On July 10, 2024, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a proposed rule that announces and solicits public comments on proposed policy changes for Medicare payments under the Physician Fee Schedule (PFS), and other Medicare Part B issues, effective on or after January 1, 2025.
During the COVID-19 public health emergency, CMS took action to expand access to telehealth services to ensure people could continue to access health care. Congress’ temporary extension of flexibilities related to payment for many telehealth services is scheduled, by statute, to expire at the end of 2024.
Proposals in this year’s rule would allow CMS to maintain some important, but limited, flexibilities where possible and reflect CMS’ goal to maintain and expand the scope of and access to telehealth services where appropriate. For example, these proposals would continue to permit certain practitioners to provide virtual direct supervision to auxiliary personnel when required. CMS is also proposing temporary extensions of virtual supervision for a broader range of services when teaching physicians virtually supervise telehealth services provided by residents in teaching settings.
However, absent Congressional action, beginning January 1, 2025, the statutory restrictions on geography, site of service, and practitioner type that existed prior to the COVID-19 PHE will go back into effect. After that date, people with Medicare will need to be in a rural area and a medical facility to receive non-behavioral health services via Medicare telehealth.
The van Halem Group will continue to monitor the outcome of these proposals and will provide more information as it becomes available.