Telehealth and Medicare in 2024

As we approach 2024, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has made policy changes to expedite the adoption of telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Medicare has extended coverage of telehealth visits through the end of 2024, including coverage for services provided by occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, and audiologists. 

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services have finalized some changes to how telehealth services are billed on a claim beginning in 2024. These changes aim to ensure that patients have access to high-quality and innovative telehealth services, improving the overall quality of healthcare in the United States.

What is telehealth? 

Telehealth uses electronic information and telecommunication technologies to support long-distance clinical health care, patient and professional health-related education, health administration, and public health.

It is a broad term encompassing a range of technologies and services that allow healthcare providers to deliver care remotely without needing an in-person visit. Telehealth can include video conferencing, remote monitoring, store-and-forward imaging, streaming media, and land and wireless communications.

Telehealth has become increasingly important in recent years, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, as it allows patients to receive care from the comfort of their own homes and reduces the risk of exposure to infectious diseases. It has also improved access to care for patients in rural or remote areas and those with mobility or transportation issues.

Telehealth is not new, but it has evolved significantly over the past few decades, with technological advances and changes in healthcare policy and reimbursement. Medicare has extended coverage of telehealth visits through the end of 2024, including coverage for services provided by occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, and audiologists. 

As telehealth continues to grow and evolve, it has the potential to transform the way healthcare is delivered, making it more accessible, convenient, and cost-effective for patients and providers alike.

The importance of telehealth in a modernizing world

Telehealth has become increasingly important in a modernizing world, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Telehealth allows patients to access healthcare services remotely, reducing the risk of COVID-19 transmission and providing continuous care to patients. 

It also enables healthcare workers to work remotely, supplementing in-person clinical services during the surge. It allows staff, including those in quarantine, those in high-risk groups, and those with childcare responsibilities, to work from home. Telehealth can boost convenience, improve care and disease management, and reduce hospitalization rates for high-risk adults in senior housing communities. 

The use of telehealth appointments boomed during the pandemic, and despite concerns about the quality of care patients receive and whether telehealth services are secure, telehealth has proven to be effective in improving healthcare delivery. 

Telehealth has the potential to address many of the critical challenges in providing health services, and its use is expected to continue to grow.

Does Medicare cover telehealth in 2024? 

As of 2024, Medicare does cover telehealth services, with certain conditions and limitations:

• Coverage duration: Medicare's coverage of telehealth services is extended through December 31, 2024. After this date, the scope of coverage for telehealth services may become more restricted.

• Eligible providers and services: Until Dec 31, 2024, telehealth services are accessible from anywhere in the U.S. After that, Medicare coverage will require them to be conducted in a rural medical facility or office.

• Modality: Audio-only coverage is available for approved services, but specific requirements must be met for billing and reimbursement.

• Medicare advantage plans: Medicare plans cover telehealth benefits, including additional benefits outside rural areas. Contact your plan provider for more information on costs and coverage rules.

• Cross-state licensing for providers: Providers must be licensed in the state where the patient and the provider are located for telehealth encounters across state lines.

Remember, these policies are specific to the year 2024 and are subject to change in the future.

Changes to Medicare that impact the remote delivery of healthcare

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant changes in Medicare regulations to accommodate the increased use of telehealth services. Some of the fundamental changes that impact remote healthcare delivery include:

• Expansion of telehealth services: Medicare covers telehealth services for office and hospital visits, regardless of the patient or provider's location, through December 2024.

• Waiver of specific Medicare requirements: The 1135 waiver allows any type of clinician to bill for Medicare services, eliminating the need for a preexisting relationship between the patient and provider.

• Increased access to care: Telehealth services have been shown to increase access to care for specific populations, such as those in rural areas and those with limited mobility.

• Improved care and disease management: Telehealth services can help improve care and disease management for patients, particularly those with chronic conditions.

• Reduced hospitalization rates: Telehealth services can reduce hospitalization rates for high-risk adults in senior housing communities.

• Conservation of supplies and beds: By providing care remotely, telehealth services can help conserve supplies and reduce the need for hospital beds.

These changes in Medicare regulations have contributed to the growth of telehealth services, improving healthcare delivery and patient access, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Final thoughts 

In 2024, Medicare will extend telehealth coverage until the end of the year, encompassing various therapeutic services. This aligns to enhance telehealth service quality, which has become a cornerstone in modernizing healthcare delivery.

The pandemic amplified its importance, offering patients remote access, safeguarding against infection, and enabling healthcare professionals to work flexibly. Despite initial concerns, telehealth has proven effective in managing chronic conditions, reducing hospitalization rates, and ensuring continued care for high-risk populations.

The changes in Medicare regulations, such as expanded services, waived requirements, and improved access, have been instrumental in fostering the growth of telehealth. 

As we navigate the evolving landscape of healthcare, telehealth stands poised to redefine accessibility, convenience, and cost-effectiveness in the delivery of healthcare services.