Maryland

Disclaimer

PLEASE NOTE: CCHP is providing the following for informational purposes only. We are not providing legal advice or interpretation of the laws and regulations and policies. CCHP encourages you to check with the appropriate state agency for further information and direction. This information should not be construed as legal counsel. Consult with an attorney if you are seeking a legal opinion.

At A Glance
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MEDICAID REIMBURSEMENT

  • Live Video: Yes
  • Store-and-Forward: Yes
  • Remote Patient Monitoring: Yes
  • Audio Only: Yes

PRIVATE PAYER LAW

  • Law Exists: Yes
  • Payment Parity: Yes

PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Licensure Compacts: ASLP-IC, CC, IMLC, NLC, OT, PSY, PTC
  • Consent Requirements: Yes

FQHCs

  • Originating sites explicitly allowed for Live Video: Yes
  • Distant sites explicitly allowed for Live Video: Yes
  • Store and forward explicitly reimbursed: No
  • Audio-only explicitly reimbursed: No
  • Allowed to collect PPS rate for telehealth: No

STATE RESOURCES

  1. Medicaid Program: Maryland Medicaid Assistance Program
  2. Administrator: Maryland Dept. of Social Services
  3. Regional Telehealth Resource Center: Mid-Atlantic Telehealth Resource Center
Disclaimer

PLEASE NOTE: CCHP is providing the following for informational purposes only. We are not providing legal advice or interpretation of the laws and regulations and policies. CCHP encourages you to check with the appropriate state agency for further information and direction. This information should not be construed as legal counsel. Consult with an attorney if you are seeking a legal opinion.

Last updated 05/24/2023

Audio Only Delivery

Medicaid: Provider Guidance Post-Emergency Memo/BHA Telehealth Post Emergency – Revised Guidance 

STATUS: Active

Maryland Health Care Commission: Payer Telehealth Policies

STATUS: Active

Medicaid: FAQs for Behavioral Health Administration Partners

STATUS: Varies, legislation temporarily extends some flexibilities

Medicaid: Behavioral Health Guidance regarding Telehealth Expansion Regulations

STATUS: Varies, legislation temporarily extends some flexibilities

Medicaid: Behavioral Health Administration Hospital Based Outpatient Programs Telehealth Guidance

STATUS: Varies, legislation temporarily extends some flexibilities

Medicaid: Follow-up Guidance on Temporary Telehealth Services

STATUS: Varies, legislation temporarily extends some flexibilities

Medicaid: DDA Waiver Programs Telehealth and Telephonic Guidance

STATUS: Guidance in effect until further notice

Medicaid: Telehealth Guidance for School-Based Health Centers during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency

STATUS: Guidance in effect until further notice

Medicaid: Telephone/Telehealth Services Authorized for Intensive Outpatient SUD Programs

STATUS: Varies, legislation temporarily extends some flexibilities

Medicaid: Telehealth Guidance for SUD Residential Treatment Services During the COVID-19 Outbreak.

STATUS: Varies, legislation temporarily extends some flexibilities

Medicaid 1915(c) Waiver: Waiver for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder; Waiver for Adults with Brain Injury; Home and Community Based Options Waiver; Model Waiver for Fragile Children (Model Waiver); and Medical Day Care Services Waiver

STATUS: Active, until Six (6) months after the end of the COVID-19 PHE

Medicaid 1915(c) Waiver: Waiver for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder; Waiver for Adults with Brain Injury; Home and Community Based Options Waiver; Model Waiver for Fragile Children (Model Waiver); and Medical Day Care Services Waiver

STATUS: Active, until Six (6) months after the end of the COVID-19 PHE

Medicaid 1915(c) Waiver: Family Supports, Community Supports, and, Community Pathways Waivers

STATUS: Active, until Six (6) months after the end of the COVID-19 PHE

STATUS: Enacted

HB 123/SB 3 : Extends many telehealth flexibilities including relaxed originating site restrictions, as well as audio-only and parity until June 30, 2023

STATUS: Enacted

HB 1148/SB 582/SB 534: Effective June 1, 2023, extends audio-only and parity until June 30, 2025

STATUS: Enacted

Last updated 05/24/2023

Cross State Licensing

Board of Physicians: COVID-19 FAQs/FAQs for Telehealth

STATUS: Active

Last updated 05/24/2023

Easing Prescribing Requirements

Medicaid: FAQs for Opioid Treatment Program and Buprenorphine Providers

STATUS: Varies, legislation temporarily extends some flexibilities

Medicaid: Behavioral Health COVID FAQs

STATUS: Varies, legislation temporarily extends some flexibilities

Maryland Board of Physicians: FAQs for Telehealth

STATUS: Active

Office of the Governor: Executive Order terminates emergency and previous orders, though many flexibilities extended by legislation

STATUS: Enacted

HB 123/SB 3 : Extends many telehealth flexibilities including relaxed originating site restrictions, as well as audio-only and parity until June 30, 2023

STATUS: Enacted

HB 1148/SB 582/SB 534: Effective June 1, 2023, extends audio-only and parity until June 30, 2025

STATUS: Enacted

Last updated 05/24/2023

Miscellaneous

Medicaid 1915(c) Waiver: Extension Waiver for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder; Waiver for Adults with Brain Injury; Home and Community Based Options Waiver; Model Waiver for Fragile Children (Model Waiver); and Medical Day Care Services Waiver

STATUS: Active, extends current waiver until six months after the PHE

Medicaid 1915(c) Waiver: Extension Family Supports, Community Supports, and, Community Pathways Waivers

STATUS: Active, extends current waiver until six months after the PHE

SB 1080: Allows Governor to Waive Telehealth Requirements

STATUS: Enacted

Office of the Governor: Executive Order terminates emergency and previous orders, though many flexibilities extended by legislation

STATUS: Enacted

HB 123/SB 3 : Extends many telehealth flexibilities including relaxed originating site restrictions, as well as audio-only and parity until June 30, 2023

STATUS: Enacted

HB 1148/SB 582/SB 534 – Effective June 1, 2023, extends audio-only and parity until June 30, 2025

STATUS: Enacted

Last updated 05/24/2023

Originating Site

Medicaid: Provider Guidance Post-Emergency Memo/BHA Telehealth Post Emergency – Revised Guidance 

STATUS: Active

Maryland Health Care Commission: Payer Telehealth Policies

STATUS: Active

Medicaid: FAQs for Behavioral Health Administration Partners

STATUS: Varies, legislation extends some flexibilities

Medicaid: Behavioral Health Administration Hospital Based Outpatient Programs Telehealth Guidance

STATUS: Varies, legislation extends some flexibilities

Medicaid: Telehealth Guidance for School-Based Health Centers during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency

STATUS: Guidance in effect until further notice

HB 123/SB 3 – Extends many telehealth flexibilities including relaxed originating site restrictions, as well as audio-only and parity until June 30, 2023

STATUS: Enacted

HB 1148/SB 582/SB 534 – Effective June 1, 2023, extends audio-only and parity until June 30, 2025

STATUS: Enacted

Last updated 05/24/2023

Private Payer

Maryland Health Care Commission: Payer Telehealth Policies

STATUS: Active

Maryland Health Care Commission: Payer Remote Patient Monitoring Policies

STATUS: Active

Department of Health: FAQs on Telehealth

STATUS: Active

STATUS: Enacted

HB 123/SB 3 : Extends many telehealth flexibilities including relaxed originating site restrictions, as well as audio-only and parity until June 30, 2023

STATUS: Enacted

HB 1148/SB 582/SB 534: Effective June 1, 2023, extends audio-only and parity until June 30, 2025

STATUS: Enacted

Last updated 05/24/2023

Provider Type

Medicaid: Provider Guidance Post-Emergency Memo/BHA Telehealth Post Emergency – Revised Guidance 

STATUS: Active

Maryland Health Care Commission: Payer Telehealth Policies

STATUS: Active

Medicaid: Behavioral Health COVID FAQs

STATUS: Varies, legislation temporarily extends some flexibilities

Medicaid: Telehealth Guidance for SUD Residential Treatment Services During the COVID-19 Outbreak.

STATUS: Varies, legislation temporarily extends some flexibilities

Office of the Governor: Executive Order terminates emergency and previous orders, though many flexibilities extended by legislation

STATUS: Enacted

HB 123/SB 3: Extends many telehealth flexibilities including relaxed originating site restrictions, as well as audio-only and parity until June 30, 2023

STATUS: Enacted

HB 1148/SB 582/SB 534: Effective June 1, 2023, extends audio-only and parity until June 30, 2025

STATUS: Enacted

Last updated 05/24/2023

Service Expansion

Medicaid: Provider Guidance Post-Emergency Memo/BHA Telehealth Post Emergency – Revised Guidance 

STATUS: Active

Maryland Health Care Commission: Payer Telehealth Policies

STATUS: Active

Medicaid: FAQs for Behavioral Health Administration Partners

STATUS: Varies, legislation temporarily extends some flexibilities

Medicaid: Follow-up Guidance on Temporary Telehealth Services

STATUS: Varies, legislation temporarily extends some flexibilities

Medicaid: Telehealth Program Guidance-OT/PT/Speech and EPSDT Providers

STATUS: Permanent

Maryland Health Care Commission: Payer Remote Patient Monitoring Policies

STATUS: Active

Medicaid: MD Medicaid Telehealth Dentistry Guidance

STATUS: Guidance in effect until further notice

Medicaid: DDA Waiver Programs Telehealth and Telephonic Guidance

STATUS: Guidance in effect until further notice

Medicaid: Telephone/Telehealth Services Authorized for Intensive Outpatient SUD Programs

STATUS: Varies, legislation temporarily extends some flexibilities

Medicaid: Telehealth Guidance for SUD Residential Treatment Services During the COVID-19 Outbreak.

STATUS: Varies, legislation temporarily extends some flexibilities

Medicaid: Well Child Visit

STATUS: Guidance in effect until further notice

Department of Health: Amended Directive and Order Regarding Nursing Home Matters

STATUS: Varies, legislation temporarily extends some flexibilities

STATUS: Enacted

HB 123/SB 3 : Extends many telehealth flexibilities including relaxed originating site restrictions, as well as audio-only and parity until June 30, 2023

STATUS: Enacted

HB 1148/SB 582/SB 534: Effective June 1, 2023, extends audio-only and parity until June 30, 2025

STATUS: Enacted

Last updated 05/24/2023

Definitions

Recently Passed Legislation

Telehealth means, as it relates to the delivery of health care services, the use of interactive audio, video, or other telecommunications or electronic technology by a licensed health care provider to deliver a health care service within the scope of practice of the health care provider at a location other than the location of the patient.

“Telehealth” includes from July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2025, both inclusive, an audio–only telephone conversation between a health care provider and a patient that results in the delivery of a billable, covered health care service. “Telehealth” does not include:

  • except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, an audio–only telephone conversation between a health care provider and a patient;
  • an electronic mail message between a health care provider and a patient; or
  • a facsimile transmission between a health care provider and a patient.

SOURCE: MD Insurance Code 15-139, as amended by HB 1148/SB 582/SB 534 (2023 Session). (Accessed May 2023).

Network Adequacy

“Telehealth” has the meaning stated in Insurance Article, §15-139, Annotated Code of Maryland.

SOURCE: Code of Maryland Admin. Regs Sec. 31.10.44.02(B)(32). (Accessed May 2023).

Network Adequacy (Dental)

“Telehealth” means as it relates to the delivery of dental services, the use of interactive audio, video, or other telecommunications or electronic technology by a provider to deliver a dental service within the scope of practice of the provider at a location other than the location of the patient. “Telehealth” does not include:

  • An audio-only telephone conversation between a provider and a patient;
  • An electronic mail message between a provider and a patient; or
  • A facsimile transmission between a provider and a patient.

SOURCE: Code of Maryland Admin. Regs Sec. 31.10.45.02(B)(15). (Accessed May 2023).

Last updated 05/24/2023

Parity

SERVICE PARITY

Effective until June 30, 2025

From July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2025, both inclusive, when a health care service is appropriately provided through telehealth, an insurer, nonprofit health service plan, and health maintenance organization shall provide reimbursement on the same basis as if the health care service were delivered by the health care provider in person.

Reimbursement required does not include:

  • clinic facility fees unless the health care service is provided by a health care provider not authorized to bill a professional fee separately for the health care service; or
  • any room and board fees

SOURCE: Insurance Code 15-139, as amended by HB 1148/SB 582/SB 534 (2023 Session). (Accessed May 2023).


PAYMENT PARITY

Effective until June 30, 2025

From July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2025, both inclusive, when a health care service is appropriately provided through telehealth, an insurer, nonprofit health service plan, and health maintenance organization shall provide reimbursement at the same rate as if the health care service were delivered by the health care provider in person.

This paragraph may not be construed to supersede the authority of the Health Services Cost Review Commission to set the appropriate rates for hospitals, including setting the hospital facility fee for hospital–provided telehealth.

SOURCE: Insurance Code 15-139, as amended by HB 1148/SB 582/SB 534 (2023 Session). (Accessed May 2023).

Last updated 05/24/2023

Requirements

Insurers, nonprofit health service plans, and health maintenance organizations, shall provide coverage under a health insurance policy or contract for health care services appropriately delivered through telehealth regardless of the location of the patient at the time the telehealth services are provided.

Insurers may not exclude from coverage a health care service solely because it is provided through telehealth and is not provided through an in–person consultation or contact between a health care provider and a patient. Insurers may not exclude from coverage or deny coverage for a behavioral health care service that is a covered benefit under a health insurance policy or contract when provided in person solely because the behavioral health care service may also be provided through a covered telehealth benefit. The health care services appropriately delivered through telehealth shall include counseling and treatment for substance use disorders and mental health conditions.

An entity subject to this section:

  • Shall reimburse a health care provider for the diagnosis, consultation, and treatment of an insured patient for a health care service covered under a health insurance policy or contract that can be appropriately provided through telehealth;
  • Is not required to:
    • reimburse a health care provider for a health care service delivered in person or through telehealth that is not a covered benefit under the health insurance policy or contract;
    • or reimburse a health care provider who is not a covered provider under the health insurance policy or contract; and
  • May impose a deductible, copayment, or coinsurance amount on benefits for health care services that are delivered either through an in–person consultation or through telehealth;
    • May impose an annual dollar maximum as permitted by federal law;
    • May not impose a lifetime dollar maximum.

An insurer, health care service plan, and health maintenance organization may not impose as a condition of reimbursement of a covered health care service delivered through telehealth that the health care service be provided by a third–party vendor designated by the entity.

An entity may undertake utilization review, including preauthorization, to determine the appropriateness of any health care service whether the service is delivered through an in–person consultation or through telehealth if the appropriateness of the health care service is determined in the same manner.

A health insurance policy or contract may not distinguish between patients in rural or urban locations in providing coverage under the policy or contract for health care services delivered through telehealth.

A decision by an entity subject to this section not to provide coverage for telehealth in accordance with this section constitutes an adverse decision, as defined in § 15–10A–01 of this title, if the decision is based on a finding that telehealth is not medically necessary, appropriate, or efficient.

SOURCE: Insurance Code 15-139. (Accessed May 2023).

Last updated 05/24/2023

Definitions

Recently Passed Legislation

“Telehealth” means the delivery of medically necessary somatic, dental, or behavioral health services to a patient at an originating site by a distant site provider through the use of technology–assisted communication.

“Telehealth” includes:

  • Synchronous and asynchronous interactions;
  • From July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2025, both inclusive, an audio–only telephone conversation between a health care provider and a patient that results in the delivery of a billable, covered health care service; and
  • Remote patient monitoring services.

“Telehealth” does not include the provision of health care services solely through:

  • Except as provided above, an audio–only telephone conversation;
  • An e–mail message; or
  • A facsimile transmission.

SOURCE: MD Health General Code 15-141.2(a)(7), as to be amended by HB 1148/SB 582/SB 534 (2023 Session). (Accessed May 2023).

“Telehealth means the delivery of medically necessary somatic or behavioral health services to a patient at an originating site by distant site provider, through the use of technology-assisted communication.”

SOURCE: Code of Maryland Admin. Regs. Sec. 10.09.49.02. 2022 MD Medical Assistance Program Professional Services Provider Manual (Jan 2022)., p. 11. (Accessed May 2023).

“Telehealth services means the delivery of health care services provided through the use of interactive audio, video, or other telecommunications or electronic technology by a health care provider at a hospital to a patient at a location other than at the hospital, or to a patient at the hospital where the provider is at a location other than the hospital, which enables the patient to interact with the health care provider at the time the health care services are provided.”

SOURCE: Code of Maryland Admin. Regs. Sec. 10.37.10.07-1. (Accessed May 2023).

Hospitals

“Telemedicine” means the use of interactive audio, video, or other telecommunications or electronic technology by a physician in the practice of medicine outside the physical presence of the patient. “Telemedicine” does not include:

  • An audio only telephone conversation between the physician and patient;
  • An electronic mail message between a physician and a patient; or
  • A facsimile transmission between a physician and a patient.

SOURCE: Code of Maryland Admin. Regs. Sec. 10.07.01.01(B)(33). (Accessed May 2023).

Individualized Education Program (IEP)/Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP)

Telehealth – The delivery of medically necessary services to a patient at an originating site by distant site provider, through the use of technology-assisted communication.

SOURCE: MD Dept of Health, Medicaid Policy & Procedure Manual For Services Delivered through the IEP/IFSP (July 1, 2022). p. 6.  (Accessed May 2023).

Last updated 05/24/2023

Email, Phone & Fax

“Telehealth” includes, from July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2025, both inclusive, an audio–only telephone conversation between a health care provider and a patient that results in the delivery of a billable, covered health care service.

“Telehealth” does not include the provision of health care services solely through:

  • Except as provided above, an audio–only telephone conversation;
  • An e–mail message; or
  • A facsimile transmission.

SOURCE: MD Health General Code 15-141.2, as amended by HB 1148/SB 582/SB 534 (2023 Session). (Accessed May 2023).

To bill for audio-only telephonic services, providers must bill for the appropriate service code and use the “-UB” modifier to identify the claim as a telephonically delivered service. Services delivered via telehealth using two-way audio-visual technology assisted communication should be billed using the “-GT” modifier. The use of audio-only telehealth services is only permitted during the Public Health State of Emergency.

SOURCE: MD Medical Assistance Program. Professional Services Provider Manual, p. 74. Updated Jan. 2022. (Accessed May 2023).

No reimbursement for email.

No reimbursement for telephone.

No reimbursement for FAX.

No reimbursement for telephone conversation, electronic mail message or facsimile transmission between the originating and distant site providers.  There is also no reimbursement for telecommunication between providers without the participant present.

SOURCE: MD Medicaid Telehealth Program. Telehealth Provider Manual. Updated April 2020. p. 4,  Code of Maryland Admin. Regs., Sec. 10.09.49.09(B). (Accessed May 2023).

Individualized Education Program (IEP) and Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) Services

MDH Will reimburse IEP and IFSP providers for certain procedure codes via telehealth. Providers must identify telehealth services on the child’s IEP/IFSP and bill using the appropriate modifier (GT or UB). Service coordination procedures (T1023, T1023-TG, T2022, W9322, W9323, and W9324) and individual psychotherapy services (90791, 90832 and 90834) may continue with an audio-only component. See Provider Transmittal for approved Maryland Medicaid Fee-for-Service approved IEP/IFSP Telehealth Services.

SOURCE: MD Medical Assistance Program. Early Intervention and School Health Service Providers Transmittal No. 3. Sept. 23, 2021. (Accessed May 2023).

IEP Service Coordination may be rendered in person, in writing, by telephone or via telehealth.

SOURCE: MD Dept. of Health, Division of Children’s Services, Medicaid Policy & Procedure Manual, For Services Delivered Through the IEP/IFSP (July 1, 2022). p 13.  (Accessed May 2023).

Therapy Services (Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech Therapists, Therapy Groups, EPSDT Providers, Managed Care Organizations)

MDH will reimburse providers for certain procedure codes when provided via audio-visual telehealth. MDH will not reimburse for services provided via an audio-only delivery model or for codes not included on the Provider Transmittal regarding approved therapy telehealth services when provided via any method of telehealth.

SOURCE: MD Medical Assistance Program. Guidance on the Continuation of Telehealth for Therapy Services. PT 09-22. Oct. 7, 2021. (Accessed May 2023).

Last updated 05/24/2023

Live Video

POLICY

Reimbursement for telehealth is required for services appropriately delivered through telehealth regardless of the location of the patient and may not exclude from coverage a health care service or behavioral health service solely because it is through telehealth.

SOURCE: MD Health General Code 15-141.2 (Accessed May 2023).

Managed Care

MCOs shall provide coverage for medically necessary telemedicine services.

SOURCE: Code of Maryland Admin. Regs. Sec. 10.67.06.31. (Accessed May 2023).

Maryland Medicaid provides a telehealth program that employs a “hub-and-spoke” model. This model involves real-time interactive communication between the originating and distant sites via a secure, two-way audiovisual telecommunication system. The “telepresenter,” physically located at the originating site with the participant, facilitates the telehealth communication between the participant and distant site provider by arranging, moving, or operating the telehealth equipment.

SOURCE: MD Medicaid Telehealth Program. Telehealth Program Manual, p. 1. Updated April 2020. (Accessed May 2023).

Mental Health

The Department shall grant approval to a telemental health provider to be eligible to receive State or federal funds for providing interactive telemental health services if the provider meets requirements of this chapter and for outpatient mental health centers; or if the telemental heath provider is an individual psychiatrist.

SOURCE: Code of Maryland Admin. Regs. Sec. 10.21.30.03. (Accessed May 2023).


ELIGIBLE SERVICES/SPECIALTIES

Covered Services – Somatic and behavioral health services: Providers must contact the participant’s Healthchoice MCO or behavioral health ASO with questions regarding prior authorization requirements for telehealth services.

SOURCE: MD Medicaid Telehealth Program. Telehealth Program Manual, p. 2. Updated April 2020. (Accessed May 2023).

The Department, under the Telehealth Program, covers medically necessary services covered by the Maryland Medical Assistance Program rendered by a distant site provider that are:

  • Distinct from services provided by the originating site provider;
  • Able to be delivered using technology-assisted communication; and
  • Clinically appropriate to be delivered via telehealth.

Services must be provided via telehealth to the same extent and standard of care as services provided in person; and as determined by the provider’s licensure or credentialing board, services performed via telehealth must be within the scope of a provider’s practice.

SOURCE: Code of Maryland Admin. Regs. Sec. 10.09.49.04. (Accessed May 2023).

Services should be billed with the GT modifier.

SOURCE: Code of Maryland Admin. Regs. Sec. 10.09.49.10. (Accessed May 2023).

Mental Health Eligible Services:

  • Diagnostic interview;
  • Individual therapy
  • Family therapy
  • Group therapy, up to 8 individuals
  • Outpatient evaluation and management
  • Outpatient office consultation
  • Initial inpatient consultation
  • Emergency department services

SOURCE: Code of Maryland Admin. Regs. Sec. 10.21.30.09. (Accessed May 2023).

Services required to be provided shall include counseling and treatment for substance use disorders and mental health conditions. The Program may not exclude from coverage a behavioral health care service provided to a Program recipient in person solely because the service may also be provided through telehealth.

The Program may undertake utilization review, including preauthorization, to determine the appropriateness of any health care service whether the service is delivered through an in–person consultation or through telehealth if the appropriateness of the health care service is determined in the same manner.

For the purpose of reimbursement and any fidelity standards established by the Department, a health care service provided through telehealth is equivalent to the same health care service when provided through an in–person consultation.

SOURCE: MD General Health Code 15-141.2(c-e, h). (Accessed May 2023).

Doula Services

Prenatal and postpartum services may be delivered in the home, at the provider’s office or doctor’s office and other community-based settings. Doula services for prenatal and postpartum visits may be delivered in-person or as a telehealth service. The labor and delivery service must be provided in-person and can only be delivered at a hospital or freestanding birthing center.

The Maryland Medical Assistance Program will not cover Doula services rendered during labor and delivery as a telehealth visit.

SOURCE: MD Medicaid Doula Services Program Manual, p. 3, 5. Updated Dec. 13, 2022. (Accessed May 2023).

Effective January 1, 2022, the Program covers doula services as defined in Regulation .01 of this chapter when the services:

  1. Are medically necessary;
  2. Are rendered during a birthing parent’s prenatal period, labor and delivery, and postpartum period; and
  3. If rendered via telehealth, comply with the requirements established in COMAR 10.09.49 and any other subregulatory guidance.

B. The Program shall cover up to:

  1. Eight prenatal or postpartum visits; and
  2. One labor and delivery service.

SOURCE: Code of Maryland Admin Regs. 10.09.39.04 (Accessed May 2023).

Individualized Education Program (IEP) and Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) Services

MDH Will reimburse IEP and IFSP providers for certain procedure codes via telehealth. Providers must identify telehealth services on the child’s IEP/IFSP and bill using the appropriate modifier (GT or UB). Service coordination procedures (T1023, T1023-TG, T2022, W9322, W9323, and W9324) and individual psychotherapy services (90791, 90832 and 90834) may continue with an audio-only component. In addition to IEP/IFSP services, MDH will continue to reimburse Autism Waiver service coordination when provided via telehealth. See Provider Transmittal for approved Maryland Medicaid Fee-for-Service approved IEP/IFSP Telehealth Services.

SOURCE: MD Medical Assistance Program. Early Intervention and School Health Service Providers Transmittal No. 3. Sept. 23, 2021. (Accessed May 2023).

GT Modifier required for telehealth delivered services.

SOURCE: MD Dept of Health, Medicaid Policy & Procedure Manual For Services Delivered through the IEP/IFSP (July 1, 2022). p. 25.  (Accessed May 2023).

Therapy Services (Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech Therapists, Therapy Groups, EPSDT Providers, Managed Care Organizations)

MDH will reimburse providers for certain procedure codes when provided via audio-visual telehealth. Services must be identified and billed using the GT modifier to indicate a telehealth delivery model. MDH will not reimburse for services provided via an audio-only delivery model or for codes not included on the Provider Transmittal regarding approved therapy telehealth services when provided via any method of telehealth.

SOURCE: MD Medical Assistance Program. Guidance on the Continuation of Telehealth for Therapy Services. PT 09-22. Oct. 7, 2021. MD Dept of Health, Audiology, Physical Therapy, and Early Periodic, Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT) Provider Manual (Jan. 2023). (Accessed May 2023).

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Services

Maryland Medicaid reimburses for certain procedure codes via audio-visual telehealth for ABA providers. ABA providers may continue to render up to 100% of supervision services (97155) via telehealth. When billing for services that are rendered via two-way HIPAA compliant audio-visual telehealth, providers must bill using the GT modifier and Place of Service 11 to indicate a telehealth delivery model.

SOURCE: MD Medical Assistance Program. Guidance on the Continuation of Telehealth for ABA Services. PT 11-22. Oct. 26 2021. (Accessed May 2023).


ELIGIBLE PROVIDERS

“Health care provider” means:

  • A person who is licensed, certified, or otherwise authorized under the Health Occupations Article to provide health care in the ordinary course of business or practice of a profession or in an approved education or training program;
  • A mental health and substance use disorder program licensed in accordance with § 7.5–401 of this article;
  • A person licensed under Title 7, Subtitle 9 of this article to provide services to an individual with developmental disability or a recipient of individual support services; or
  • A provider as defined under § 16–201.4 of this article to provide services to an individual receiving long–term care services.

SOURCE: MD General Health Code 15-141.2(a)(4). (Accessed May 2023).

The Program shall reimburse a health care provider for the diagnosis, consultation, and treatment of a Program recipient for a health care service covered by the Program that can be appropriately provided through telehealth. This subsection does not require the Program to reimburse a health care provider for a health care service delivered in person or through telehealth that is:

  • Not a covered health care service under the Program; or
  • Delivered by an out–of–network provider unless the health care service is a self–referred service authorized under the Program.

From July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2025, both inclusive, when appropriately provided through telehealth, the Program shall provide reimbursement on the same basis and the same rate as if the health care service were delivered by the health care provider in person. Reimbursement does not include:

  • Clinic facility fees unless the health care service is provided by a health care provider not authorized to bill a professional fee separately for the health care service; or
  • Any room and board fees.

The Department may specify in regulation the types of health care providers eligible to receive reimbursement for health care services provided to Program recipients under this section. If the Department specifies by regulation the types of health care providers eligible to receive reimbursement for health care services provided to Program recipients under this subsection, the regulations shall include all types of health care providers that appropriately provide telehealth services.

The Program or a managed care organization that participates in the Program may not impose as a condition of reimbursement of a covered health care service delivered through telehealth that the health care service be provided by a third–party vendor designated by the Program.

The Department may adopt regulations to carry out this section. The Department shall obtain any federal authority necessary to implement the requirements of this section, including applying to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for an amendment to any of the State’s § 1115 waivers or the State plan. This section may not be construed to supersede the authority of the Health Services Cost Review Commission to set the appropriate rates for hospitals, including setting the hospital facility fee for hospital–provided telehealth.

SOURCE: MD General Health Code 15-141.2(g-l), as amended by HB 1148/SB 582/SB 534 (2023 Session). (Accessed May 2023).

Effective October 7, 2019, all distant site providers enrolled in Maryland Medicaid may provide services via telehealth as long as telehealth is a permitted delivery model within the rendering provider’s scope of practice. Providers should consult their licensing board prior to rendering services via telehealth.

Telehealth providers must be enrolled in the Maryland Medical Assistance Program before rendering services via telehealth.

Only providers who are HIPAA compliant and meet Technical Requirements may bill for services rendered via telehealth.

SOURCE: MD Medicaid Telehealth Program. Telehealth Provider Manual, p. 1-3. Updated April 2020. MD Medical Assistance Program. Professional Services Provider Manual, p. 74. Updated Jan. 2022. (Accessed May 2023).

Distant Site Providers may render services via telehealth within the provider’s scope of practice.

SOURCE: Code of Maryland Admin. Regs. Sec. 10.09.49.06(D). (Accessed May 2023).

Mental Health

Eligible Providers:

  • Outpatient mental health centers
  • Telemental health providers who are individual psychiatrists.

Telemental health providers may be private practice, part of a hospital, academic, health or mental health care system.  Public Mental Health System (PMHS) approved community-based providers or individual practitioners may engage in agreements with TMH providers for services.  Fee-for-service reimbursement shall be at an enhanced rate, as stipulated by the Department, provided all applicable provisions of this chapter are met and funds are available.

SOURCE: Code of Maryland Admin. Regs. Sec. 10.21.30.03 & Sec. 10.21.30.04. (Accessed May 2023).

An approved distant telemental health location shall be within the State.

SOURCE: Code of Maryland Admin. Regs., Sec. 10.21.30.05(D). (Accessed May 2023).


ELIGIBLE SITES

The Program shall provide health care services appropriately delivered through telehealth to Program recipients regardless of the location of the Program recipient at the time telehealth services are provided and allow a distant site provider to provide health care services to a Program recipient from any location at which the health care services may be appropriately delivered through telehealth.

SOURCE: MD General Health Code 15-141.2(b). (Accessed May 2023).

Eligible originating sites may be:

  • College or university student health or counseling office
  • Community-based substance use disorder provider
  • Deaf or hard of hearing participant’s home or any other secure location approved by the participant and provider
  • Elementary, middle, high or technical school with a supported nursing, counseling or medical office
  • Local health department
  • FQHC
  • Hospital, including emergency department
  • Nursing facility
  • Private office of a physician, physician assistant, psychiatric nurse practitioner, nurse practitioner, or nurse midwife
  • Opioid treatment program
  • Outpatient mental health center
  • Renal dialysis center; or
  • Residential crisis services site

SOURCE: MD Medicaid Telehealth Program. Telehealth Provider Manual, p. 2. Updated April 2020. & Code of Maryland Admin. Regs. Sec. 10.09.49.06. (Accessed May 2023).

Schools are permitted to act as originating sites under Medicaid telehealth Program regulations. All distant site providers enrolled in Maryland Medicaid may provide services via telehealth as long as telehealth is a permitted delivery model within the rendering provider’s scope of practice. Providers should consult their licensing board prior to rendering services via telehealth.

A school may still serve as the originating site for a telehealth interaction if the service is performed outside of an SBHC with an FQHC or local health department sponsor.

SOURCE: MD Medicaid Telehealth Program FAQs. p. 1-2, Updated April 2020. (Accessed May 2023).

Mental Health

Eligible Originating Sites:

  • County government offices appropriate for private clinical evaluation services;
  • Critical Access Hospital;
  • Federally Qualified Health Center;
  • Hospital;
  • Outpatient mental health center;
  • Physician’s office;
  • Rural Health Clinic;
  • Elementary, middle, high, or technical school with a supported nursing, counseling or medical office; or
  • College or university student health or counseling office.

Distant Site Location Eligibility – An approved distant TMH location shall be within the State.

SOURCE: Code of Maryland Admin. Regs. Sec. 10.21.30.05. (Accessed May 2023).

Providers should use the place of service code that would be appropriate as if it were a non-telehealth claim. The distant site should use the location of the doctor. If a distant site provider is rendering services at an off-site office, use place of service office (11). Place of Service Code 02 (Telehealth) is not recognized for Maryland Medicaid participants except for use on Medicare crossover claims to specify services rendered through a telecommunication system for dual eligible participants. Allowable place of service codes should remain unchanged for Medicaid-only claims.

The Program recognizes specific modifiers for certain services rendered via telehealth delivery models; providers may bill using -GT and -UB. Providers should submit claims in the same manner as for in-person services and include the “-GT” modifier to identify that services were rendered via two-way audio-visual telehealth. To bill for audio-only telephonic services, providers must bill for the appropriate service code and use the “-UB” modifier to identify the claim as a telephonically delivered service. Billing with these modifiers will not affect Medicaid reimbursement rates. The use of audio-only telehealth services is only permitted during the Public Health State of Emergency.

SOURCE: MD Medical Assistance Program. Professional Services Provider Manual, p. 24-25, 74. Updated Jan. 2022. (Accessed May 2023).

Distant site providers may use secure space/areas in the provider’s home to engage in telehealth. Telehealth providers must meet the minimum requirements for privacy as well as the minimum requirements for technology.

Other permitted places of service from where to deliver services via telehealth include: school, office, inpatient hospital, outpatient hospital, emergency room, nursing facility, independent clinic, Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), community mental health center, non-residential substance abuse treatment facility, end-stage renal disease treatment facility, public health clinic.

SOURCE: MD Medicaid Telehealth Program FAQs. p. 1, Updated April 2020. (Accessed May 2023).


GEOGRAPHIC LIMITS

The Program may not distinguish between Program recipients in rural or urban locations in providing coverage under the Program for health care services delivered through telehealth.

SOURCE: MD General Health Code 15-141.2(f). (Accessed May 2023).

The Telehealth Program serves Medicaid participants regardless of geographic location within Maryland.

SOURCE: MD Medicaid Telehealth Program. Telehealth Provider Manual. p. 1, Updated April 2020. (Accessed May 2023).

Mental Health

To be eligible a beneficiary must reside in one of the designated rural geographic areas or whose situation makes person-to-person psychiatric services unavailable.

SOURCE: Code of Maryland Admin. Regs. Sec. 10.21.30.05(A)(3). (Accessed May 2023).


FACILITY/TRANSMISSION FEE

The Department may not reimburse distant site providers for a facility fee.

SOURCE: Code of Maryland Admin. Regs. Sec. 10.09.49.09(G). (Accessed May 2023).

Hospital Billing Instructions

Facility charges related to the use of telemedicine services. This revenue code is payable for dates of service 10/1/13 forward.

SOURCE: Maryland Dept. of Health Medical Assistance, UB04 Hospital Billing Instructions, 4/23/2020, p. 93 (Accessed May 2023).

From July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2025, when appropriately provided through telehealth, the Program shall provide reimbursement in accordance on the same basis and the same rate as if the health care service were delivered by the health care provider in person. Reimbursement does not include:

  • Clinic facility fees unless the health care service is provided by a health care provider not authorized to bill a professional fee separately for the health care service; or
  • Any room and board fees.

The Department may adopt regulations to carry out this section.

SOURCE: MD Health General Code 15-141.2 (g)(3),(h), as amended by HB 1148/SB 582/SB 534 (2023 Session). (Accessed May 2023).

Last updated 05/24/2023

Miscellaneous

Technology requirements for providers:

  • A camera that has the ability to manually, or under remote control, provider multiple views of a patient with the capability of altering the resolution, focus, and zoom requirements according to the consultation;
  • Have display monitor size sufficient to support diagnostic needs used in the service via telehealth;
  • Bandwidth speed and image resolution sufficient to provide quality video to meet a minimum of 15 frames per second, or higher, as industry standards change;
  • Unless engaging in a telehealth communication with a participant who is deaf or hard of hearing, audio equipment that ensures clear communication and includes echo cancellation;
  • Creates audio transmission with less than 300 millisecond delay;
  • Secure and HIPAA compliant telehealth communication;

A dedicated connection that provides bandwidth only for telehealth communications is preferable for services delivered via telehealth.

All tech staff must be trained in telehealth technology use and HIPAA compliance.

Provider manual outlines various telehealth provider scenarios.

SOURCE: MD Medicaid Telehealth Program. Telehealth Provider Manual. Updated April 2020. p. 3 & 7-8, (Accessed May 2023).

Providers of health care services delivered through telehealth must use video and audio transmission with less than a 300 millisecond delay.  Other minimum technology requirements apply.

SOURCE: Code of Maryland Admin. Regs. Sec. 10.09.49.07. (Accessed May 2023).

Providers may not store at originating or distant site video images or audio portion of telemedicine services for future use.

SOURCE: Code of Maryland Admin. Regs. Sec. 10.09.49.08. (Accessed May 2023).

In consultation with interested stakeholders, the Director shall prepare an annual report on behavioral health services for children and young adults in the State.  The report shall include: The number and the percentage of children and young adults who, during the reported year: … Used a public behavioral health service provided through telehealth.

SOURCE: MD Health General Code 7.5-209. (Accessed May 2023).

The Maryland Health Services Cost Review Commission, the Maryland Department of Health, and the Maryland Insurance Administration, shall submit a report to the Senate Finance Committee and the House Health and Government Operations Committee on the impact of providing telehealth services. The Maryland Health Care Commission shall consider both audio–only and audio–visual technologies for purposes of reporting on the impact of providing telehealth services as required by this section.

Until and no later than June 30, 2023, while the Maryland Health Care Commission completes the study and submits the report for consideration by the General Assembly for the adoption of comprehensive telehealth policies by the State:

  • The Maryland Medical Assistance Program is to continue to reimburse health care providers for covered health care services provided through audio–only and audio–visual technology in accordance with the requirements of Section 1 of this Act, and all applicable executive orders and waivers issued in accordance with Chapters 13 and 14 of the Acts of the General Assembly of 2020
  • Insurers, nonprofit health service plans, and health maintenance organizations that are subject to § 15–139 of the Insurance Article as enacted by Section 1 of this Act continue to reimburse health care providers for covered health care services provided through audio–only and audio–visual technology in accordance with the requirements of Section 1 of this Act and all applicable accommodations made by the insurers, nonprofit health service plans, and health maintenance organizations during the Declaration of State of Emergency and Existence of Catastrophic Health Emergency – COVID–19 issued on March 5, 2020, and its renewals

The Maryland Health Care Commission should use the data collected from utilization and coverage of telehealth to complete the report.

The State is to use the report required to establish comprehensive telehealth policies for implementation after the Declaration of State of Emergency and Existence of Catastrophic Health Emergency – COVID–19 issued on March 5, 2020, and its renewals expire.

SOURCE: HB 123/SB 3 (2021 Session). (Accessed May 2023).

The Maryland Health Care Commission shall study and make recommendations regarding the delivery of health care services through telehealth, including payment parity for the delivery of health care services through audiovisual and audio–only telehealth technologies. In conducting the study, the Maryland Health Care Commission shall:

  1. Determine whether it is more or less costly for health care providers to deliver health care services through telehealth;
  2. Determine whether the delivery of health care services through telehealth requires more or less clinical effort on the part of the health care provider;
  3. To help inform the debate on payment parity, identify the aspects of telehealth that are subject to overuse or underuse or yield greater or lower value;
  4. Assess the adequacy of reimbursement for behavioral health services delivered in person and by telehealth; and
  5. Address any other issues related to telehealth as determined necessary by the Commission.

On or before December 1, 2024, the Maryland Health Care Commission shall submit a report on its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article.

SOURCE: HB 1148/SB 582/SB 534 (2023 Session). (Accessed May 2023).

Last updated 05/24/2023

Out of State Providers

If you are rendering services via telehealth with a participant located in Maryland, then you are considered to be practicing in Maryland; therefore, you must be licensed in Maryland and are subject to your professional board’s licensure requirements.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you meet the Board licensure requirements. This includes consulting with the professional board in the state where the patient physically is located as well as where the provider is physically located. Failure to comply with licensure requirements involving services delivered via telehealth will likely have implications beyond Maryland Medicaid’s telehealth purview.

SOURCE: MD Medicaid Telehealth Program FAQs. p. 2, Updated April 2020. (Accessed May 2023).

“Health care provider” means a person who is licensed, certified, or otherwise authorized under the Health Occupations Article to provide health care in the ordinary course of business or practice of a profession or in an approved education or training program.

SOURCE: MD Health General Code Sec. 15-141.2(a)(4)(i). (Accessed May 2023).

 

Last updated 05/24/2023

Overview

Maryland Medicaid covers live video synchronous telehealth, asynchronous telehealth, and remote patient monitoring modalities. Until June 30, 2025, legislation also requires coverage of audio-only and telehealth reimbursement parity.

Last updated 05/24/2023

Remote Patient Monitoring

POLICY

Remote patient monitoring services means the use of synchronous or asynchronous digital technologies that collect or monitor medical, patient–reported, and other forms of health care data for Program recipients at an originating site and electronically transmit that data to a distant site provider to enable the distant site provider to assess, diagnose, consult, treat, educate, provide care management, suggest self–management, or make recommendations regarding the Program recipient’s health care.

SOURCE: MD Health General Code 15-141.2. (Accessed May 2023).

“Remote patient monitoring” means digital technologies to collect medical and other forms of health data from individuals in one location and electronically transmit that information securely to health care providers in a different location for assessment, recommendations, and interventions.

SOURCE: Code of Maryland Admin. Regs., Sec. 10.09.96.02(B)(13). (Accessed May 2023).

Existing MD Medicaid guidance and regulation limits reimbursement for remote patient monitoring to certain chronic conditions. Preauthorization requirements also apply.

SOURCE: Remote Patient Monitoring. MD Department of Health. (Accessed May 2023).

No reimbursement for home health monitoring services is included under telehealth manual.

SOURCE: MD Medicaid Telehealth Program. Telehealth Provider Manual. Updated April 2020. p. 3, (Accessed May 2023).

The Department may not reimburse for home health monitoring services.

SOURCE: Code of Maryland Admin. Regs., Sec. 10.09.49.09(H). (Accessed May 2023).

 


CONDITIONS

Telehealth definition includes remote patient monitoring. The Program is required to reimburse a health care provider for the diagnosis, consultation, and treatment of a Program recipient for a health care service covered by the Program that can be appropriately provided through telehealth regardless of patient and provider location.

From July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2025, when appropriately provided through telehealth, the Program shall provide reimbursement in accordance on the same basis and the same rate as if the health care service were delivered by the health care provider in person. Reimbursement does not include:

  • Clinic facility fees unless the health care service is provided by a health care provider not authorized to bill a professional fee separately for the health care service; or
  • Any room and board fees.

The Department may adopt regulations to carry out this section.

SOURCE: MD Health General Code 15-141.2 (a-b, h), as amended by HB 1148/SB 582/SB 534 (2023 Session). (Accessed May 2023).

Existing guidance states Medicaid recipients diagnosed with one of the following conditions qualify:

  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
  • Congestive Heart Failure
  • Diabetes (Type 1 or 2)

The participant must be enrolled in Medicaid, consent to RPM, have an internet connection and capability to use monitoring tools and have one of the following scenarios within the most recent 12-month period:

  • Two hospital admissions with the same qualifying medical condition as the primary diagnosis
  • Two emergency room department visits with the same qualifying medical condition as the primary diagnosis
  • One hospital admission and one emergency department visit with the same qualifying medical condition as the primary diagnosis.

SOURCE: MD Home Health Transmittal No. 64.  Jan. 10, 2018. MD General Provider Transmittal No. 85. Feb. 12, 2018MD Remote Patient Monitoring Transmittal No. 1, Jan 10, 2018. (Accessed May 2023).

An MCO shall provide its enrollees medically necessary remote patient monitoring services as described in COMAR 10.09.96.

SOURCE: Code of Maryland Admin Regs., Sec. 10.67.06.26-5. (Accessed May 2023).


PROVIDER LIMITATIONS

The Department may specify in regulation the types of health care providers eligible to receive reimbursement for health care services provided to Program recipients via telehealth. If the Department specifies by regulation the types of health care providers eligible to receive reimbursement for health care services provided to Program recipients under this subsection, the regulations shall include all types of health care providers that appropriately provide telehealth services.

The Program is not required to reimburse a health care provider for a health care service delivered in person or through telehealth that is:

  • Not a covered health care service under the Program; or
  • Delivered by an out–of–network provider unless the health care service is a self–referred service authorized under the Program.

SOURCE: MD General Health Code 15-141.2(g-h). (Accessed May 2023).

Eligible Providers:

  • Home Health Agencies
  • Hospitals
  • Clinics
  • Federally Qualified Health Centers
  • Managed Care Organizations
  • Health Professionals (Physicians, Nurses, Physician Assistants)

SOURCE: Remote Patient Monitoring. MD Department of Health. (Accessed May 2023).

Remote patient monitoring is not a substitute for delivery of care. Provider shall see patients in person periodically for follow-up care.  To provide remote patient monitoring, the provider shall be enrolled with an active status as a Maryland Medical Assistance Program provider on the date the service is rendered and be a:

  • Physician;
  • Physician assistant;
  • Certified nurse practitioner; or
  • Home health agency when remote patient monitoring services are prescribed by a physician; and
  • Meet the requirements for participation in the Medical Assistance Program as set forth in COMAR 10.09.36.03.

Medical Record Documentation. A remote patient monitoring provider shall:

  • Maintain documentation using either electronic or paper medical records;
  • Retain remote patient monitoring records according to the provisions of Health-General Article, §4-403, Annotated Code of Maryland;
  • Submit the preauthorization on a form developed by the Department; and
  • Include the participant’s consent to participate in remote patient monitoring.

SOURCE: Code of Maryland Admin Regs, Sec. 10.09.96.04. (Accessed May 2023).


OTHER RESTRICTIONS

Preauthorization required.

The RPM reimbursement rate is an all-inclusive rate of $125 per 30 days of monitoring which covers equipment installation, participant education for using the equipment, and daily monitoring of the information transmitted for abnormal data measurements.

Reimbursement does not include RPM equipment, upgrades to RPM equipment or internet service for participants.

SOURCE: MD Home Health Transmittal No. 64.  Jan. 10, 2018., Code of Maryland Admin Regs, Sec. 10.09.96.06. (Accessed Jan. 2023).

Last updated 05/24/2023

Store and Forward

POLICY

Recently Passed Legislation

Telehealth definition includes both synchronous and asynchronous interactions. The Program is required to reimburse a health care provider for the diagnosis, consultation, and treatment of a Program recipient for a health care service covered by the Program that can be appropriately provided through telehealth regardless of patient and provider location.

From July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2025, when appropriately provided through telehealth, the Program shall provide reimbursement in accordance on the same basis and the same rate as if the health care service were delivered by the health care provider in person.

The Department may adopt regulations to carry out this section.

SOURCE: MD Health General Code 15-141.2 (a-b, g, j), as amended by HB 1148/SB 582/SB 534 (2023 Session). (Accessed May 2023).

According to the Maryland Medicaid Telehealth Provider Manual, store and forward technology means the transmission of medical images or other media captured by the originating site provider and sent electronically to a distant site provider, who does not physically interact with the patient located at the originating site. As of the last update, the manual states that store-and-forward is only covered for dermatology, ophthalmology and radiology under Physician services of COMAR 10.09.02.07.

SOURCE: MD Medicaid Telehealth Program. Telehealth Provider Manual. p. 4, Updated April 2020. (Accessed May 2023).


ELIGIBLE SERVICES/SPECIALTIES

MD regulations state store and forward technology does not meet the Maryland Medical Assistance Program’s definition of telehealth. However, dermatology, ophthalmology and radiology are excluded from definition of store-and-forward and they do reimburse for these services according to COMAR 10.09.02.07.

SOURCE: Code of Maryland Admin. Regs. Sec. 10.09.49.09. (Accessed May 2023).


GEOGRAPHIC LIMITS

No Reference Found


TRANSMISSION FEE

No Reference Found

Last updated 05/24/2023

Cross State Licensing

A health care practitioner providing health care services through telehealth must be licensed, certified, or otherwise authorized by law to provide health care services in the State if the health care services are being provided to a patient located in the State.

SOURCE: MD Health Occupations Code Annotated Sec. 1-1005. (Accessed May 2023).

A health care practitioner shall be licensed by the Board before the individual may practice medicine in Maryland.

MD has limited exceptions to its licensure requirements in statute. An individual may practice medicine without a license in MD including under the following circumstances:

  • The individual is licensed by and residing in another jurisdiction with an active, unrestricted license to practice in the jurisdiction where the physician regularly engages in the practice of medicine and:
    • Is engaged in consultation with a physician licensed in Maryland about a particular patient and does not direct patient care;
    • Is employed by or has a written agreement with an athletic team or sports team based outside the State and is designated as the team physician to provide medical care to the team’s members and only provides care to those individuals in limited circumstances;
  • A physician is employed in the service of the federal government while performing the duties incident to that employment;
  • A physician who resides in and is authorized to practice medicine by any state adjoining Maryland for the purpose of prescribing home health services to a patient who resides in Maryland, if the physician:
    • Does not have an office or other regularly appointed place in this State to meet patients; and
    • Has performed an in–person physical examination of the patient within the jurisdictional boundaries of the adjoining state in which the prescribing physician is authorized to practice medicine.

See statute for complete list.

SOURCE: MD Health Occupations Code Annotated Sec. 14-301, 14-302. (Accessed May 2023).

Expedited licensure pathways exist for certain out-of-state physicians. See Maryland Board of Physicians website for more details.

SOURCE: MD Board of Physicians. Expedited License Pathways. (Accessed May 2023).

A telehealth practitioner may practice telehealth if one or both of the following occurs:

  • The individual practicing telehealth is physically located in Maryland; or
  • The patient is in Maryland.

SOURCE: Code of Maryland Admin. Regs. Sec. 10.32.05.03. (Accessed May 2023).

Alcohol and Drug Counseling

An individual may practice clinical alcohol and drug counseling, including through telehealth, without a license for a limited period of time, as determined by the Board, if the individual is working as a trainee under the supervision of an approved alcohol and drug supervisor while fulfilling the experiential or course of study requirements.

An individual may practice alcohol and drug counseling, including through telehealth, without certification for a limited period of time, as determined by the Board, if the individual is working as a trainee under the supervision of an approved alcohol and drug supervisor while fulfilling the experiential or course of study requirements.

SOURCE: MD Health Occupations Code 17-406 (b). (Accessed May 2023).

Last updated 05/24/2023

Definitions

Telehealth means a mode of delivering health care services through the use of telecommunications technologies by a health care practitioner to a patient at a different physical location than the health care practitioner.  Telehealth includes synchronous and asynchronous interactions. Telehealth does not include the provision of health care services solely through audio-only calls, e-mail messages or facsimile transmissions.

SOURCE: MD Health Occupations Code 1-1001 (e). (Accessed May 2023).

“Telehealth” means the use of interactive audio, video, audio-visual, or other telecommunications or electronic technology by a Maryland licensed physician or licensed allied health practitioner to deliver clinical services within the scope of practice of the Maryland licensed physician or licensed allied health practitioner at a location other than the location of the patient.  “Telehealth” does not include (i) An audio-only telephone conversation between a Maryland licensed physician or licensed allied health practitioner and a patient; (ii) An electronic mail message between a Maryland licensed physician or licensed allied health practitioner and a patient; or (iii) A facsimile transmission between a Maryland licensed physician or licensed allied health practitioner and a patient.

SOURCE: Code of Maryland Admin. Regs. Sec. 10.32.05.02. (Accessed May 2023).

Audiologists, Hearing Aid Dispensers and Speech Language Pathologists

“Telehealth means the use of telecommunications and information technologies for the exchange of information from one site to another for the provision of health care to an individual from a provider through hardwire or Internet connection.”

SOURCE: MD Health Occupations Code Sec. 2-101(u). Code of Maryland Admin. Regs 10.41.06.01. (Accessed May 2023).

Perinatal and Neonatal Referral Center Standards

“Telemedicine” means the use of interactive audio, video, or other telecommunications or electronic technology by a licensed health care provider to deliver a health care service within the scope of practice of the health care provider at a site other than the site at which the patient is located, in compliance with COMAR 10.32.05.and including at least two forms of communication.

SOURCE: Code of Maryland Admin. Regs. Sec. 30.08.12.01. (Accessed May 2023).

Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists

“Teletherapy” means the use of interactive audio, video, or other telecommunications or electronic media by a counselor or therapist to deliver counseling services:

  • Within the scope of practice of the counselor or therapist; and
  • At a location other than the location of the client;

“Teletherapy” does not include:

  • An audio-only telephone conversation between a counselor or therapist and a client;
  • An electronic mail message between a counselor or therapist and a client;
  • A facsimile transmission between a counselor or therapist and a client; or
  • A text message or other type of message sent between a counselor or therapist and a client by a short message service or multimedia messaging service.

SOURCE: Code of Maryland Admin. Regs. Sec. 10.58.06.02. (Accessed May 2023).

Board of Examiners or Psychologists

“Telepsychology” means the use of interactive audio, video, or other telecommunications or electronic media by a psychologist or psychology associate who engages in the practice of psychology at a location other than the location of the client.

“Telepsychology” does not include:

  • An audio-only telephone conversation between a psychologist or psychology associate and a client;
  • An electronic mail message between a psychologist or psychology associate and a client;
  • A facsimile transmission between a psychologist or psychology associate and a client; or
  • A text message or other type of message sent between a psychologist or psychology associate and a client by a short message service or multimedia messaging service.

SOURCE: Code of Maryland Admin. Regs. Sec. 10.36.10.02. (Accessed May 2023).

Board of Nursing

“Teletherapy” means the delivery of behavioral health services by a CRNP/PMH or a PMH/APRN at a location other than the location of the client through the use of synchronous interactive audio, video, audio-visual, or other telecommunications or electronic technology.

“Teletherapy” does not include:

  • An audio-only telephone conversation between the CRNP/PMH or PMH/APRN and a client;
  • An electronic mail message between a CRNP/PMH or PMH/ APRN and a client; or
  • A facsimile transmission between a CRNP/PMH or PMH/APRN and a client.

SOURCE: Code of Maryland Admin. Regs. Sec. 10.27.17.02. (Accessed May 2023).

Emergency Medical Services

“Telemedicine” means the use of interactive audio, video, or other telecommunications or electronic technology by a licensed health care provider to deliver a health care service within the scope of practice of the health care provider at a site other than the site at which the patient is located, in compliance with COMAR 10.32.05.and including at least two forms of communication.

SOURCE: Code of Maryland Admin. Regs. Sec. 30.08.12.01(B)(8). (Accessed May 2023).

Physicians

“Telemedicine” means the use of interactive audio, video, or other telecommunications or electronic technology by a physician in the practice of medicine outside the physical presence of the patient. “Telemedicine” does not include:

  • An audio–only telephone conversation between a physician and a patient;
  • An electronic mail message between a physician and a patient; or
  • A facsimile transmission between a physician and a patient.

SOURCE: MD Code Health, General Section 19-319(e)(1)(ii). (Accessed May 2023).

Last updated 05/24/2023

Licensure Compacts

Member of the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact.

SOURCE: Interstate Medical Licensure Compact. The IMLC. (Accessed May 2023).

Member of Nurse Licensure Compact.

SOURCE: Nurse Licensure Compact. Current NLC States and Status. NCSBN. (Accessed May 2023).

Member of Physical Therapy Compact.

SOURCE: PT Compact. Compact Map. (Accessed May 2023).

Enacted Interstate Professional Counselors Compact.

SOURCE: Counseling Compact. (Accessed May 2023).

Enacted Interstate Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact.

SOURCE: OT Compact. (Accessed May 2023).

Enacted Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact.

SOURCE: ASLP Compact. (Accessed May 2023).

Member of Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact.

SOURCE: PSYPACT Map. (Accessed May 2023).

*See Compact websites for implementation and license issuing status and other related requirements.

Last updated 05/24/2023

Miscellaneous

Statute specifies that a health occupations board may adopt regulations related to telehealth, however they may not establish a separate standard of care for telehealth; and must allow for the establishment of a practitioner-patient relationship through synchronous or asynchronous telehealth interaction provided by a health care practitioner who is complying with their standard of care.

SOURCE: MD Code, Health Occupations Sec. 1-1006. (Accessed May 2023).

Last updated 05/24/2023

Online Prescribing

A health care practitioner may establish a practitioner-patient relationship through either a synchronous telehealth interaction or an asynchronous telehealth interaction, if the health care practitioner:

  • Verifies the identity of the patient receiving health care services through telehealth;
  • Discloses to the patient the health care practitioner’s name, contact information, and type of health occupation license held by the health care practitioner; and
  • Obtains oral or written consent from the patient or from the patient’s parent or guardian.

A health care practitioner shall perform a clinical evaluation that is appropriate for the patient and the condition with which the patient presents before providing treatment or issuing a prescription through telehealth. Synchronous or asynchronous telehealth interaction may be used for the clinical evaluation.

A health care practitioner may not prescribe a Schedule II controlled substance that is an opiate for the treatment of pain through telehealth unless:

  • The individual receiving the prescription is a patient in a health care facility; or
  • The governor has declared a state of emergency due to a catastrophic health emergency

A health care practitioner who prescribes a controlled substance through telehealth is subject to federal and state prescribing laws.

SOURCE: MD Code Health Occupations Sec. 1-1002, Section 1-1003. (Accessed May 2023).

Before performing telehealth services, a telehealth practitioner shall develop and follow a procedure to:

  • Verify the identification of the patient receiving telehealth services;
  • Except for interpretive services, obtain oral or written acknowledgement from a patient or person in interest as defined by Health-General Article, §4-301(m), Annotated Code of Maryland, to perform telehealth services;
  • Prevent access to data by unauthorized persons through encryption or other means;
  • Notify patients in the event of a data breach;
  • Ensure that the telehealth practitioner provides a secure and private telehealth connection that complies with federal and state privacy laws; and
  • Establish safety protocols to be used in the case of an emergency.

Except when providing store and forward telehealth services, remote patient monitoring, or other asynchronous telehealth services, a telehealth practitioner shall:

  • Obtain or confirm an alternative method of contacting the patient in case of a technological failure;
  • Confirm whether the patient is in Maryland and identify the practice setting in which the patient is located;
  • For an initial patient-telehealth practitioner interaction only, disclose the telehealth practitioner’s name, contact information, and medical specialty; and
  • Identify all individuals present at each location and confirm they are allowed to hear personal health information.

SOURCE: Code of Maryland Admin. Regs. Sec. 10.32.05.04. (Accessed May 2023).

 A telehealth practitioner shall perform a synchronous, audio-visual patient evaluation adequate to establish diagnoses and identify underlying conditions or contraindications to recommended treatment options before providing treatment or prescribing medication. A telehealth practitioner may use surrogate examiner; or a patient evaluation performed by another licensed health care practitioner providing coverage.

These requirements do not apply to:

  • Interpretive services where a prior patient evaluation was performed by another provider;
  • Remote patient monitoring; or
  • Asynchronous telehealth services for a patient who has had a prior synchronous, audio-visual telehealth patient evaluation or in-person patient evaluation that complies with the requirements of this regulation.

SOURCE:  Code of Maryland Admin. Regs. Sec. 10.32.05.05. (Accessed May 2023).

A telehealth practitioner may not treat a patient or prescribe medication based solely on an online questionnaire.

A telehealth practitioner may not prescribe opioids for the treatment of pain through telehealth except if the patient is in a health care facility as defined in Health-General Article, §19-114(d)(1), Annotated Code of Maryland.

SOURCE: Code of Maryland Admin. Regs. Sec. 10.32.05.06. (Accessed May 2023).

Last updated 05/24/2023

Professional Boards Standards

Board of Examiners for Audiologists, Hearing Aid Dispensers and Speech Language Pathologists

SOURCE: Code of Maryland Admin. Regs. Sec. 10.41.06. (Accessed May 2023).

Board of Physicians

SOURCE: Code of Maryland Admin. Regs. Sec. 10.32.05. (Accessed May 2023).

Board of Examiners of Psychologists

SOURCE: Code of Maryland Admin. Regs. Sec. 10.36.10.02. (Accessed May 2023).

Board of Nursing

SOURCE: Code of Maryland Admin. Regs. Sec. 10.27.17. (Accessed May 2023).

Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists

SOURCE: Code of Maryland Admin Regs, Sec. 10.58.06. (Accessed May 2023).

Board of Social Work

SOURCE: Code of Maryland Admin. Regs. Sec. 10.42.10. (Accessed May 2023).

Last updated 05/24/2023

Definition of Visit

No explicit reference found.

MD regulations refer to federal law definitions for FQHCs and RHCs:

  • “Federally qualified health center (FQHC)” means an entity as defined by Health-General Article, §24-1301, Annotated Code of Maryland, and §1905(l)(2)(B) of the Social Security Act
  • “Rural health clinic” means a facility that meets the definition of a rural health clinic as contained in 42 CFR §491.2(f).

SOURCE: COMAR 10.09.03.01 & COMAR 10.09.08.01. (Accessed May 2023).

Last updated 05/24/2023

Eligible Distant Site

FQHCs are permitted places of service from where to deliver services via telehealth. All distant site providers enrolled in Maryland Medicaid may provide services via telehealth as long as telehealth is a permitted delivery model within the rendering provider’s scope of practice.

SOURCE: MD Medicaid Telehealth Program FAQs. p. 1-2, Updated April 2020. (Accessed May 2023).

The Program shall provide health care services appropriately delivered through telehealth to Program recipients regardless of the location of the Program recipient at the time telehealth services are provided and allow a distant site provider to provide health care services to a Program recipient from any location at which the health care services may be appropriately delivered through telehealth.

SOURCE: MD General Health Code 15-141.2(b). (Accessed May 2023).

Last updated 05/24/2023

Eligible Originating Site

FQHCs are eligible originating sites.

SOURCE: MD Medicaid Telehealth Program. Telehealth Provider Manual, p. 2. Updated April 2020Code of Maryland Admin. Regs. Sec. 10.09.49.06. (Accessed May 2023).

FQHCs and RHCs may be approved as an originating site for TMH health service delivery.

SOURCE: Code of Maryland Admin. Regs. Sec. 10.21.30.05. (Accessed May 2023).

Last updated 05/24/2023

Facility Fee

No explicit reference found.

See MD Medicaid Live Video Facility/Transmission fee:

  • Reimbursement does not include clinic facility fees unless the health care service is provided by a health care provider not authorized to bill a professional fee separately for the health care service.

SOURCE: MD Health General Code 15-141.2 (g)(3), (h). & Code of Maryland Admin. Regs. Sec. 10.09.49.09(G). (Accessed May 2023).

Last updated 05/24/2023

Home Eligible

The Program shall provide health care services appropriately delivered through telehealth to Program recipients regardless of the location of the Program recipient at the time telehealth services are provided and allow a distant site provider to provide health care services to a Program recipient from any location at which the health care services may be appropriately delivered through telehealth.

SOURCE: MD General Health Code 15-141.2(b). (Accessed May 2023).

Last updated 05/24/2023

Modalities Allowed

Live Video

MD Medicaid covers live video services provided by eligible providers.

See: MD Medicaid Live Video


Store and Forward

There is no explicit reference found for store-and-forward for FQHCs.

See: MD Medicaid Store-and-Forward.


Remote Patient Monitoring

MD Medicaid reimburses RPM for certain chronic conditions and FQHCs are eligible to prescribe RPM. Preauthorization requirements apply.

SOURCE: Remote Patient Monitoring. MD Department of Health. MD Medical Assistance Program PT 14-18. RPM. Jan. 10, 2018. (Accessed May 2023).

See: MD Medicaid RPM.


Audio-Only

No explicit reference found for FQHCs related to audio-only.

See: MD Medicaid Email, Phone & Fax.

Last updated 05/24/2023

Patient-Provider Relationship

No Reference Found.

For general information about forming a patient-provider relationship see: MD Professional Requirements Online Prescribing

Last updated 05/24/2023

PPS Rate

No explicit telehealth reference found.

Federally qualified health centers shall be reimbursed for covered services once the provider is in compliance with all federal and State requirements. Federally qualified health centers shall be paid 100 percent of the FQHC’s allowable costs, which will be determined in accordance with Medicare principles of cost reimbursement as contained in 42 CFR 413.5, unless otherwise specified in this chapter. Reimbursement to providers of federally qualified health center services shall be on a per-visit basis. The Department or its designee shall establish an all-inclusive interim and an all-inclusive final cost-per-visit rate for each provider. Each provider shall have a rate established for primary care services. A rate for dental care services shall be established if the service is offered. The all-inclusive cost-per-visit rate for primary care visits covers the allowable costs associated with covered primary care, mental health, and substance abuse services. FQHCs may not charge the program, other than an all-inclusive cost-per-visit rate, for any ambulatory service. Non-reimbursable costs are those costs that are not reimbursable under this payment methodology.

SOURCE: COMAR 10.09.08.08. (Accessed May 2023).

From July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2025, when appropriately provided through telehealth, the Program shall provide reimbursement in accordance on the same basis and the same rate as if the health care service were delivered by the health care provider in person. Reimbursement does not include:

  • Clinic facility fees unless the health care service is provided by a health care provider not authorized to bill a professional fee separately for the health care service; or
  • Any room and board fees.

The Department may adopt regulations to carry out this section.

SOURCE: MD Health General Code 15-141.2 (g)(3),(h), as amended by HB 1148/SB 582/SB 534 (2023 Session). (Accessed May 2023).

Last updated 05/24/2023

Same Day Encounters

FQHCs and RHCs may be reimbursed for multiple encounters per day, for each Medicaid participant, by billing one encounter for each of the following services provided: somatic services, mental health services, substance use disorder (SUD) services, and dental services. Behavioral health services provided via telehealth must be submitted using one of the appropriate procedure codes.

SOURCE: MD Medical Assistance Program PT 38-22. Claims and Encounter Submissions. March 21, 2022. (Accessed May 2023).

“All-inclusive cost-per-visit rate” means the rate that is established for Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) which includes all services that are rendered to a participant on a given date of service.

SOURCE: COMAR 10.09.08.01. (Accessed May 2023).