Last updated 04/30/2024
Email, Phone & Fax
Telemedicine may be provided through interactive audio, interactive video, or interactive data communication, including but not limited to telephone, relay calls, interactive audiovisual modalities, and live chat as long as the technologies are compliant with HIPAA. The health care or mental health care services are subject to reimbursement policies developed pursuant to the medical assistance program. Reimbursement rate must be, at minimum, the same as a comparable in-person services.
SOURCE: CO Revised Statutes 25.5-5-320. (Accessed Apr. 2024).
No reimbursement for provider-to-provider consultations provided by telephone (interactive audio), email or facsimile machines.
No reimbursement for FAX.
No reimbursement for email.
All rendering providers must bill the appropriate procedure code using Place of Service code 02 or 10 and the appropriate modifiers FQ or FR on the CMS 1500 paper claim form or as an 837P transaction.
Modifiers FQ, FR, 93, and 95 can be added to POS 2 and 10:
- FQ: The service was furnished using audio-only communication technology.
- FR: The supervising practitioner was present through two-way, audio/video communication technology.
- 93: Synchronous Telemedicine Service Rendered Via Telephone or Other Real-Time Interactive Audio-Only Telecommunications System
- 95: Synchronous Telemedicine Service Rendered Via a Real-Time Interactive Audio and Video Telecommunications System
FQHCs/RHCs/IHS
Health First Colorado allows telemedicine visits to qualify as billable encounters for Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), Rural Health Clinic (RHCs), and Indian Health Services (IHS). Services allowed under telemedicine may be provided via telephone, live chat, or interactive audiovisual modality for these provider types.
Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Home Health, Hospice and Pediatric Behavioral Health Providers
Physical therapists, occupational therapists, hospice, home health providers and pediatric behavioral health providers are eligible to deliver telemedicine services.
- Home Health Agency services and therapies, Hospice, and Pediatric Behavioral Treatment may be provided via telephone-only.
- Outpatient Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy services must have an interactive audio/visual connection with the member to be provided via telemedicine.
SOURCE: CO Department of Health Care Policy and Financing. “Telemedicine Billing Manual” 1/24. (Accessed Apr. 2024).
Behavioral Health
“Telehealth” means delivery of services through telecommunications systems that are compliant with all federal and state protections of individual privacy, to facilitate individual assessment, diagnosis, consultation, treatment, and/or service planning/case management when the individual and the person providing services are not in the same physical location. Telecommunications systems used to provide telehealth include information, electronic, and communication technologies. Telehealth may include audio-only methods in accordance with state and federal regulation unless noted otherwise.
“Session” means a face-to-face, telehealth, or audio-only interaction of the individual and personnel. Session may include but is not limited to individual therapy, group therapy, medication-assisted treatment education and/or monitoring, family therapy, peer professional services, educational/occupational groups, recreational therapy, intake, discharge, service planning, and other therapies.
Services may be provided through synchronous audio-visual methods but must not include text-only methods such as text message or email. Some services may be provided through audio-only methods according to state and federal regulations. If audio-only methods are used, the following must be noted in the individual record:
- The reason that audio-visual methods were not utilized.
- The clinical determination of appropriateness for service delivery method.
Screenings should be conducted in-person unless contraindicated. If contraindicated, screenings may be conducted via audio-visual or audio only telehealth. Clinical rationale must be documented in the case of a telehealth screening.
A peer support professional may provide services in a variety of settings, if permitted access, that may include but are not limited to audio-visual or audio-only telehealth.
Outpatient services may be delivered via in-person, audio-visual telehealth, or audio-only telehealth format in accordance with part 2.9 of these rules.
For purposes of Criminal Justice-Involved Individuals, services do not include consistent and regular in-session use of audio-only telehealth.
“Face-to-Face clinical assessment” means a formal and continuous process of collecting and evaluating information about an individual for service planning, treatment, referral, and funding eligibility as outlined in 21.190, and takes place at a minimum upon a request from the responsible person for funded services through the Children and Youth Mental Health Treatment Act. This information establishes justification for services and Children and Youth Mental Health Treatment Act funding. The child or youth must be physically in the same room as the professional person during the Face-to-Face clinical assessment. If the child is out of state or otherwise unable to participate in a Face- to-Face assessment, video technology may be used. If the Governor or local government declares an emergency or disaster, telephone may be used. Telephone shall only be used as necessary because of circumstances related to the disaster or emergency.
SOURCE: 2 CO Code of Regulation 502-1, 1.2, p. 18, 2.9, p. 40, 10.1, p. 174, 21.200.41, p. 357. (Accessed Apr. 2024).
Screening Brief Intervention Treatment
Screening Brief Intervention Treatment may be provided via telemedicine (simultaneous audio and video transmission or by telephone audio-only) with the member.
Community Mental Health Centers/Clinics
Group psychotherapy services shall be face-to-face, or interactive audio (including but not limited to telephone and relay calls), interactive video (including but not limited to interactive audiovisual modalities), or interactive data communication (including but not limited to live chat and excluding text messaging, electronic mail, and facsimile transmission) services that are insight-oriented, behavior modifying, and that involve emotional interactions of the group members. Group psychotherapy services shall assist in providing relief from distress and behavior issues with other clients who have similar problems and who meet regularly with a practitioner. Any health benefits provided through interactive audio, interactive video, or interactive data communication must meet the same standard of care as in-person care.
Individual psychotherapy services shall be face-to-face, or interactive audio (including but not limited to telephone and relay calls), interactive video (including but not limited to interactive audiovisual modalities), or interactive data communication (including but not limited to live chat and excluding text messaging, electronic mail, and facsimile transmission) services that are tailored to address the individual needs of the client. Services shall be insight-oriented, behavior modifying and/or supportive with the client in an office or outpatient facility setting. Individual psychotherapy services are limited to thirty-five visits per State fiscal year. Any health benefits provided through interactive audio, interactive video, or interactive data communication must meet the same standard of care as in-person care.
Long Term Services and Supports (LTSS), Home and Community-based Services (HCBS), Services for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Early Childhood Intervention Services, State Funded Supported Living Services (State-SLS) Program
Upon department approval, certain eligibility determinations, assessments, referrals, and monitoring contacts may be completed by case managers at an alternate location, via telephone or using virtual technology methods. Such approval may be granted for situations in which face-to-face meetings would pose a documented safety risk to the case manager or Client (e.g. natural disaster, pandemic, etc.).
Telehealth Adult Day Services are provided through virtual means in a group or on an individual basis. Telehealth ADS are ways for participants to engage in activities, with their community, and connect to staff and other ADS participants virtually or over the phone, only if a participant does not have access or the ability to use video chat technology. Services provided through Telehealth are not required to provide nutrition services. See rule for staffing, documentation, and written policy requirements specific to use of telehealth ADS.
Services shall be provided in the client’s place of residence or one of the following places of service: Services may be provided using interactive audio (including but not limited to telephone and relay calls), interactive video (including but not limited to interactive audiovisual modalities), or interactive data communication (including but not limited to live chat and excluding text messaging, electronic mail, and facsimile transmission) instead of in-person contact. Any health benefits provided through interactive audio, interactive video, or interactive data communication must meet the same standard of care as in-person care.
Eligible places of service include telemedicine, provided in accordance with Section 8.095.
Last updated 04/26/2024
Live Video
POLICY
CO Medicaid will cover medically necessary medical and surgical services furnished to eligible members.
Telemedicine services may be provided under two arrangements.
- The first arrangement is when a member receives services via a live audio/visual connection from a single provider. This is the predominant arrangement for telemedicine.
- The second arrangement is when a member and a provider are physically in the same location and additional services are provided by a second (distant) provider via a live audio/visual connection. In this arrangement the provider who is present with the member is called the “originating provider”, and the provider located at a different site, acting as a consultant, is called the “distant provider”.
The member must be present during any Telemedicine visit.
It is acceptable to use Telemedicine to facilitate live contact directly between a member and a provider.
SOURCE: CO Department of Health Care Policy and Financing. “Telemedicine Billing Manual,” 1/24 (Accessed Apr. 2024).
In-person contact between a health care or mental health care provider and a patient is not required under the state’s medical assistance program for health care or mental health care services delivered through telemedicine that are otherwise eligible for reimbursement under the program. Any health care or mental health care service delivered through telemedicine must meet the same standard of care as an in-person visit. Telemedicine may be provided through interactive audio, interactive video, or interactive data communication, including but not limited to telephone, relay calls, interactive audiovisual modalities, and live chat as long as the technologies are compliant with HIPAA. The health care or mental health care services are subject to reimbursement policies developed pursuant to the medical assistance program. This section also applies to managed care organizations that contract with the state department pursuant to the statewide managed care system only to the extent that:
- Health care or mental health care services delivered through telemedicine are covered by and reimbursed under the Medicaid per diem payment program; and
- Managed care contracts with managed care organizations are amended to add coverage of health care or mental health care services delivered through telemedicine and any appropriate per diem rate adjustments are incorporated.
Reimbursement rate must be, at minimum, the same as a comparable in-person services.
SOURCE: CO Revised Statutes 25.5-5-320. (Accessed Apr. 2024).
Interim Therapeutic Restorations
In-person contact between a health care provider and a recipient is not required under the state’s medical assistance program for the diagnosis, development of a treatment plan, instruction to perform an interim therapeutic restoration procedure, or supervision of a dental hygienist performing an interim therapeutic restoration procedure. A health care provider may provide these services through telehealth, including store-and-forward transfer, and is entitled to reimbursement for the delivery of those services via telehealth to the extent the services are otherwise eligible for reimbursement under the program when provided in person. The services are subject to the reimbursement policies developed pursuant to the state medical assistance program.
SOURCE: CO Revised Statutes 25.5-5-321.5. (Accessed Apr. 2024).
ELIGIBLE SERVICES/SPECIALTIES
Colorado Medicaid will reimburse for medical and mental health services delivered through telemedicine that are otherwise eligible for reimbursement under the program.
Health care or mental health care services includes speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, hospice care, home health care and pediatric behavioral health care.
SOURCE: CO Revised Statutes 25.5-5-320. (Accessed Apr. 2024).
Services may be rendered via telemedicine when the service is:
- A covered Health First Colorado benefit,
- Within the scope and training of an enrolled provider’s license, and
- Appropriate to be rendered via telemedicine.
All services provided through telemedicine shall meet the same standard of care as in-person care.
Refer to the Telemedicine Website for a list of billing codes which may be used with Place of Service (POS) 02 or 10.
The reimbursement rate for a telemedicine service shall, as a minimum, be set at the same rate as the medical assistance program rate for a comparable in-person service.
Providers may only bill procedure codes which they are already eligible to bill.
Place of Services codes 02 and 10 can be used during telehealth encounters:
- POS 02: Telehealth provided other than in the patient’s home. The location where health services and health related services are provided or received, through telecommunication technology. Patient is not located in their home when receiving health services or health related services through telecommunication technology.
- POS 10: Telehealth Provided in Patient’s Home. The location where health services and health related services are provided or received through telecommunication technology. Patient is located in their home (which is a location other than a hospital or other facility where the patient receives care in a private residence) when receiving health services or health related services through telecommunication technology.
Additionally, modifiers FQ, FR, 93, and 95 can be added to POS 2 and 10:
- FQ: The service was furnished using audio-only communication technology.
- FR: The supervising practitioner was present through two-way, audio/video communication technology.
- 93: Synchronous Telemedicine Service Rendered Via Telephone or Other Real-Time Interactive Audio-Only Telecommunications System
- 95: Synchronous Telemedicine Service Rendered Via a Real-Time Interactive Audio and Video Telecommunications System
SOURCE: CO Department of Health Care Policy and Financing. “Telemedicine – Provider Information”, CO Department of Health Care Policy and Financing, CO Department of Health Care Policy and Financing. “Telemedicine Billing Manual”, 1/24. (Accessed Apr. 2024).
Physician services may be provided as telemedicine. Any health benefits provided through telemedicine shall meet the same standard of care as in-person care.
SOURCE: Colorado Adopted Rule 8.200.3.B. (Accessed Apr. 2024).
Any Health First Colorado-covered physician services that are within the scope of a provider’s practice and training and appropriate for telemedicine may be rendered via telemedicine.
SOURCE: CO Department of Health Care Policy and Financing. “Telemedicine – Provider Information”. (Accessed Apr. 2024).
Procedure codes listed below under “Telemedicine Modifier GT” will receive an additional $5.00 to the fee listed on the most recent Health First Colorado Fee Schedule when billed using modifier GT.
SOURCE: CO Department of Health Care Policy and Financing. “Telemedicine Billing Manual” 1/24. (Accessed Apr. 2024).
All Colorado Medicaid clients are eligible for medical and behavioral services delivered by telemedicine.
Covered Telemedicine services must:
- Meet the same standard of care as in-person care;
- Be compliant with state and federal regulations regarding care coordination;
- Be services the Department has approved for delivery through Telemedicine;
- Be within the provider’s scope of practice and for procedure codes the provider is already eligible to bill;
- Be provided only where contact with the provider was initiated by the member for the services rendered; and
- Be provided only after the member’s consent, either verbal or written, to receive telemedicine services is documented.
The reimbursement rate for a Telemedicine service shall, as a minimum, be set at the same rate as the Colorado Medicaid rate for a comparable in-person service.
SOURCE: Colorado Adopted Rule 8.095.2, 8.095.4, 8.095.7. (Accessed Apr. 2024).
Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) Services
Other health care services may include other EPSDT benefits if the need for such services is identified. The services are a benefit when they meet the following requirements:
- All goods and services described in Section 1905(a) of the Social Security Act are a covered benefit under EPSDT when medically necessary as defined at 10 C.C.R. 2505-10, Section 8.076.1.8, regardless of whether such goods and services are covered under the Colorado Medicaid State Plan.
- For the purposes of EPSDT, medical necessity includes a good or service that will, or is reasonably expected to, assist the client to achieve or maintain maximum functional capacity in performing one or more Activities of Daily Living; and meets the criteria set forth at Section 8.076.1.8.b – g.
- The service provides a safe environment or situation for the child.
- The service is not for the convenience of the caregiver.
- The service is medically necessary.
- The service is not experimental or investigational and is generally accepted by the medical community for the purpose stated.
- The service is the least costly.
SOURCE: CO Department of Health Care Policy and Financing. “Telemedicine Billing Manual” 1/24. (Accessed Apr. 2024).
Durable Medical Equipment Encounters
Face-to-face encounters for durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies may be performed via telehealth if available.
SOURCE: CO Department of Health Care Policy and Financing. “Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies”, 4/24. (Accessed Apr. 2024).
Certain providers are authorized to order durable medical equipment and may conduct a related face-to-face encounter via telehealth or telemedicine if those services are covered by the Medical Assistance Program.
SOURCE: Colorado Adopted Rule 8.590.7.N. (Accessed Apr. 2024).
Pediatric Behavioral Therapy
Pediatric Behavioral Therapists are covered under the telemedicine policy.
SOURCE: CO Department of Health Care Policy and Financing. “Pediatric Behavioral Therapies Billing Manual”, 1/23 (Accessed Apr. 2024).
Pediatric Behavioral Therapy (PBT) providers will not be required to collect Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) data when the services are delivered via telehealth, effective May 1, 2023. EVV remains a requirement for all other PBT services when delivered in the home or community.
SOURCE: CO Dept. of Health Care Policy and Financing. Provider Bulletin. May 2023. (Accessed Apr. 2024).
Screening Brief Intervention Treatment
Screening Brief Intervention Treatment may be provided via telemedicine (simultaneous audio and video transmission or by telephone audio-only) with the member.
SOURCE: CO Department of Health Care Policy and Financing. “Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment”, 3/23. (Accessed Apr. 2024).
Education-Only Services
Colorado Medicaid provides reimbursement for education-only services provided through telemedicine. This includes services such as Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) and tobacco cessation counseling.
SOURCE: CO Department of Health Care Policy and Financing. Provider Bulletin B1900434. Aug. 2019. (Accessed Apr. 2024).
Education-only services was removed from the list of “Not Covered Services” section in the provider manual in June 2019.
Health First Colorado does not pay for provider education via telemedicine.
SOURCE: CO Department of Health Care Policy and Financing. “Telemedicine Billing Manual” 1/24. (Accessed Apr. 2024).
Abortion Services
Certain medicinal abortion services may be provided by telemedicine. Physicians (MDs/DOs), Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs), Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) or Physician Assistants (PAs) who wish to prescribe Mifepristone must complete a Prescriber Agreement Form prior to ordering and dispensing Mifepristone. The medicinal abortion method (not available for use in maternal life-endangering situations) can be provided by these identified provider types and identified places of service effective May 21, 2021, when prescribed or dispensed and provided by eligible Mifepristone-prescribing practitioners.
HCPCS S0199 covers:
- Office visit #1 or telemedicine counseling/communications
- Patient check-in or telemedicine services, all counseling and consultation
- Confirmation of pregnancy and fetal gestational age (either by hCG or ultrasound)
- Follow-up, may include a second office visit or consultation via telemedicine
- Patient consultation: may include telemedicine consult or office visit check-in with in-person consult.
- Confirmation of pregnancy termination (either by hCG or ultrasound)
Please see Provider Bulletin for further billing information and related requirements.
SOURCE: CO Department of Health Care Policy and Financing. Provider Bulletin B2200472. Jan. 2022. (Accessed Apr. 2024).
Community Mental Health Centers/Clinics
Group psychotherapy services shall be face-to-face, or interactive audio (including but not limited to telephone and relay calls), interactive video (including but not limited to interactive audiovisual modalities), or interactive data communication (including but not limited to live chat and excluding text messaging, electronic mail, and facsimile transmission) services that are insight-oriented, behavior modifying, and that involve emotional interactions of the group members. Group psychotherapy services shall assist in providing relief from distress and behavior issues with other clients who have similar problems and who meet regularly with a practitioner. Any health benefits provided through interactive audio, interactive video, or interactive data communication must meet the same standard of care as in-person care.
Individual psychotherapy services shall be face-to-face, or interactive audio (including but not limited to telephone and relay calls), interactive video (including but not limited to interactive audiovisual modalities), or interactive data communication (including but not limited to live chat and excluding text messaging, electronic mail, and facsimile transmission) services that are tailored to address the individual needs of the client. Services shall be insight-oriented, behavior modifying and/or supportive with the client in an office or outpatient facility setting. Individual psychotherapy services are limited to thirty-five visits per State fiscal year. Any health benefits provided through interactive audio, interactive video, or interactive data communication must meet the same standard of care as in-person care.
SOURCE: Colorado Adopted Rule 8.750.3.B. (Accessed Apr. 2024).
FQHC/RHC
Health First Colorado allows telemedicine visits to qualify as billable encounters for Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), Rural Health Clinic (RHCs), and Indian Health Services (IHS). Services allowed under telemedicine may be provided via telephone, live chat, or interactive audiovisual modality for these provider types.
When a Federally Qualified Health Center or a Rural Health Clinic provides care through telemedicine, the claim must include the modifier GT on line(s) identifying the service(s).
When used by an FQHC or RHC, the modifier GT identifies the services as being delivered through telemedicine modality. There is no enhanced payment to FQHCs and RHCs when using the modifier GT.
SOURCE: CO Department of Health Care Policy and Financing. “Telemedicine Billing Manual” 1/24. (Accessed Apr. 2024).
For Health First Colorado a billable encounter at an FQHC is an in person or telemedicine face to face visit with a Health First Colorado member.
Telemedicine services are limited to the procedure codes identified on the Telemedicine-Provider Information web page at the Provider Telemedicine web page.
When a Federally Qualified Health Center or a Rural Health Clinic provides care through telemedicine, the claim must include the modifier GT on line(s) identifying the service(s).
Additionally, modifiers FQ and FR can be added to the claim:
- FQ: The service was furnished using audio-only communication technology.
- FR: The supervising practitioner was present through two-way, audio/video communication technology.
SOURCE: CO FQHC & RHC Billing Manual 4/24. (Accessed Apr. 2024).
The visit definition for a FQHC includes interactive audio (including but not limited to telephone and relay calls), interactive video (including but not limited to interactive audiovisual modalities), or interactive data communication (including but not limited to live chat and excluding text messaging, electronic mail, and facsimile transmission) encounters. Any health benefits provided through interactive audio (including but not limited to telephone and relay calls), interactive video (including but not limited to interactive audiovisual modalities), or interactive data communication (including but not limited to live chat and excluding text messaging, electronic mail, and facsimile transmission) must meet the same standard of care as in-person care.
SOURCE: Colorado Adopted Rule 8.700.1. (Accessed Apr. 2024).
Visit for a RHC means a face-to-face encounter, or an interactive audio (including but not limited to telephone and relay calls), interactive video (including but not limited to interactive audiovisual modalities), or interactive data communication (including but not limited to live chat and excluding text messaging, electronic mail, and facsimile transmission) encounter between a clinic client and any health professional providing the services set forth in 8.740.4. Any health benefits provided through interactive audio, interactive video, or interactive data communication must meet the same standard of care as in-person care.
SOURCE: Colorado Adopted Rule 8.740.1. (Accessed Apr. 2024).
Long Term Services and Supports (LTSS), Home and Community-based Services (HCBS), Services for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Early Childhood Intervention Services
Upon department approval, certain eligibility determinations, assessments, referrals, and monitoring contacts may be completed by case managers at an alternate location, via telephone or using virtual technology methods. Such approval may be granted for situations in which face-to-face meetings would pose a documented safety risk to the case manager or Client (e.g. natural disaster, pandemic, etc.).
SOURCE: 10 CCR 2505-10 8.393; 8.506.4.B; 8.508.70; 8.509; 8 CCR 1405-1. (Accessed Apr. 2024).
Home and Community-Based Services
Home and Community-Based Services Telehealth (HCBS Telehealth) is a method of service delivery of certain HCBS services listed at Section 8.615.2.
SOURCE: 10 CCR 2505-10 8.615.1 (M). (Accessed Apr. 2024).
Members eligible to use HCBS Telehealth are those enrolled in the waivers and services as defined in this rule at Section 8.7100. Additional requirements include:
- The Case Management Agency shall ensure the use of HCBS Telehealth is the choice of the Member through the Person-Centered Support Planning process by indicating the Member’s choice to receive HCBS Telehealth in the Department prescribed IT system.
- Through the Person-Centered Support Planning process, the Case Management Agency shall identify and address the benefits and possible detriments to Members choosing to use HCBS Telehealth for service delivery.
- HCBS Telehealth delivery must be prior authorized and documented in the Member’s Person-Centered Support Plan.
- Telehealth as a service delivery method for authorized HCBS Waiver Services, shall not interfere with any individual rights or be used as any part of a Rights Modification plan.
- Provider Agencies that provide HCBS Telehealth services shall establish and maintain documented policies on the use of Telehealth services that comply with Section 8.7559.
HCBS Telehealth may be used to deliver support through authorized HCBS Waiver Services listed at Section 8.7559A. See Sec. 8.7559 for additional information on services authorized for consultation through telehealth, HCBS telehealth exclusions and limitations, as well as HCBS telehealth provider agency requirements, which include that providers that choose to use HCBS Telehealth shall develop and make available a written HCBS Telehealth Policy which includes that providers shall ensure the use of HCBS Telehealth is the choice of the Member. HCBS Waiver providers must be able to use a technology solution that allows real-time interaction with the Member which may include audio, visual and/or tactile technologies. Providers shall not use HCBS Telehealth to address a Member’s emergency needs.
HCBS Telehealth does not include reimbursement for the purchase or installation of Telehealth equipment or technologies. HCBS Waiver service providers utilizing Telehealth shall follow all billing policies and procedures as outlined in the Department’s current waiver billing manuals and rates/fees schedules. This includes the prohibition on collecting copayments or charging Members for missing set times for services.
SOURCE: 10 CCR 2505-10, Sec. 8.7202H, 8.7408, 8.7559 as added by Permanent Rule. (Accessed Apr. 2024).
Adult Day Services (ADS)
Adult Day Services (ADS) may be provided out of an Adult Day Services Center or through Non-Center-Based means including Telehealth.
Telehealth Adult Day Services are provided through virtual means in a group or on an individual basis. Telehealth ADS are ways for participants to engage in activities, with their community, and connect to staff and other ADS participants virtually or over the phone, only if a participant does not have access or the ability to use video chat technology. Services provided through Telehealth are not required to provide nutrition services. See rules for staffing, documentation, billing and written policy requirements specific to use of telehealth ADS.
SOURCE: 10 CCR 2505-10 8.491; 8.7504B as added by Permanent Rule. (Accessed Apr. 2024).
Telehealth Day Habilitation services
Telehealth Specialized Habilitation services includes provider-hosted virtual meetings, groups, and activities where Members virtually engage and interact with provider staff, volunteers, and other Members.
Telehealth Supported Community Connections services includes virtual meetings, groups and activities, that are hosted by non-provider entities where Members virtually engage and interact with persons without disabilities other than those individuals who are providing services to the Member.
SOURCE: 10 CCR 2505-10 Sec. 8.7516 as added by Permanent Rule. (Accessed Apr. 2024).
Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
Telehealth is allowed for the provision of services delivered under PACE. The PACE organization must visit each participant in-person or via telehealth across all care settings as often as the participant’s condition requires, but no less than once each calendar month. If the PACE organization provides these visits via telehealth, the PACE organization must ensure the telehealth delivery option meets the following requirements:
- Participants must have an informed choice between in-person and telehealth services;
- The use of the telehealth delivery option will not prohibit or discourage the use of in-person services;
- Telehealth will not be used for the provider’s convenience; and
- Telehealth must be provided using technology compliant with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) Privacy, Security and Breach Notification Rules.
The telehealth permissions in this section do not apply to the in-person assessment and reassessment requirements as described in 8.497.8.G. In addition to the medical record content requirements set forth in 42 CFR § 460.210(b), the PACE organization must document whether a service or visit was provided in person or via telehealth.
SOURCE: 10 CCR 2505-10, Section 8.497 as proposed to be amended by Permanent Rule. (Accessed Apr. 2024).
Mobile Crisis Response (MCR) Services
MCR services may be provided via Telemedicine in accordance with Section 8.095 by any one (1) member of the MCR provider’s team, where appropriate. The initial Telemedicine face-to-face crisis response must include at least (1) in-person responder from the MCR team.
SOURCE: 10 CCR 2505-10 8.020. (Accessed Apr. 2024).
Behavioral Health
“Session” means a face-to-face, telehealth, or audio-only interaction of the individual and personnel. Session may include but is not limited to individual therapy, group therapy, medication-assisted treatment education and/or monitoring, family therapy, peer professional services, educational/occupational groups, recreational therapy, intake, discharge, service planning, and other therapies.
The BHE may use telehealth methods for the provision of services under these regulations except for services that specifically require in-person contact. If a service is allowable via telehealth according to state and federal regulations, appropriate methods will be noted within the applicable endorsement Chapter. If an individual prefers to receive services in-person and the BHE does not offer the appropriate service in-person, the BHE shall refer the individual to another entity that offers the service in-person.
If the BHE uses telehealth methods, it must develop and implement policies and procedures regarding telehealth services, including:
- Collection of required signatures;
- Training for personnel specific to the modality or manner for determining competence with the modality;
- Procedure for personnel response if an individual experiences an emergency while receiving services via telehealth, including collection of information about the individual’s remote location for each session;
- Confidentiality protocols designed to protect the individual’s privacy in accordance with state and federal law; and
- Specification as to whether policies apply to the BHE as a whole, a physical location, or a specific endorsement, as appropriate.
Services provided via telehealth methods must be documented in the individual’s record, consistent with documentation requirements for in-person services.
Screenings should be conducted in-person unless contraindicated. If contraindicated, screenings may be conducted via audio-visual or audio only telehealth. Clinical rationale must be documented in the case of a telehealth screening.
A peer support professional may provide services in a variety of settings, if permitted access, that may include but are not limited to audio-visual or audio-only telehealth.
Outpatient services may be delivered via in-person, audio-visual telehealth, or audio-only telehealth format in accordance with part 2.9 of these rules.
SOURCE: 2 CO Code of Regulation 502-1, 1.2, p. 18, 2.9, p. 40, 10.1, p. 174. (Accessed Apr. 2024).
ELIGIBLE PROVIDERS
Any licensed provider enrolled with Colorado Medicaid is eligible to provide telemedicine services within the scope of the provider’s practice.
SOURCE: Colorado Adopted Rule 8.095.3. CO Department of Health Care Policy and Financing. “Telemedicine Billing Manual” 1/24. (Accessed Apr. 2024).
The following distant provider types may bill using modifier GT:
- Physician
- Clinic
- Osteopath
- FQHC
- Doctorate Psychologist
- MA Psychologist
- Physician Assistant
- Nurse Practitioner
- RHC
A primary care provider (PCP) is eligible to be reimbursed as the ‘originating provider’ when present with the patient. In order for a PCP to be reimbursed as a distant provider, the PCP must be able to facilitate an in-person visit in the state of CO if necessary for treatment of the member’s condition.
A specialist is eligible to be an originating provider (if present with the patient) or distant provider.
The distant provider may participate in the telemedicine interaction from any appropriate location.
When the patient is located in a hospital, please use the appropriate place of service code for where the patient is located.
SOURCE: CO Department of Health Care Policy and Financing. “Telemedicine Billing Manual” 1/24. (Accessed Apr. 2024).
Health First Colorado has expanded the list of providers eligible to deliver telemedicine services to include FQHCs, RHCs, IHS, physical therapists, occupational therapists, home health providers, hospice and pediatric behavioral health providers. Outpatient physical, occupational and speech therapy services must have an interactive audio/visual connection with the member to be provided via telemedicine.
SOURCE: CO Dept. of Health Care Policy and Financing, Provider Bulletin, June 2023. (Accessed Apr. 2024).
Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Hospice, Home Health Providers and Pediatric Behavioral Health Providers
Physical therapists, occupational therapists, hospice, home health providers and pediatric behavioral health providers are eligible to deliver telemedicine services.
- Home Health Agency services and therapies, Hospice, and Pediatric Behavioral Treatment may be provided via telephone-only.
- Outpatient Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy services must have an interactive audio/visual connection with the member to be provided via telemedicine.
Telemedicine is covered for behavioral health providers under the capitated behavioral health benefit administered by the Regional Accountable Entities (RAEs). Behavioral health providers should contact their RAE for guidance. Visit the Accountable Care Collaborative Phase II web page for more information.
SOURCE: CO Department of Health Care Policy and Financing. “Telemedicine Billing Manual” 1/24. (Accessed Apr. 2024).
RHC/IHS/FQHC
A telemedicine service meets the definition of a face-to-face encounter for a rural health clinic, Indian health service, or federally qualified health center. The reimbursement rate for a telemedicine service provided by a rural health clinic or federal Indian health service or federally qualified health center must be set at a rate that is no less than the medical assistance program rate for a comparable face-to-face encounter or visit.
SOURCE: CO Statute, Sec. 25.5-5-320. (Accessed Apr. 2024).
eHealth Entities
Providers that meet the definition of an eHealth Entity shall enroll as the eHealth specialty. Electronic Health Entity (eHealth Entity) means a group practice that delivers services exclusively through telemedicine and is enrolled in a provider type that has an eHealth specialty. eHealth entities:
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- Cannot be Primary Care Medical Providers
- Primary Care Medical Provider (PCMP) means an individual physician, advanced practice nurse or physician assistant, who contracts with a Regional Accountable Entity (RAE) in the Accountable Care Collaborative (ACC), with a focus on primary care, general practice, internal medicine, pediatrics, geriatrics, or obstetrics and gynecology.
- Can be either in-state or out-of-state.
eHealth Entities shall only provide Covered Telemedicine services, including Facilitated Visits. A Facilitated Visit means a Telemedicine visit where the rendering provider is at a distant site and the member is physically present with a support staff team member who can assist the provider with in-person activities. eHealth Entities must maintain a Release of Information in compliance with current HIPAA standards to facilitate communication with the member’s PCMP.
SOURCE: Colorado Adopted Rule 8.095.1, 8.095.3, 8.095.4, 8.095.6. (Accessed Apr. 2024).
As of October 30th, 2022, there is a provider specialty type for Clinic and Non-Physician Practitioner groups that meet the following definition:
- An eHealth entity is defined as a group practice that delivers services exclusively through telemedicine and is enrolled in a provider type that has an eHealth specialty. Providers who meet this definition must update their enrollment to this provider specialty type.
SOURCE: CO Department of Health Care Policy and Financing. “Telemedicine Billing Manual” 1/24. (Accessed Apr. 2024).
The telemedicine rule 10 CCR 2505-10 8.095 regarding eHealth entities is effective as of October 30, 2022. An eHealth entity is defined as a group practice that delivers services exclusively through telemedicine and is enrolled in a provider type that has an eHealth specialty.
- Telemedicine-only providers are to use Specialty Code 878.
- Telemedicine and in-person providers will continue to use the appropriate specialty code for their chosen provider type.
SOURCE: CO Department of Health Care Policy and Financing, Health First CO Provider Bulletin B2200485, (Nov. 2022), (Accessed Apr. 2024).
ELIGIBLE SITES
If no originating provider is present during a Telemedicine Services appointment, then the location of the originating site is at the member’s discretion and can include the member’s home. However, members can be required to choose a location suitable to delivery of telemedicine services that may include adequate lighting and environmental noise levels suitable for easy conversation with a provider.
Services can be provided via telemedicine between a member and a distant provider when a member is located in their home or other location of their choice.
A primary care provider (PCP) is eligible to be reimbursed as the ‘originating provider’ when present with the patient. In order for a PCP to be reimbursed as a distant provider, the PCP must be able to facilitate an in-person visit in the state of CO if necessary for treatment of the member’s condition.
A specialist is eligible to be an originating provider (if present with the patient) or distant provider.
If practitioners at both the originating site and the distant site provide the same service to the member, both providers submit claims using the same procedure code with modifier 77 (Repeat procedure by another physician).
SOURCE: CO Department of Health Care Policy and Financing. “Telemedicine Billing Manual” 1/24. (Accessed Apr. 2024).
Telemedicine can work:
- From a provider office: You can connect through video with a provider in another office. Both offices must have telemedicine equipment.
- From your home or other location like a library: You may be able to use your mobile phone, tablet or desktop computer to connect to a provider. Health First Colorado will not pay for the equipment.
SOURCE: CO Department of Health Care Policy and Financing. “Telemedicine”. (Accessed Apr. 2024).
Eligible place of service includes Telemedicine, including interactive audio (including but not limited to telephone and relay calls), interactive video (including but not limited to interactive audiovisual modalities), or interactive data communication (including but not limited to live chat and excluding text messaging, electronic mail, and facsimile transmission). Any health benefits provided through interactive audio (including but not limited to telephone and relay calls), interactive video (including but not limited to interactive audiovisual modalities), or interactive data communication (including but not limited to live chat and excluding text messaging, electronic mail, and facsimile transmission) must meet the same standard of care as in-person care.
SOURCE: Colorado Adopted Rule 8.200.3.B.3.D.2.c.7. (Accessed Apr. 2024).
Speech Therapy
Telemedicine POS 02 and Telehealth POS 10 are allowed place of service codes.
SOURCE: CO Department of Health Care Policy and Financing. “Speech Therapy”, 4/24. (Accessed Apr. 2024).
Therapy Providers
POS Code 02 or 10 should be used to report services delivered via telecommunication depending on the location of the member when receiving telehealth services. POS 02 is used when the member is receiving telehealth service in a place that is not their home. POS 10 is used when a member is receiving telehealth services when the member is located in their home.
Outpatient physical, occupational, and speech therapy services must have an interactive audio/visual connection with the member to be provided via telemedicine.
SOURCE: CO Department of Health Care Policy and Financing. Provider Bulletin B2200480. July 2022. (Accessed Apr. 2024).
Home Health Services
Services shall be provided in the client’s place of residence or one of the following places of service: Services may be provided using interactive audio (including but not limited to telephone and relay calls), interactive video (including but not limited to interactive audiovisual modalities), or interactive data communication (including but not limited to live chat and excluding text messaging, electronic mail, and facsimile transmission) instead of in-person contact. Any health benefits provided through interactive audio, interactive video, or interactive data communication must meet the same standard of care as in-person care.
SOURCE: Colorado Adopted Rule 8.520.4.B.g (Accessed Apr. 2024).
Telehealth monitoring is available for members who are eligible through the Home Health benefit and should not be billed as telemedicine. Providers rendering telehealth monitoring should consult the Home Health Billing Manual on the Billing Manuals web page under the CMS 1500 drop-down.
SOURCE: CO Department of Health Care Policy and Financing. “Telemedicine Billing Manual” 1/24. (Accessed Apr. 2024).
Family Planning Services
Eligible places of service include telemedicine provided in accordance with Section 8.095.
SOURCE: Colorado Adopted Rule 8.730.3.B. (Accessed Apr. 2024).
GEOGRAPHIC LIMITS
No Reference Found.
FACILITY/TRANSMISSION FEE
In some cases, the originating provider site will not be providing clinical services, but only providing a site and telecommunications equipment. In this situation, the telemedicine originating site facility fee is billed using procedure code Q3014.
Originating providers bill as follows:
- If the originating provider is making a room and telecommunications equipment available but is not providing clinical services, the originating provider bills Q3014 (the procedure code for the telemedicine originating site facility fee).
- If the originating provider also provides clinical services to the member, the provider bills the rendering provider’s appropriate procedure code and bills Q3014.
- The originating provider may also bill, as appropriate, on the UB-04 paper claim form or as an 837I transaction for any clinical services provided on-site on the same day that a telemedicine originating site claim is made. The originating provider must submit two separate claims for the member’s two separate services.
Providers eligible for the originating site facility fee include:
- Physician
- Clinic
- Osteopath
- FQHC
- Doctorate Psychologist
- MA Psychologist
- Physician Assistant
- Nurse Practitioner
- RHC
Provider types not listed above may facilitate Telemedicine Services with a distant provider but may not bill procedure code Q3014. Examples include Nursing Facilities, Intermediate Care Facilities, Assisted Living Facilities, etc.
Using modifier GT with specific codes adds $5.00 to the fee listed for the service. A specific list of eligible codes is provided in the manual. Other codes can be billed, but don’t pay the telemedicine transmission fee.
SOURCE: CO Department of Health Care Policy and Financing. “Telemedicine Billing Manual” 1/24. (Accessed Apr. 2024).
The state department shall establish rates for transmission cost reimbursement for telemedicine services, considering, to the extent applicable, reductions in travel costs by health care or mental health care providers and patients to deliver or to access such services and such other factors as the state department deems relevant.
SOURCE: CO Revised Statutes 25.5-5-320(3). (Accessed Apr. 2024).