Does Medicare cover telehealth audio only?

Asked by: Scot Renner  |  Last update: June 12, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (2 votes)

The audio-only services are reimbursed at the same rates as in person services. These waivers and flexibilities have facilitated the widespread use of telehealth and other communication-based technologies.

Does Medicare allow audio only telehealth?

Coverage of audio-only services: Medicare currently allows a limited set of telehealth services to be provided to patients via audio-only platforms, such as a telephone or a smartphone without video.

Does a telehealth visit have to be video?

Medi-Cal covers synchronous telehealth (e.g., video synchronous interaction and audio-only synchronous interaction) and asynchronous telehealth (e.g., store and forward and e-consults) across multiple services and delivery systems, including physical health, dental, specialty and non-specialty mental health, and SUD ...

What type of telehealth is covered by Medicare?

Medicare Part B will cover telehealth services like routine office visits, psychotherapy sessions and consultations if they are provided by an eligible provider who isn't at your physical location.

Will Medicare continue to pay for telehealth in 2025?

Medicare patients can receive telehealth services for non-behavioral/mental health care in their home through March 31, 2025. There are no geographic restrictions for originating site for Medicare non-behavioral/mental telehealth services through March 31, 2025.

Telehealth 201 - Medicare Telehealth Coverage

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How to bill telehealth to Medicare?

Use the POS that aligns with the patient's location. As of January 1, 2024, Medicare pays telehealth services provided in the patient's home (POS 10) at the non-facility rate. Telehealth services provided at an originating site (POS 02) are paid at the facility rate.

What are Medicare place of service codes for telehealth?

POS 02 is used for telehealth services provided in a location other than the patient's home. POS 10 is used for telehealth services provided to a patient located in their home.

How many therapy sessions does Medicare pay for?

Yes, Medicare does limit the number of counseling sessions, specifically under Medicare Part B. Initially, you're allowed up to 20 outpatient individual or group therapy sessions per year. However, it's important to note that further sessions may be authorized if deemed medically necessary by your healthcare provider.

How much does telehealth cost?

If your insurance doesn't cover telehealth, you can expect an average virtual care cost ranging between $40 to $90. However, keep in mind that the actual cost can vary based on your conduction and the pricing structure of healthcare providers. As an example, a standard telehealth visit through Teladoc costs up to $75.

Is Medicare stopping telehealth?

The change supported more equitable access to care. These policies were temporary. But lawmakers saw the growing importance of telehealth for all Medicare patients. In 2022, Congress extended the telehealth flexibilities through December 31, 2024.

Is telehealth a phone call or video?

Telehealth — sometimes called telemedicine — lets you see your health care provider without going to their office. You can have a telehealth visit online using your computer, tablet, or smartphone. Telehealth care allows you to: Talk with your health care provider on the phone or using video.

What qualifies as a telehealth visit?

Telehealth, sometimes referred to as telemedicine, is the use of electronic information and telecommunications technologies to extend care when you and the patient aren't in the same place at the same time.

What are the new telehealth guidelines for 2024?

Before the COVID-19 PHE, patients needed to get telehealth at an originating site located in a certain geographic location. Through December 31, 2024, all patients can get telehealth wherever they're located. They don't need to be at an originating site, and there aren't any geographic restrictions.

Can people on Medicare use Teladoc?

Teladoc is free for L.A. Care Medi-Cal, L.A. Care Covered, L.A. Care Medicare Plus and PASC-SEIU Plan members. Pre-approval is not needed. Please note that Medi-Cal Members who have additional Medicare coverage may not be eligible, such as Full Dual CCI – Partial Dual Part B members.

What is the difference between telehealth and telemedicine?

While telemedicine refers specifically to remote clinical services, telehealth can refer to remote non-clinical services, such as provider training, administrative meetings, and continuing medical education, in addition to clinical services. There are several other ways to define telehealth.

What will Medicare not pay for?

We don't cover these routine items and services: Routine or annual physical checkups (visit Medicare Wellness Visits to learn about exceptions). exams required by third parties, like insurance companies, businesses, or government agencies. Eye exams for prescribing, fitting, or changing eyeglasses.

Does Medicare cover therapy for seniors?

Medicare pays for both inpatient and outpatient mental health care, including the cost of therapy. However, some out-of-pocket expenses may apply. Medicare is a federal insurance program for people ages 65 years old and older or those below 65 with specific health conditions.

Who is the best person to talk to about Medicare?

Talk to someone
  • Call us at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). Help from Medicare is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, except some federal holidays. ...
  • Contact your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) – Get free personalized health insurance counseling.

Does Medicare reimburse less for telehealth?

Reimbursement to the health professional delivering the clinical service is the same as the current fee schedule amount for the service provided without telemedicine.

What is the CPT code for telehealth audio-only?

With the addition of CPT codes 98008-98015 for audio-only services, there is an overlap with codes for telephone calls. As of Jan. 1, codes 99441-99443 have been deleted (see Table 2).

What is the best telehealth company?

Top Telemedicine Companies
  • Doximity.
  • GoodRx.
  • Hims & Hers Health.
  • Amwell.
  • Sesame.
  • Teladoc Health.
  • MDLive.
  • Talkspace.

What is the 7 day rule for telehealth?

If within 7 days of the initial patient-initiated contact a separate E/M visit (in person or synchronous telemedicine) occurs, then the Online Digital visit is not billed but the time is incorporated into the subsequent E/M visit.

What are the changes in Medicare telehealth in 2025?

Through March 31, 2025, you can get telehealth services at any location in the U.S., including your home. Starting April 1, 2025, you must be in an office or medical facility located in a rural area (in the U.S.) for most telehealth services.

How much does telemedicine cost?

On average, you could pay anywhere between $40 to $90 for a telehealth visit without insurance. You can save money on telehealth visits by checking your insurance coverage and asking about discounts.