Updated Telehealth Policies Aim to Enhance Virtual Healthcare Access
United States, Thursday, 13 March 2025.
Telehealth policy revisions, effective January 1, 2025, introduce new billing guidelines. This initiative aims to bolster telemedicine accessibility and efficiency as a sustainable care model.
New Coding Guidelines and Medicare Changes
The American Medical Association has implemented new evaluation and management telemedicine services codes, which took effect January 1, 2025. These codes are specifically designed for communication-based technology services, with billing requirements based on medical decision-making levels or total evaluation time during the encounter [1]. However, healthcare providers face a critical deadline as key Medicare telehealth flexibilities are set to expire on March 31, 2025, unless Congress takes action [2].
Impending Policy Changes and Healthcare Access
The potential expiration of telehealth flexibilities poses significant challenges for healthcare delivery. Without congressional intervention, Medicare beneficiaries may lose access to reimbursed telehealth visits from their homes, and Rural Health Clinics and Federally Qualified Health Centers will no longer be able to serve as distant site providers for most telehealth services [2]. Adding to these concerns, a 2.8% Medicare payment cut implemented on January 1, 2025, remains unaddressed in current legislative proposals [5].
Legislative Developments and Industry Response
Recent developments show some promise for telehealth continuation. A proposed continuing resolution extends telehealth flexibilities under Medicare until September 30, 2025 [4]. More than 100 medical organizations have united in advocating for Congress to reverse the 2025 Medicare payment cuts, emphasizing the critical nature of maintaining patient access to virtual care services [5]. Healthcare providers are being advised to prepare contingency plans, as the uncertain legislative landscape could significantly impact service delivery models [2].
Technical Implementation and Compliance
Healthcare organizations must navigate varying state-specific requirements for telehealth implementation. Informed consent requirements differ by state, with some requiring written documentation while others accept verbal consent [6]. The platform requirements have evolved to become more user-friendly, with many services now operating without requiring patients to download software or create accounts, though providers must maintain compliance with state licensing requirements for cross-border care delivery [6].