CMS Releases Revised Medicare Telehealth Factsheet

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have unveiled an updated version of their Medicare Learning Network (MLN) fact sheet on Telehealth Services. This follows a hiatus in updates due to the dynamic landscape during the COVID-19 pandemic. The revised fact sheet is a response to the extension of many COVID-related telehealth flexibilities until December 31, 2024, as mandated by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023. Notably, the new version excludes several elements present in the previous edition, such as the permanent eligible originating site list and explanations related to rural patient requirements. Instead, it briefly alludes to the potential reintroduction of originating site requirements and geographic restrictions for non-behavioral or mental telehealth after December 31, 2024. This modification aims to clarify the distinction between current reimbursement policies mostly effective until December 31, 2024, and permanent policies (scheduled for implementation on January 1, 2025), allowing for potential adjustments before the latter takes effect.