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
Access to Telemedicine Services Increased
U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services
Controlled Substances
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:
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These changes remain in effect until the peacetime emergency is terminated or until it is rescinded by proper authority.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.