The landscape of telehealth continues to evolve, and Medicare is making strides to ensure patients have greater access to essential healthcare services. Beginning January 1, 2025, Medicare is introducing exciting updates that will permanently expand telehealth offerings and add new billing codes to support specialized care. Here's what you need to know:
Behavioral and Mental Health Services Go Permanent
Starting in 2025, Medicare will permanently cover specific behavioral and mental health services delivered via telehealth. This change is a significant step toward improving access to care, particularly for patients facing barriers to in-person visits. With this update, clinicians can provide vital mental health support to more patients, enhancing continuity of care and reaching individuals in underserved areas.
For practices already using telehealth, this means you can continue to provide these essential services seamlessly, offering your patients the same convenience and quality of care they’ve come to rely on.
New Billing Code: CPT Code G0560
Medicare has also introduced a new billing code to address critical safety concerns in behavioral health settings:
CPT Code G0560: This code applies to safety planning interventions for patients at risk of self-harm. Billed in 20-minute increments, it accounts for time spent personally performing a safety plan. This service is typically performed alongside an E/M visit or therapy session.
Why it Matters: Safety planning is a vital part of care for patients at risk of self-harm. This code ensures clinicians have the resources and support to provide this life-saving intervention.
Stay Informed with CMS’s Updated Telehealth List
To help providers navigate these changes, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has updated their List of Telehealth Services, which outlines all eligible telehealth services under Medicare. You can review the updated list to explore the full range of services available starting in 2025. https://www.cms.gov/medicare/coverage/telehealth/list-services
What This Means for Clinicians
These updates are more than just administrative changes—they represent an opportunity to provide better care to patients. With the permanent inclusion of mental health services under telehealth and the targeted billing code for safety planning, providers can address critical health needs with greater flexibility and impact.
Practices that have already integrated telehealth into their workflows can rest assured they’ll be able to continue offering these services without disruption, ensuring continuity of care for their patients.
Preparing Your Practice for 2025
As these updates come into effect, it’s essential for clinicians to review the CMS list, understand the new billing codes, and integrate these services into their practices. If you have any questions or need support navigating these changes, reach out to your local Medicare liaison or professional association for guidance.
Medicare’s expanded telehealth offerings reflect the growing recognition of telehealth as an integral part of modern healthcare. By embracing these changes, we can work together to provide accessible, high-quality care for all.