What the Latest CMS Telehealth Updates Mean for Your Practice

Telehealth has become an essential part of how your patients receive care, and we want to make sure you’re informed and prepared as federal policy continues to evolve. CMS recently updated its guidance, and while some changes are still a few years away, understanding the landscape now will help you plan with confidence.

Good News: Broad Flexibility Continues Through 2027

Through December 31, 2027, Medicare beneficiaries can receive telehealth services from anywhere in the United States with no rural location requirement and no facility requirement. A wide range of practitioners can continue to bill for these services, and audio-only visits remain permitted for patients in their homes. For your practice, this means minimal disruption to the telehealth workflows you’ve built.

What Changes After January 1, 2028

Starting in 2028, most non-behavioral health telehealth services will require patients to be located in a rural area and in a medical facility. Physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and audiologists will no longer be eligible to furnish Medicare telehealth services. Hospitals will also lose the ability to bill for certain remotely delivered outpatient services.

Behavioral health is a meaningful exception. Geographic and place-of-service restrictions for behavioral health telehealth, including substance use disorder services, have been permanently removed. Your behavioral health clients can continue receiving care in their homes, wherever they live.

A Note on In-Person Visit Requirements for Mental Health

For mental health telehealth services delivered to patients at home, CMS will require an in-person visit within 6 months prior to the first telehealth service after December 31, 2027, and at least one in-person visit every 12 months thereafter. Importantly, patients who are already receiving mental health telehealth services before January 1, 2028, will be considered established patients and will only need to meet the 12-month in-person requirement going forward.

We’re Here to Help You Navigate What’s Ahead

You have time – and you have us. Tribunus Health will continue monitoring CMS guidance and translating policy updates into clear, actionable steps for your organization. If you have questions about how these changes affect your specific service lines or patient population, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your Tribunus Health contact.