COVID-19 Resources for Providers
Telemedicine
To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has temporarily broadened coverage of Medicare telemedicine. This enables providers to meet patients’ medical needs while observing California’s
official physical distancing practices. Covered telemedicine services include sessions conducted by phone or video-chat. The order applies to services rendered since March 6, 2020. CMS says it will continue for the duration of the COVID-19 Public
Health Emergency.
In accordance with CMS and California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) guidelines, HPSM pays for telemedicine sessions at the same rate as regular, in-person visits. Additionally, HPSM now covers two new telemedicine codes for all lines of business: G2010 and G2012.
Getting started with telemedicine: a quick guide
Even if you have little or no telemedicine experience, the following five steps will help get you started.
- Choose a telemedicine platform
- Install the software on your office machines – devices must have internet, webcams, microphones and speakers
- Learn to use the program — do practice sessions with your office staff before real ones with patients
- Adapt your existing office workflows to accommodate telemedicine sessions
- Follow telemedicine regulations, best practices and billing procedures
Key resources
For more details on telemedicine billing, regulatory requirements and best clinical practices, click the links below.
- HPSM Telemedicine Billing Guidance and Updates
- DHCS Medi-Cal Telemedicine Guidance
- CMS Medicare Telemedicine Guidance
- Medicare Telemedicine Health Care Provider Fact Sheet
- Medicare telemedicine visit codes
- Guidance on use of the Place of Service (POS) code 02 (note: POS 02 is not required on UB04 claims)
- Physician Fee Schedule Look-Up Tool (with Medicare rates by CPT code)
- Telemedicine Services booklet from CMS and the Medicare Learning Network
New video language interpreter services
In addition to the telephonic interpreter services HPSM has provided through Certified Languages International (CLI), HPSM network providers can now get video interpreter services for both in-person office visits and telemedicine visits. This will help you communicate better with members who have limited English proficiency (LEP) or require American Sign Language (ASL) assistance.
Learn how to access video interpreter services
Learn about telehealth visits with 100% remote participation