At the start of COVID-19, therapists were suddenly forced to move their practices online in order to continue providing care to clients. But when the federal Public Health Emergency order expires (or as different state orders have expired), what can we expect in terms of insurance coverage of telehealth? This webinar — applicable to therapists at all levels — will try to answer that question, and give you the latest information about insurance billing and coverage for video and phone psychotherapy sessions. Will our clients lose telehealth coverage, and if so, how can we prepare? This presentation will share what is known, help you formulate better questions for clients and health plans, and dispel common myths and misconceptions.
The webinar is aimed at all psychotherapists nationwide, both in- and out of network.
Topics will include:
- A review of codes and modifiers for telehealth billing (and why assumptions can be dangerous)
- Will plans keep covering phone sessions, and out-of-network providers?
- The best (and worst) place to find telehealth coverage info
- How is documentation different for telehealth sessions?
- Will health plans allow providers to give up their offices? What address should be used on claims / statements?
- Will clinicians be paid less for telehealth sessions?
- Can a therapists work with a client in a different state? Will insurance cover this, if it is legal? (The answers may surprise you!)
- What ALL therapists should be thinking about now to avoid treatment interruptions
Educational Objectives
After attending this webinar, participants will be able to
- Identify how to code and bill for telehealth sessions, to avoid claim denials and treatment interruption
- Name two ways telehealth session documentation is different from in-person sessions
- Identify legal (and insurance) considerations before providing therapy across state lines
Syllabus
Telehealth Billing
- New 2022 Telehealth Place of Service Code
- Current telehealth billing codes and modifiers
Telehealth Coverage
- Understanding the Emergency Health Order and How This Impacts Telehealth Coverage
- Will plans keep covering phone sessions?
- Will plan keep covering out-of-network clinicians?
- The best (and worst) place to find coverage info
Documentation for Telehealth Sessions
- How are documentation requirements different for telehealth?
Interstate Practice
- Can a clinician legally and ethically work with a client in a different state?
- Will insurance cover interstate sessions if legal?
Special Concerns When Billing Telehealth Sessions
- Will insurance plans allow network providers to give up their office? What address should be used on claims / statements?
- Will you be paid less for telehealth sessions?
- What ALL therapists should be thinking about now to avoid treatment interruptions
