Last updated 03/27/2022
Definitions
“Telehealth” means the delivery of health care services or consultations through the use of real time two-way interactive audio and visual communication to provide or support health care delivery and facilitate the assessment, diagnosis, consultation, treatment, education, and care management of a patient’s health care. Telehealth includes the application of secure video conferencing, store-and-forward technology, and synchronous interactions between a patient located at an originating site and a health care provider located at a distant site. Telehealth does not include communication between health care providers, or between a health care provider and a patient that consists solely of an audio-only communication, e-mail, or facsimile transmission or specified by law.
SOURCE: MN Statute 256B.0625.Subdivision 3b(I). MN Statute 256.0625(f)(1) (Definition does not include the July 1, 2023 audio-only exception). As amended by HF 33 (2021 Session), some changes appear to be contingent upon federal approval. (Accessed Mar. 2022).
“Telehealth” is defined as the delivery of health care services or consultations through the use of real time, two-way interactive audio and visual communications. The purpose of telehealth is to provide or support health care delivery and facilitate the assessment, diagnosis, consultation, treatment education, and care management of a patient’s health care while the patient is at an originating site and the licensed health care provider is at a distant site.
SOURCE: MN Dept. of Human Services, Provider Manual, Physician and Professional Services (Telehealth), As revised Mar. 16, 2022 & Telehealth Services, As revised Mar. 11, 2022. (Accessed Mar. 2022).
Telehealth includes:
“Telehealth” means the practice of medicine as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 147.081, subdivision 3, when the health care practitioner is not in the physical presence of the patient.
SOURCE: MN Admin Rules 4770.4002 Subp. 23. (Accessed Mar. 2022).
Chemical Dependency Treatment
“Telehealth” means the delivery of a substance use disorder treatment service while the client is at an originating site and the health care provider is at a distant site via telehealth as defined in section 256B.0625, subdivision 3b, and as specified in section 254B.05, subdivision 5, paragraph (f).
SOURCE: MN Statute Sec. 245G.01 Subd. 26. As amended by HF 33 (2021 Session), some changes appear to be contingent upon federal approval. (Accessed Mar. 2022).
Home Health Agency
“Telehomecare” means the use of telecommunications technology via live, two-way interactive audiovisual technology which may be augmented by store-and-forward technology.
SOURCE: MN Statute Sec. 256B.0653(l). As amended by HF 33 (2021 Session), some changes appear to be contingent upon federal approval. (Accessed Mar. 2022).
Telehealth Services
Telehealth is the delivery of health care services or consultations through the use of real time, two-way interactive audio and visual communications. Telehealth provides or supports health care delivery and facilitates the assessment, diagnosis, consultation, treatment education and care management of a patient’s health care while the patient is at originating site and the licensed health care provider is at a distant site. Providers providing health care services by telehealth will be held to the same standards and conduct as providers for in-person health care services.
SOURCE: MN Department of Human Services, Telehealth Services, Mar. 11, 2022. (Accessed Mar. 2022).
Teledentistry Services
Teledentistry is the delivery of dental care services or consultations while the patient is at an originating site and the dentist is at a distant site.
SOURCE: MN Department of Human Services, Teledentistry Services, Revised Mar. 14, 2022. (Accessed Mar. 2022).
Last updated 03/27/2022
Live Video
POLICY
Medical assistance covers medically necessary services and consultations delivered by a health care provider through telehealth in the same manner as if the service was delivered through in-person contact. Services or consultations delivered through telehealth are paid at the full allowable rate.
SOURCE: MN Statute Sec. 256B.0625, Subdivision 3b(a). As amended by HF 33 (2021 Session), some changes appear to be contingent upon federal approval. (Accessed Mar. 2022).
MHCP programs will cover telehealth services in the same manner as any other benefits covered through the programs. Coverage will not be limited on the basis of geography or location. Out-of-state coverage policy applies to services provided via telehealth.
SOURCE: MN Dept. of Human Services, Provider Manual, Telehealth Services, As revised Mar. 11, 2022. (Accessed Mar. 2022).
Minnesota’s Medical Assistance program reimburses live video for fee-for-service programs.
To be eligible for reimbursement, providers must self-attest that they meet the conditions of the MHCP telehealth policy by completing the Provider Assurance Statement for Telemedicine form.
SOURCE: MN Dept. of Human Services, Provider Manual, Physician and Professional Services (Telehealth), As revised Mar. 16, 2022. (Accessed Mar. 2022).
ELIGIBLE SERVICES/SPECIALTIES
MHCP programs will cover telehealth services in the same manner as any other benefits covered through the programs. Coverage will not be limited on the basis of geography or location. Out-of-state coverage policy applies to services provided via telehealth.
SOURCE: MN Dept. of Human Services, Provider Manual, Telehealth Services, As revised Mar. 11, 2022. (Accessed Mar. 2022).
The CPT and HCPC codes that describe a telehealth service are generally the same codes that describe an encounter when the health care provider and patient are at the same site. Examples of eligible services:
- Consultations
- Telehealth consults: emergency department or initial inpatient care
- Subsequent hospital care services with the limitation of one telemedicine visit every 30 days per eligible provider
- Subsequent nursing facility care services with the limitation of one telemedicine visit every 30 days
- End-stage renal disease services
- Individual and group medical nutrition therapy
- Individual and group diabetes self-management training with a minimum of one hour of in-person instruction to be furnished in the initial year training period to ensure effective injection training
- Smoking cessation
- Alcohol and substance abuse (other than tobacco) structured assessment and intervention services
SOURCE: MN Dept. of Human Services, Provider Manual, Physician and Professional Services (Telehealth), As revised Mar. 16, 2022 & Telehealth Services, As revised Mar. 11, 2022. (Accessed Mar. 2022).
Telehealth does not include:
- Communication between health care provider and a patient that consists solely of an email or facsimile.
- Electronic connections that are not conducted over a secure encrypted website as specified by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 Privacy and Security rules
- Prescription renewal
- Scheduling a test or appointment
- Clarification of issues from a previous visit
- Reporting test results
- Nonclinical communication
- Day treatment
- Partial hospitalization programs
- Residential treatment services
SOURCE: MN Dept. of Human Services, Provider Manual, Telehealth Services, As revised Mar. 11, 2022. (Accessed Mar. 2022).
Non-covered services:
- Payment is not available for sending materials to a member, other provider or facility.
- See list above from Telehealth Services manual page.
SOURCE: MN Dept. of Human Services, Provider Manual, Physician and Professional Services (Telehealth), As revised Mar. 16, 2022, (Accessed Mar. 2022).
Two-way interactive video consultation in an emergency department (ED)
Two-way interactive video consultation may be billed when no physician is in the ED and the nursing staff is caring for the patient at the originating site. The ED physician at the distant site bills the ED CPT codes with place of service 02. Nursing services at the originating site would be included in the ED facility code. If the ED physician requests the opinion or advice of a specialty physician at a “hub” site, the ED physician bills the ED CPT codes and the consulting physician bills the consultation E/M code with place of service 02.
SOURCE: MN Dept of Human Services, Telehealth Services Manual, Mar. 11, 2022. (Accessed Mar. 2022).
Mental Health Services
Mental health services that are otherwise covered by medical assistance as direct face-to-face services may be provided via telehealth in accordance with subdivision 3b.
SOURCE: MN Statute Sec. 256B.0625, Subd. 46. As amended by HF 33 (2021 Session), some changes appear to be contingent upon federal approval. (Accessed Mar. 2022).
MHCP covers medically necessary mental health services delivered by a health care provider via telemedicine. Payment for telemedicine services is limited to three visits per calendar week per member.
SOURCE: MN Dept. of Human Services, Provider Manual, Telemedicine Delivery of Mental Health Services, Revised 10/19/2018, (Accessed Mar. 2022).
Assertive Community Treatment and Intensive Residential Treatment Services
Physician services that are not separately billed may be included in the rate to the extent that a psychiatrist, or other health care professional providing physician services within their scope of practice, is a member of the intensive residential treatment services treatment team. Physician services, whether billed separately or included in the rate, may be delivered by telehealth.
SOURCE: MN Statute Sec 256B.0622, subdivision 8(e), (Accessed Mar. 2022).
Individualized Education Program (IEP)
Telemedicine coverage applies to a child or youth who is MA eligible, has an IEP and the service provided is identified in the IEP. Whether the originating site is a home or school must be documented in the child’s health record. Limited to three visits per week per child or youth.
To be eligible for reimbursement, the school or school district must self-attest that the telemedicine services provided by the professional provider either employed by or contracted by the school meet all of the conditions of the MHCP telemedicine policy by completing the Provider Assurance Statement for Telemedicine (DHS-6806) (PDF).
Non-Covered Services:
- Evaluation or assessments that are less effective than if provided in-person, face-to-face
- Supervision evaluations or visits
- Personal care assistants
- Nursing services
- Transportation services
- Electronic connections that are conducted over a website that is not secure and encrypted as specified by the Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act of 1996 Privacy & Security rules (for example, Skype)
- Prescription renewals
- Scheduling a test or appointment
- Clarification of issues from a previous visit
- Reporting test results
- Non-clinical communication
- Communication via telephone, email or fax
Use the same HCPC codes and modifiers that describe the IEP services being performed via telemedicine as you would if the service was being provided in person with the child at the same site.
Use 02 place of service code. See IEP manual for specific documentation and billing requirements.
SOURCE: MN Dept. of Human Svcs., Provider Manual, IEP Services, Revised 7/22/2021 (Accessed Mar. 2022).
Mental Health Services
Providers authorized to provide mental health services may conduct the same services via telemedicine, except:
- Children’s day treatment
- Partial hospitalization programs
- Mental health residential treatment services
- Case management services delivered to children
Providers should bill with the place of service code 02. Payment for telemedicine services is limited to three visits per calendar week per member.
SOURCE: MN Dept. of Human Svcs., Provider Manual, Telemedicine Delivery of Mental Health Services, Revised 10/19/18 Accessed Mar. 2022).
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services
Individual, non-residential treatment is the only substance use disorder service reimbursed when delivered via telemedicine.
Non-covered Services:
- Electronic connections that are not conducted over a secure encrypted web site as specified by the Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act of 1996 (e.g., Skype)
- Prescription renewals
- Scheduling a test or appointment
- Reporting test results
- Non-clinical communication
- Communication via telephone, email or facsimile
Limited to three telemedicine services per week per recipient. Payment is not available to providers for sending materials. See manual for documentation requirements. Use the GT modifier.
SOURCE: Substance Use Disorder Telemedicine, Oct. 19, 2017 (Accessed Mar. 2022).
Dental
MHCP allows payment for teledentistry services. Reimbursement for teledentistry is the same as face-to-face encounters. See list of codes, documentation and billing requirements in provider manual. A provider must self-attest to meet all the conditions of the MHCP telehealth policy by completing the Provider Assurance Statement for telehealth.
Covered Services (See manual for exact CDT codes):
- Periodic oral evaluation (with an established patient)
- Limited oral exam
- Oral evaluation for a patient under 3 years of age
- Comprehensive oral evaluation (new or established patient)
- Intraoral (complete series of radiographic images)
- Intraoral (periapical first radiographic image)
- Intraoral (periapical each additional radiographic image)
- Bitewing (single radiographic image)
- Bitewings (two radiographic images)
- Bitewings (four radiographic images)
- Intraoral—occlusal radiographic image
- Panoramic radiographic imaging
- Medical dental consultation
Limitations
- MHCP will pay for only one reading or interpretation of diagnostic tests such as X-rays, lab tests and diagnostic assessment.
- Payment is not available to providers for sending materials.
- Out-of-state coverage policy applies to services provided via teledentistry services
- Consultations performed by providers who are not located in Minnesota and contiguous counties require authorization prior to the service being provided.
SOURCE (Dental): MN Dept. of Human Svcs., Provider Manual, Dental Svcs. Mar. 14, 2022 (Accessed Mar. 2022).
Early Intensive Developmental and Behavioral Intervention (EIDBI) services
Telehealth is an option for Early Intensive Developmental and Behavioral Intervention (EIDBI) services. Use 02 place of service code.
Eligible services include:
- Comprehensive multi-disciplinary evaluation
- Coordinated care conference
- Family/caregiver training and counseling
- Individual treatment plan (ITP) development and progress monitoring
- Intervention- group or individual only (higher intensity intervention sessions cannot occur via telehealth)
- Observation and direction
EIDBI Benefits grid also lists adaptive behavioral treatment by protocol and group adaptive behavior treatment by protocol. See grid for more information.
SOURCE: MN Dept. of Human Svcs., EIDBI Services Benefits billing grid, Oct 2021 (Accessed Mar. 2022) & MN Dept. of Human Services, EIDBI Benefit Policy Manual, EIDBI Telehealth Services. Mar. 16, 2022. (Accessed Mar. 2022).
Medical assistance covers medically necessary EIDBI services and consultations delivered by a licensed health care provider via telehealth, in the same manner as if the service or consultation was delivered in person.
SOURCE: MN Statute Sec. 256B.0949, Subdivision. 13. As amended by HF 33 (2021 Session), some changes appear to be contingent upon federal approval. (Accessed Mar. 2022).
Rehabilitation Services
MHCP allows payment for some rehabilitation services through telehealth. Physical and occupational therapists, physical and occupational therapists assistants, speech-language pathologists and audiologists may use telehealth to deliver certain covered rehabilitation therapy services that they can appropriately deliver via telehealth. Service delivered by this method must meet all other rehabilitation therapy service requirements and providers must adhere to the same standards and ethics as they would if the service was provided face-to-face. Must use GT or GQ modifiers. Providers must self-attest that they meet all of the conditions of MHCP telehealth policy by completing the “Provider Assurance Statement for Telehealth”. When submitting claims for telehealth services, use place-of-service code 02 to certify that the services meets the telehealth requirements. The GQ modifier is required when billing for services via asynchronous telecommunication systems.
Limited to three sessions per week per member. Payment not available for sending materials to a recipient, other providers or other facilities. Payment is made only for one reading or interpretation of diagnostic tests such as x-rays, lab tests, and diagnostic assessments.
Noncovered services:
- Electronic connections that are not conducted over a secure encrypted website as specified by HIPAA
- Scheduling a test or appointment
- Clarification of issues from a previous visit
- Reporting test results
- Non-clinical communication
- Communication via telephone, email or fax
SOURCE: MN Dept. of Human Svcs., Provider Manual, Rehabilitation Svcs. Jan. 25, 2022 (Accessed Mar. 2022).
Medication Therapy Management Services (MTMS)
Under certain circumstances MTMS can be delivered via interactive video. See section on “eligible sites” for more information. To be eligible providers must submit a provider assurance statement, use equipment compliant with HIPAA (see manual for details) and use the GT modifier and 02 POS code.
Noncovered services:
- Encounters by telephone or by email
- Encounters in skilled nursing facilities
- Encounters for MTMS for dual-eligible members
MTMS services delivered by telehealth must meet all state and federal requirements for equipment, privacy and billing, including the following:
- Telehealth systems must be compliant with HIPAA privacy and security requirements and regulations.
- Billing providers must submit claims with the applicable MTMS codes and telehealth (telemedicine) identifiers to signify that the service was delivered by telehealth. Billing requirements for telehealth (telemedicine) services are described in the Physician and Professional Services section of the MHCP Provider Manual.
- Providers must submit the Telehealth Provider Assurance Statement (DHS-6806) (PDF) before billing for telehealth MTMS encounters.
SOURCE: MN Dept. of Human Svcs., Provider Manual, Medication Therapy Management Svcs. Nov. 3, 2021 (Accessed Mar. 2022).
Behavioral Health Home Services
If an individual accepts the offer for a face-to-face visit at six months, providers who are eligible to provide services via telemedicine may do so. Providers must have a valid telemedicine agreement in place with DHS and must comply with all MA telemedicine requirements for equipment, privacy and billing to serve individuals receiving BHH services through telemedicine. Refer to the following sections for requirements, billing and additional information:
SOURCE: MN Department of Human Services, Behavioral Health Home Services, Feb. 23, 2022. (Accessed Mar. 2022).
Targeted Case Management
For adult MH-TCM, interactive video may be used instead of a face-to-face contact if the client resides in a hospital, nursing facility, residential mental health facility or an intermediate care facility for persons with developmental disabilities. The use of interactive video may substitute for no more than 50 percent of the required face-to-face contacts.
SOURCE: MN Dept. of Human Services, Adult Mental Health Targeted Case Management and Children’s Mental Health Targeted Case Management, Oct. 29. 2021 (Accessed Mar. 2022).
ELIGIBLE PROVIDERS
Distant site
Site at which the health care provider is located while providing health care services or consultations by means of telehealth, which can include the provider’s home.
MHCP covers medically necessary services and consultations delivered by a health care provider through telehealth. A health care provider means a health care professional who is licensed or registered by the state to perform health care services within the provider’s scope of practice according to state law. A provider must self-attest that they meet all the conditions of the MHCP telehealth policy by completing and submitting the Telehealth Provider Assurance Statement to be eligible for reimbursement.
SOURCE: MN Dept. of Human Services, Telehealth Services Manual, Mar. 11, 2022. (Accessed Mar. 2022).
Providers must self-attest that they meet all of the conditions of the MHCP telehealth policy by completing and submitting the Telehealth Provider Assurance Statement (DHS-6806) (PDF) to be eligible for reimbursement. The following provider types are eligible to provide telehealth services:
- Physician
- Nurse practitioner
- Physician assistant
- Nurse midwife
- Clinical nurse specialist
- Registered dietitian or nutrition professional
- Dentist, dental hygienist, dental therapist, advanced dental therapist
- Mental health professional, when following the requirements and service limitations listed in the Telemedicine Delivery of Mental Health Services section.
- Pharmacist
- Certified genetic counselor
- Podiatrist
- Speech therapist
- Physical therapist
- Occupational therapist
- Audiolgist
SOURCE: MN Dept. of Human Services, Provider Manual, Physician and Professional Services (Telehealth), As revised Mar. 16, 2022, (Accessed Mar. 2022).
Medical assistance covers medically necessary services and consultations delivered by a licensed health care provider via telehealth, which includes a health care provider as defined under section 62A.673, a community paramedic as defined under section 144E.001, subdivision 5f, a community health worker who meets the criteria under subdivision 49, paragraph (a), a mental health certified peer specialist under section 256B.0615, subdivision 5, a mental health certified family peer specialist under section 256B.0616, subdivision 5, a mental health rehabilitation worker under section 256B.0623, subdivision 5, paragraph (a), clause (4), and paragraph (b), a mental health behavioral aide under section 256B.0943, subdivision 7, paragraph (b), clause (3), a treatment coordinator under section 245G.11, subdivision 7, an alcohol and drug counselor under section 245G.11, subdivision 5, a recovery peer under section 245G.11, subdivision 8.
Telehealth visits may be used to satisfy the face-to-face requirement for reimbursement under the payment methods that apply to a federally qualified health center, rural health clinic, Indian health service, 638 tribal clinic, and certified community behavioral health clinic, if the service would have otherwise qualified for payment if performed in person.
SOURCE: MN Statute Sec. 256B.0625, Subd. 3b(d) & (f)(2). As amended by HF 33 (2021 Session), some changes appear to be contingent upon federal approval. (Accessed Jan. 2022).
Individualized Education Program (IEP)
Eligible providers include the following:
- Charter schools
- Education districts
- Intermediate districts
- Public school districts
- Tribal schools (schools that receive funding from the Bureau of Indian Affairs-BIA)
- Service cooperatives
- Special education cooperatives
- State academies
SOURCE: MN Dept. of Human Svcs., Provider Manual, IEP Services, Revised July 22, 2021. (Accessed Mar. 2022).
Early Intensive Developmental and Behavioral Intervention (EIDBI) services
Eligible providers include health care professionals who are licensed or registered by the state to perform health care services within the provider’s scope of practice and in accordance with state law.
Eligible providers are defined as:
- Mental health professionals (as defined under Minn. Stat. §245.462, subd. 18 or Minn. Stat. §245.4871, subd. 27)
- Mental health practitioners (as defined by Minn. Stat. §245.462, subd. 17 or Minn. Stat. §245.4871, subd. 26) working under the general supervision of a mental health professional.
A comprehensive multi-disciplinary evaluation provider, qualified supervising professional, (Level I or Level II) EIDBI provider may apply to provide EIDBI services via telehealth.
SOURCE: MN Dept. of Human Services, EIDBI Benefit Policy Manual, EIDBI Telehealth Services. Mar. 16, 2022. (Accessed Mar. 2022).
Mental Health Services
All providers eligible to deliver mental health services may deliver the same services via telemedicine. See manual for specific requirements a provider must follow when delivering services via telemedicine. The following services may not be conducted via telemedicine:
- Children’s day treatment
- Partial hospitalization programs
- Mental health residential treatment services
- Case Management services delivered to children
SOURCE: MN Dept. of Human Svcs., Provider Manual, Telemedicine Delivery of Mental Health Services, Revised 10/19/18 (Accessed Mar. 2022).
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services
All providers eligible to deliver the same services they are authorized to provide via telemedicine as long as they self-attest to meeting all of the conditions of the MHCP telemedicine policy by completing the Provider Assurance Statement for Telemedicine.
SOURCE: MN Dept. of Human Svcs., Provider Manual, Substance Use Disorder Telemedicine, Oct. 19, 2017 (Accessed Mar. 2022).
Rehabilitation Services
Eligible providers:
- Speech-language pathologists
- Physical therapists
- Physical therapist assistants
- Occupational therapists
- Occupational therapy assistants
- Audiologists
Physical therapist assistants and occupational therapy assistants providing services via telemedicine must follow the same supervision policy as indicated in “Rehabilitation Service Practitioners”. There are no specific authorized distant sites or restrictions. Providers must self-attest that they meet all of the conditions of MHCP telemedicine policy by completing the “Provider Assurance Statement for Telemedicine”. See manual for documentation requirements. When submitting claims for telemedicine services, use place-of-service code 02 to certify that the services meets the telemedicine requirements. The GQ modifier is required when billing for services via asynchronous telecommunication systems.
SOURCE: MN Dept. of Human Svcs., Provider Manual, Rehabilitation Svcs. Jan. 25, 2022. (Accessed Mar. 2022).
Dental
Eligible providers
- Dentist
- Advanced dental therapists
- Dental therapists
- Dental hygienists
- Licensed dental assistants
- Other licensed health care professionals
SOURCE: MN Dept. of Human Svcs., Provider Manual, Dental Svcs. Mar. 14, 2022. (Accessed Mar. 2022).
ELIGIBLE SITES
Originating site
The site at which the member is located at the time health care services are provided to them by means of telehealth, which can include the member’s home.
SOURCE: MN Dept. of Human Services, Telehealth Services Manual, Mar. 11, 2022. (Accessed Mar. 2022).
Individualized Education Program (IEP)
Eligible originating sites, the location of the child or youth at the time the service is provided. Document in the child’s health record:
SOURCE: MN Dept. of Human Svcs., Provider Manual, Individualized Education Program, July 22, 2021 (Accessed Mar. 2022).
Medication Therapy Management Services (MTMS)
Medication therapy management services include the following:
- Face-to-face or telehealth encounters done in any of the following:
- Ambulatory care outpatient setting
- Clinics
- Pharmacies
- Member’s home or place of residence if the member does not reside in a skilled nursing facility
See manual for privacy, equipment and reimbursement requirements.
SOURCE: MN Dept. of Human Svcs., Provider Manual, Medication Therapy Management Svcs. Nov. 3, 2021 (Accessed Mar. 2022).
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services
Eligible originating sites:
- Substance abuse disorder treatment facility (residential or outpatient)
- Office of physician or practitioner
- Hospital (inpatient or outpatient)
- Withdrawal management facility
- Drug court office
- Correctional facility-based office (including jails)
- School
- Community mental health center (CCBHC)
- Residential facility such as a group home and assisted living
- Home (a licensed or certified health care provider may need to be present to facilitate the delivery of telemedicine services provided in a private home)
SOURCE: MN Dept. of Human Svcs., Provider Manual, Substance Use Disorder Telemedicine, Oct. 19, 2017 (Accessed Mar. 2022).
Dental
Affiliate practice or originator within Minnesota Board of Dentistry defined scope of practice must be present at originating site.
SOURCE: MN Dept. of Human Svcs., Provider Manual, Dental Svcs. Mar. 14, 2022. (Accessed Mar. 2022).
Rehabilitation Services
Eligible originating sites:
- Office of physician or practitioner
- Hospital (inpatient or outpatient)
- Critical access hospital (CAH)
- Rural health clinic (RHC) and Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC)
- Hospital-based or CAH-based renal dialysis center (including satellites)
- Skilled nursing facility (SNF)
- End-stage renal disease (ESRD) facilities
- Community mental health center
- Dental clinic
- Residential facilities, such as a group home and assisted living
- Home (a licensed or certified health care provider may need to be present to facilitate the delivery of telemedicine services provided in a private home)
- School
SOURCE: MN Dept. of Human Svcs., Provider Manual, Rehabilitation Svcs. Jan. 25, 2022. (Accessed Mar. 2022).
Tribal Facilities
Outpatient telemedicine services provided through tribal facilities may be paid at the IHS encounter ate or applicable fee-for-service rate. An encounter for a tribal or IHS facility means a face-to-face visit between a member eligible for MA and any health professional at or through an IHS or tribal service location for the provision of MA covered services within a 24-hour period ending at midnight.
SOURCE: MN Dept. of Human Svcs., Provider Manual, Tribal and Federal Indian Health Svcs., September 9, 2021 (Accessed Mar. 2022).
GEOGRAPHIC LIMITS
No reference found.
FACILITY/TRANSMISSION FEE
Early Intensive Developmental and Behavioral Intervention (EIDBI) services
MHCP does not reimburse for connection charges or origination, set-up or site fees.
SOURCE: MN Dept. of Human Services, EIDBI Benefit Policy Manual, EIDBI Telemedicine Services. Mar. 16, 2022. (Accessed Mar. 2022).
MHCP does not pay an originating site facility fee.
SOURCE: MN Dept. of Human Services, Physician and Professional Services (Telehealth), Mar. 16, 2022. (Accessed Mar. 2022).
Last updated 03/28/2022
Miscellaneous
Providers who have a Telehealth Provider Assurance Statement (DHS-6806) (PDF) and TD specialty code on their provider file should continue to submit claims for telehealth services using the CPT or HCPCS code that describes the services rendered with POS 02 for traditional telehealth and audio-only services. Include the GQ modifier when billing for services provided via asynchronous telecommunication.
Providers who currently have a Telephonic Telemedicine Provider Assurance Statement (DHS-6806A) on their provider file should submit Telehealth Provider Assurance Statement (DHS-6806) (PDF) to transfer to the current form. MHCP will continue to reimburse claims for providers who only have submitted the Telephonic Telemedicine Provider Assurance Statement DHS-6806A through May 31, 2022. With the 6806A, do not bill place of service 02. Continue to bill as usual (the same way as services delivered in person) and use modifier 95 to indicate you provided the service via audio only (telephonic). Note that MHCP will not reimburse claims for providers who have not submitted DHS-6806 after May 31, 2022. See changes after May 31, 2022 in the Coronavirus (COVID-19) MHCP manual page.
SOURCE: MN Dept. of Human Services, Physician and Professional Services (Telehealth), Mar. 16, 2022. (Accessed Mar. 2022).
Providers must have documentation of services provided and must have followed all clinical standards to bill for telehealth or telephonic telehealth.
As a condition of payment, a licensed health care provider must document each occurrence of a health service delivered through telehealth to a medical assistance enrollee. Health care service records for services delivered through telehealth must meet certain requirements. See manual for list of full requirements.
SOURCE: MN Dept. of Human Services, Provider Manual, Physician and Professional Services (Telehealth), As revised Mar. 16, 2022, (Accessed Mar. 2022).
Clinical Supervision of Outpatient Mental Health Services
Clinical supervision must be conducted by a qualified supervisor using individual or group (or both) supervision. Individual or group face-to-face supervision may be conducted via electronic communications that utilize interactive telecommunications equipment that includes at a minimum audio and video equipment for two-way, real-time, interactive communication between the supervisor and supervisee, and meet the equipment and connection standards of telemedicine.
SOURCE: MN Dept. of Human Services, Provider Manual, Clinical Supervision of Outpatient Mental Health Services, 8/4/2016, (Accessed Mar. 2022).
Early Intensive Developmental and Behavioral Intervention (EIDBI) services
Services must be:
- Compliant with HIPAA and security requirements and regulation
- Compliant with industry interoperable standards (i.e., ability for systems and organizations to share data and information)
- Medically appropriate to the condition and needs of the person and/or family.
SOURCE: MN Dept. of Human Services, EIDBI Benefit Policy Manual, EIDBI Telehealth Services. Mar. 16, 2022. (Accessed Mar. 2022).
Commissioner of Human Services: Extension of COVID-19 Human Services Program Modifications
When the peacetime emergency declared by the governor in response to the COVID-19 outbreak expires, is terminated, or is rescinded by the proper authority, the following modifications issued by the commissioner of human services pursuant to Executive Orders 20-11 and 20-12, and including any amendments to the modification issued before the peacetime emergency expires, shall remain in effect until July 1, 2023:
- CV16: expanding access to telemedicine services for Children’s Health Insurance Program, Medical Assistance, and MinnesotaCare enrollees; and
- CV21: allowing telemedicine alternative for school-linked mental health services and intermediate school district mental health services.
Study of Telehealth Expansion and Payment Parity
The commissioner of health, in consultation with the commissioners of human services and commerce, shall study the impact of telehealth expansion and payment parity under this article on the coverage and provision of health care services under public health care programs.
The study must review and make a number of recommendations relating to specified issues such as payment parity and audio-only policy impacts. A preliminary report is due by January 15, 2023 and should include whether audio-only communication should be allowed as a telehealth option beyond June 30, 2023. The commissioners shall present a final report to the chairs and ranking minority members of these specified legislative committees by January 15, 2024.
SOURCE: HF 33, Sec. 26 (2021 Session). (Accessed Mar. 2022).
Last updated 03/28/2022
Store and Forward
POLICY
“Telehealth” means the delivery of health care services or consultations through the use of real time two-way interactive audio and visual communication to provide or support health care delivery and facilitate the assessment, diagnosis, consultation, treatment, education, and care management of a patient’s health care. Telehealth includes the application of secure video conferencing, store-and-forward technology, and synchronous interactions between a patient located at an originating site and a health care provider located at a distant site. Telehealth does not include communication between health care providers, or between a health care provider and a patient that consists solely of an audio-only communication, e-mail, or facsimile transmission.
SOURCE: MN Statute Sec. 256B.0625 Subd. 3b(f)(1). As amended by HF 33 (2021 Session). (Accessed Mar. 2022).
MHCP allows payment for store-and-forward.
“Store and Forward”: The asynchronous transmission of medical information to be reviewed at a later time by a physician or practitioner at the distant site. Medical information may include, but is not limited to, video clips, still images, x-rays, MRIs, EKGs, laboratory results, audio clips and text. The physician at the distant site reviews the case without the patient being present. Store and forward substitutes for an interactive encounter with the patient present; the patient is not present in real-time.
Providers must use the place of service code 02.
Eligible providers:
- Physician
- Nurse practitioner
- Physician assistant
- Nurse midwife
- Clinical nurse specialist
- Registered dietitian or nutrition professional
- Dentist, dental hygienist, dental therapist, advanced dental therapist
- Mental health professional, when following requirements and service limitations
- Pharmacist
- Certified genetic counselor
- Podiatrist
- Speech therapist
- physical Therapist
- Occupational therapist
- Audiologist
SOURCE: MN Dept. of Human Services, Provider Manual, Physician and Professional Services (Telehealth), As revised Mar. 16, 2022. (Accessed Mar. 2022).
ELIGIBLE SERVICES/SPECIALTIES
See Live Video Eligible Services section for examples of eligible telemedicine services as well as noncovered services.
In addition to other requirements, refer to the following general telehealth information:
Rehabilitation Services
MHCP allows payment for expanded telehealth services, including some rehabilitation services that are normally conducted face-to-face. Physical and occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists and audiologists may use telehealth to deliver certain covered rehabilitation therapy services that they can appropriately deliver via telehealth. Service delivered by this method must meet all other rehabilitation therapy service requirements and providers must adhere to the same standards and ethics as they would if the service was provided face-to-face. When submitting claims for telehealth services, use place-of-service code 02 to certify that the services meets the telehealth requirements. The GQ modifier is required when billing for services via asynchronous telecommunication systems. Providers must self-attest that they meet all of the conditions of MHCP telehealth policy by completing the “Provider Assurance Statement for Telehealth”.
Limited to three sessions per week per recipient. Payment not available for sending materials to a recipient, other providers or other facilities.
MHCP allows payment for the following services:
“Store and Forward”: Transmission of medical information in a way that it is stored to be reviewed later by a physician or practitioner at the distant site (known as asynchronous transmission). Medical information may include, but is not limited to, video clips, still images, x-rays, MRIs, EKGs, laboratory results, audio clips and text. The physician at the distant site reviews the case without the patient being present. “Store and forward” services substitute for an interactive encounter with the patient present; the patient is not present in real-time.
Noncovered services:
- Electronic connections that are not conducted over a secure encrypted website as specified by HIPAA
- Scheduling a test or appointment
- Clarification of issues from a previous visit
- Reporting test results
- Non-clinical communication
- Communication via telephone, email or fax
Eligible providers:
- Speech-language pathologists
- Physical therapists
- Physical therapist assistants
- Occupational therapists
- Occupational therapy assistants
- Audiologists
Physical therapist assistants and occupational therapy assistants providing services via telemedicine must follow the same supervision policy as indicated in “Rehabilitation Service Practitioners”. There are no specific authorized distant sites or restrictions, but providers must ensure a secure transmission that meets HIPAA requirements. See manual for documentation requirements.
SOURCE: MN Dept. of Human Svcs., Provider Manual, Rehabilitation Svcs. Jan. 25, 2022 (Accessed Mar. 2022).
Store-and-Forward Telemedicine for IEP Services
MHCP will allow Minnesota public schools enrolled to provide Individualized Education Program (IEP) services and also approved to provide telemedicine services, to use store-and-forward telemedicine when a child is distance learning at home for the following services:
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech language therapy
Store-and-forward telemedicine is asynchronous, non-real-time communications. Service providers and members transfer data from one site to another via camera or similar device that records (stores) an image and forwards it by telecommunications to another site for consultation. It can be used to support health care delivery, including sending and receiving health-related instructions, activities or tasks that are identified in the child’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) that are necessary to maintain, restore or improve functions related to the child’s disability. Real-time, two-way interactive video with the school professional and child or parent must accompany the store-and-forward telemedicine component.
Use the store-and-forward method only when a child is distance learning at home. When a child is attending school in person, the school must provide IEP services either in person, or via two-way, interactive video conference.
IEP nursing services, special transportation, assistive technology and personal care assistance (PCA) services are not eligible for store-and-forward telemedicine.
SOURCE: MN Dept. of Human Svcs., Provider Manual, IEP Services, As revised July 22, 2021 (Accessed Mar. 2022).
GEOGRAPHIC LIMITS
Dental
Affiliate practice or originator within Minnesota Board of Dentistry defined scope of practice must be present at originating site:
- Dentist
- Advanced dental therapists
- Dental therapists
- Dental hygienists
- Licensed dental assistants
- Other licensed health care professionals
Consultations performed by providers who are not located in Minnesota and contiguous counties require authorization prior to the service being provided.
SOURCE: MN Dept. of Human Svcs., Provider Manual, Dental Svcs. Mar. 14, 2022 (Accessed Mar. 2022).
Rehabilitation Services
Eligible originating sites:
- Office of physician or practitioner
- Hospital (inpatient or outpatient)
- Critical access hospital (CAH)
- Rural health clinic (RHC) and Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC)
- Hospital-based or CAH-based renal dialysis center (including satellites)
- Skilled nursing facility (SNF)
- End-stage renal disease (ESRD) facilities
- Community mental health center
- Dental clinic
- Residential facilities, such as a group home and assisted living
- Home (a licensed or certified health care provider may need to be present to facilitate the delivery of telemedicine services provided in a private home)
- School
SOURCE: MN Dept. of Human Svcs., Provider Manual, Rehabilitation Svcs. Jan. 25, 2022 (Accessed Mar. 2022).
TRANSMISSION FEE
MHCP does not pay an originating site facility fee. Services billed on an outpatient claim with the GQ modifier will zero pay.
SOURCE: MN Dept. of Human Services, Physician and Professional Services (Telehealth), Mar. 16, 2022. (Accessed Mar. 2022).
