RHC Telehealth Whiplash: What to Know About the Oct. 1 Policy Changes

It’s understandable if your Rural Health Clinic is confused. The policy landscape for telehealth reimbursement is evolving rapidly, making it challenging to stay current.

This "telehealth whiplash" is a significant source of frustration for clinics just trying to serve their patients.

First, it was the problematic G2025 flat rate, which was lower than the RHC all-inclusive rate.

Now, with the Oct. 1 expiration of pandemic flexibilities, Medicare reimbursement for RHC at-home telehealth visits has lapsed. Patients must now be in another medical facility, creating a massive new barrier to care.

To further complicate matters, mental health telehealth services are exempt from this requirement and are reimbursed at the standard rate.

This level of uncertainty makes it difficult to plan.