New York Codes, Rules and Regulations
Title 18 - DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
Chapter II - Regulations of the Department of Social Services
Subchapter E - Medical Care
Article 4 - Fees and Reimbursement
Part 538 - State Reimbursement for Telehealth Services
Section 538.2 - Modalities and applicable standards
Current through Register Vol. 46, No. 12, March 20, 2024
Payment for telehealth services shall be made in accordance with section 538.3 of this Part only if the provision of such services appropriately reduces the need for on-site or in-office visits and the following standards are met:
(a) An "audio-only visit" is reimbursable when the service can be effectively delivered without a visual or in-person component; and it is the only available modality or is the patient's preferred method of service delivery; and the patient consents to an audio-only visit; and it is determined clinically appropriate by the ordering or furnishing provider; and the provider meets billing requirements, as determined and specified by the commissioner in administrative guidance. Services provided via audio-only visits shall contain all elements of the billable procedures or rate codes and must meet all documentation requirements as if provided in person or via an audio-visual visit.
(b) "eConsults" are intended to improve access to specialty expertise through consultations between consulting providers and treating providers. eConsults are reimbursable when the providers meet minimum time and billing requirements, as determined and specified by the commissioner in administrative guidance.
(c) "Virtual Check-in" visits are intended to be used for brief medical discussions or electronic communications between a provider and a new or established patient, at the patient's request. Virtual check-ins are reimbursable when the provider meets certain billing requirements, as determined and specified by the commissioner in administrative guidance.
(d) "Virtual Patient Education" delivers health education to patients, their families, or caregivers, and is reimbursable only for services that are otherwise reimbursable when delivered in person and when the provider meets certain billing requirements, as determined and specified by the commissioner in administrative guidance.
