Store and Forward

POLICY

Telehealth services may be provided using secure portal messaging, secure instant messaging, telephone communication, or audiovisual communication.

SOURCE: Montana Code Annotated 53-6-122 (Accessed Jun. 2025).

All Montana Medicaid covered services delivered via telemedicine/telehealth are reimbursable if the services:

• Are medically necessary and clinically appropriate for delivery via telemedicine/telehealth;
• Follow the guidelines set forth in the applicable Montana Healthcare Programs provider manual; and
• Are not a service specifically required to be face-to-face as defined in the applicable Montana Healthcare Programs provider manual.

There are no specific requirements for technologies used to deliver services via telemedicine/telehealth and can be provided using secure portal messaging, secure instant messaging, telephone conversations, and audio-visual conversations.

Rates of payment for services delivered via telemedicine/telehealth will be the same as rates of payment for services delivered via traditional (e.g., in-person) methods set forth in the applicable regulations. Please refer to the fee schedules posted on the Provider Information website for current rates.

SOURCE:  MT Medicaid, All Provider Notice, Coverage and Reimbursement for Telemedicine/Telehealth Services, Mar. 21, 2023, (Accessed Jun. 2025).

Despite the above more recent guidance, the General Information for Providers Telemedicine Manual still seems to restrict store-and-forward coverage based upon how it defines telehealth.

Distant site – Distance providers should submit claims for telehealth services using the appropriate CPT or HCPCS code for the professional service along with the GT modifier (interactive communication). Effective January 1, 2017, providers must also use the telehealth place of service of 02 for claims submitted on a CMS-1500 claim. By coding with the GT modifier and the 02 place of service, the provider is certifying that the service was a face-to-face visit provided via interactive audio-video telemedicine.

SOURCE: MT Dept. of Public Health and Human Svcs., Medicaid and Medical Assistance Programs Manual, General Information for Providers, Telemedicine (Feb. 2020). (Accessed Jun. 2025).

ELIGIBLE SERVICES/SPECIALTIES

Mental Health Centers and Therapeutic Group Homes – Children’s Mental Health Services

With the finalization of the rulemaking MAR 37-1031, the following face-to-face flexibilities were made permanent effective May 12, 2023:

• Comprehensive School and Community Treatment (CSCT)
  • Face-to-face service delivery is preferred. Telehealth may be substituted if clinically indicated or if the youth does not have access to face-to-face services. Case notes must include reason, including documentation of attempts to identify local supports, if related to access.
• Community Based Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services (CBPRS)
  • Face-to-face service delivery is preferred. Telehealth may be substituted if clinically indicated or if the youth does not have access to face-to-face services. Case notes must include reason, including documentation of attempts to identify local supports, if related to access
• Home Support Services (HSS)
  • Maintain minimum weekly units at 8, allow up to 4 of the 8 units to be telehealth service delivery.
  • Maintain bi-weekly clinical lead requirements, allow up to 1 telehealth meeting per month.
  • Face-to-face services delivery is preferred. Telehealth may be substituted if clinically indicated or if the youth does not have access to face-to-face services. Case notes must include reason, including documentation of attempts to identify local supports, if related to access.
• Therapeutic Foster Care
  • Maintain 2 scheduled treatment sessions in each four-week period, allow for 1 visit in the four week period to be telehealth delivery.
  • Face-to-face service delivery is preferred. Telehealth may be substituted if clinically indicated or if the youth does not have access to face-to-face services. Case notes must include reason, including documentation of attempts to identify local supports, if related to access.
• Targeted Case Management – Youth with Serious Emotional Disturbance
  • No permanent updates; pre-PHE Administrative Rules of Montana apply

There are no specific requirements for technologies used to deliver services via telemedicine/telehealth and it can be provided using secure portal messaging, secure instant messaging, telephone conversations, and audio-visual conversations.

SOURCE:  Montana Healthcare Programs Provider Notice, Telehealth Policy Clarification for Children’s Mental Health Services, Effective May 12, 2023, Revised April 2, 2024. (Accessed Jun. 2025).

GEOGRAPHIC LIMITS

No Reference Found

TRANSMISSION FEE

No Reference Found