MMA has created a list of resources to assist physicians in using telehealth to care for their patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Telehealth Platform
  
AMA Resources

AMA Quick Guide to Telemedicine in Practice

Special Coding Advice During COVID-19 Public Health Emergency

AMA Telehealth Implementation Playbook

How telemedicine is working for 3 private practice physicians, AMA, April 13, 2020
 

CMS Resources

Medicare Telehealth Frequently Asked Questions, March 17, 2020

Medicare Telemedicine Health Care Provider Fact Sheet, March 17, 2020

General Provider Telehealth and Telemedicine Tool Kit

End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Provider Telehealth and Telemedicine Tool Kit

Long-Term Care Nursing Homes Telehealth and Telemedicine Tool Kit

List of Telehealth Codes Payable Under Medicare

Billing for Professional Telehealth Distant Site Services During the Public Health Emergency

Minnesota Dept. of Human Services Resources

DHS Updated Provider Manual 

Access to Telemedicine Services Increased 

U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services

OIG Policy Statement Regarding Physicians and Other Practitioners That Reduce or Waive Amounts Owed by Federal Health Care Program Beneficiaries for Telehealth Services During the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak, March 17, 2020

Notification of Enforcement Discretion For Telehealth Remote Communications During The COVID-19 Nationwide Public Health Emergency, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, March 17, 2020

Controlled Substances

U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Permission to Prescribe Controlled Substances via Telemedicine

U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Buprenorphine Guidance
 

Medicaid Information

On April 2, 2020, the Minnesota Department of Human Services announced it received federal approval to temporarily expand telemedicine services to public healthcare program enrollees. The federal approval allows the following changes to:

  • Removes the cap of three telemedicine visits per week for Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare enrollees
  • Expands the definition of telemedicine to include telephone calls so providers who have a telemedicine agreement already in place with DHS can serve patients through telephone visits
  • Allows a provider’s first visit with a Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare enrollee to be conducted on the phone.

These measures help public healthcare program enrollees and providers follow social distancing best practices. 

Under current state law, telemedicine services are limited to specific providers and certain delivery methods (Minnesota Statute, 256B.0625, subdivision 3b).

Delivering services via telemedicine requires submission of a telemedicine assurance statement as well as several documentation requirements. Clinics and providers need to ensure that telemedicine services are only used when safe and effective for the member.

These changes remain in effect until the peacetime emergency is terminated or until it is rescinded by proper authority. 

Additional Resources

American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP)

The Physicians Foundation – Telehealth Initiative

The current COVID-19 crisis reinforces the need for physician access to practical resources that will enable them to operate telehealth services efficiently while facilitating positive care team and patient experiences. Through The Physicians Foundation Telehealth Initiative, physicians are able to participate in immersive evidence-based coaching that will help improve patient access, experience and outcomes while maintaining continuity of care when fully implemented. 

Federal Communications Commission Funding Opportunity

The FCC has announced a recent funding opportunity related to its COVID-19 Telehealth and Connected Care Pilot Programs.