CMS Provides Additional Telehealth Waivers and Flexibility to Providers

CMS recently updated the waivers and flexibilities afforded providers, including a few additional telehealth waivers. Although the majority of the telehealth waivers and flexibilities were issued in March, CMS is updating the waivers and flexibilities of each health care venue to ensure facilities can maximize their workforce. Advis summarizes the additional miscellaneous telehealth additions below:

Hospitals

  • Waived written agreement requirements between a patient’s hospital and an off-site hospital providing telehealth services to patients.

Rural Health Centers (RHCs) and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)

  • Allows for physicians to use telehealth services to provide for medical direction and supervision of staff for patient care

Skilled Nursing Facilities/Nursing Facilities

  • Waived requirements for physicians and non-physician practitioners to perform in-person visits. Rather, physicians and non-physicians may now perform visits via telehealth

Note: This does not change the frequency of the visits required.

Advis strives to help healthcare providers understand today’s rapidly changing regulations so providers can offer the best possible care to people in immediate need without risking exposure to COVID-19. Please contact us today at 708-478-7030 for any additional assistance.

Published: April 14, 2020