Resources – Due to the unprecedented disruption to the healthcare system caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, many physicians are being forced to consider alternative options to see patients and stay viable as a business. We recognize you may be dealing with patients who are uncomfortable or are being advised to not come to your offices.
March 18, 2020 - PRESS RELEASE
Resources
Guidance on Telehealth:
- AMA Telehealth Immersion Guidance
- AMA's Coding Guide for Telemedicine and COVID-19
- OSMA's Free Webinar: (updated 4/6)
How to Conduct a Patient Visit Electronically - CMS Video on Payment for Virtual Services
- AMA's Quick Guide to Telemedicine
- Historic Breakthroughs in Telemedicine
- TDC's Telehealth FAQ
- Ohio BWC Temporary Telehealth Policy
- CMS Toolkit to Telehealth for General Practitioners
- Emergency Rules Expanding Telehealth
- Ohio Dept. of Medicaid Telehealth Rules FAQ
- Medical Board Telemedicine Guidance
& Federal Rules - Medicare Telehealth Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Telehealth Benefits in Medicare are a Lifeline for Patients During Coronavirus Outbreak
For more information, also visit:
Ohio Department of Health
Center for Disease Control & Prevention
Medicare.gov
AMA