Audio Telehealth Services Post-Pandemic—An Update on Emerging Policy Trends
Manatt Health February 16, 2021
As highlighted in our September 2020 article, “Frequently Asked Questions: Telephonic Services as a Form of Telehealth,” in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, federal and state policy makers have significantly increased coverage and reimbursement for audio-only forms of telehealth. Audio-based telehealth continues to be necessary, especially for people who lack access to or cannot afford broadband Internet services, which are required for video telehealth. In addition, evidence continues to emerge that audio is an appropriate modality for patients receiving certain services that don’t require a physical or visual exam.i, ii,iii,iv Prior to the pandemic, very few state Medicaid programs covered and reimbursed for care delivered via audio, and Medicare offered limited coverage for a narrow set of virtual check-in services....