According to Psychiatric News (11/12), the CMS “has expanded the definition of telehealth services that will be permanently eligible for reimbursement under the Medicare program to include audio-only services for established patients with mental illness/substance use disorders (SUDs) who are unable or unwilling to use video technology.” This “final rule on telehealth services for mental illness/SUDs is part of the 2022 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, which covers updates to physician payment and other regulations regarding Medicare’s Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) each year.” APA CEO and Medical Director Saul Levin, MD, MPA, stated, “This is a real win for our patients.” Dr. Levin added, “We are grateful to CMS for this rule, which will prove invaluable to our patients well beyond the public health emergency.”Related Links:
— “CMS Approves Permanent Coverage of Audio-Only Telehealth Services for Mental Illness/SUDs, Psychiatric News, November 12, 2021