Definitions

Interactive telecommunications system means multimedia communications equipment that includes, at a minimum, audio and video equipment permitting two-way, real-time interactive communication between the patient and distant site physician or practitioner. Telephones, facsimile machines, and electronic mail systems do not meet the definition of an interactive telecommunications system.

For the duration of the Public Health Emergency as defined in § 400.200 of this chapter, Interactive telecommunications system means multimedia communications equipment that includes, at a minimum, audio and video equipment permitting two-way, real-time interactive communication between the patient and distant site physician or practitioner.

SOURCE: 42 CFR Sec. 410.78 (Accessed Oct. 2021).

Telehealth services:  You must use an interactive audio and video telecommunications system that permits real-time communication between you at the distant site, and the beneficiary at the originating site.

SOURCE:  Medicare Learning Network Factsheet. Telehealth Services, p.4, June 2021, (Accessed Oct. 2021).

There is no explicit definition of “telemedicine” given in state Medicaid policy. However, the provider manual states, “Services must be administered via an interactive audio and video telecommunications system which permits two-way communication between the distant site physician and the origination site where the recipient is located (this does not include a telephone conversation, electronic mail message, or facsimile transmission between the physician, recipient, or a consultation between two physicians).”

SOURCE: AL Medicaid Management Information System Provider Manual, Physician Services (28, p.17). July. 2021. (Accessed Sept. 2021).

Alabama Medicaid reimburses for live video for certain services and under certain circumstances.

SOURCE: AL Medicaid Management Information System Provider Manual, Physician Services (28-17). July. 2021.  & AL Admin. Code r. 560-X-6-.14(f)(5). (Accessed Sept. 2021)

“Alaska Medicaid will pay for telemedicine services delivered in the following manner:

• Interactive method: Provider and patient interact in ‘real-time’ using video/camera and/or dedicated audio conference equipment.
• Store-and-forward method: The provider sends digital images, sounds, or previously recorded video to a consulting provider at a different location. The consulting provider reviews the information and reports back his or her analysis.
• Self-monitoring method: The patient is monitored in his or her home via a telemedicine application, with the provider indirectly involved from another location.”

SOURCE: State of AK Dept. of Health and Social Svcs., Alaska Medical Assistance Provider Billing Manuals for Community Behavioral Health Services; Mental Health Physician Clinic (1/2/2019); Physician Services (5/13) (Accessed Oct. 2021).

The department will pay a provider for a telemedicine application if the provider provided the medical services through one of the following methods of delivery in the specified manner:

• Live or interactive: the service must be provided through the use of camera, video, or dedicated audio conference equipment on a real-time basis; medical services provided by a telephone that is not a part of a dedicated audio conference system or by a facsimile machine are not eligible for payment under this paragraph
• Store-and-forward: the service must be provided through the transference of digital images, sounds, or previously recorded video from one location to another to allow a consulting provider to obtain information, analyze it, and report back to the referring provider
• Self-monitoring or testing: the services must be provided by a telemedicine application based in the recipient’s home, with the provider only indirectly involved in the provision of the service.

SOURCE: AK Admin. Code, Title 7, 110.625 & Alaska Medicaid Policy Clarification: Medicaid Telehealth Coverage. May 8, 2020. (Accessed Oct. 2021).

“Telemedicine means the practice of health care delivery, evaluation, diagnosis, consultation, or treatment, using the transfer of medical data through audio, video, or data communications that are performed over two or more locations between providers who are physically separated from the recipient or from each other.”

SOURCE: AK Admin. Code, Title 7, 12.449 & Sec. 110.639 & Alaska Medicaid Policy Clarification: Medicaid Telehealth Coverage. May 8, 2020. (Accessed Oct. 2021).

Telehealth means services delivered via:

• Asynchronous (store and forward);
• Remote patient monitoring;
• Teledentistry; or
• Telemedicine (real-time interactive audio-video)

Teledentistry is “the acquisition and transmission of all necessary subjective and objective diagnostic data through interactive audio, video or data communications by an AHCCCS registered dental provider to a dentist at a distant site for triage, dental treatment planning, and referral.”

Telemedicine is “the practice of synchronous (real-time) health care delivery, diagnosis, consultation and treatment and the transfer of medical data through interactive audio, video or data communications that occur in the physical presence of the patient.

SOURCE: AZ Health Care Cost Containment System, AHCCCS Fee-For-Service Provider Billing Manual, Ch. 10: Individual Practitioner Services, (10/48), (07/12/2021) & IHS/Tribal Provider Billing Manual, (8/49), (7/12/2021). (Accessed Sept. 2021).

Teledentistry is “the acquisition and transmission of all necessary subjective and objective diagnostic data through interactive audio, video or data communications by an AHCCCS registered dental provider to a dentist at a distant site for triage, dental treatment planning, and referral.

Telemedicine is “the practice of synchronous (real-time) health care delivery, diagnosis, consultation, and treatment and the transfer of medical data through interactive audio and video communications that occur in the physical presence of the patient.”

Telehealth is “healthcare services delivered via asynchronous (store-and-forward), remote patient monitoring, teledentistry, or telemedicine (interactive audio and video).

SOURCE: AZ Health Care Cost Containment System, AHCCCS Medical Policy for AHCCCS Covered Services, Ch. 300, (320-I pg. 1-2). Oct. 2019. (Accessed Sept. 2021).

Telehealth is the use of digital technology, like computers, telephones, smartphones, and tablets, to access health care services remotely.

SOURCE: AZ Health Care Cost Containment System. Telehealth Services, (Accessed Sept. 2021).

Telemedicine is defined as the use of electronic information and communication technology to deliver healthcare services including without limitation, the assessment, diagnosis, consultation, treatment, education, care management, and self-management of a patient. Telemedicine includes store-and-forward technology and remote patient monitoring.

SOURCE: AR Medicaid Provider Manual. Section I General Policy.  Rule 105.190.  Updated Aug. 1, 2018  (Accessed Oct. 2021)  & Section III Billing Documentation.  Rule 305.000.  Updated Aug. 1, 2018 & PASSE Program (3/1/19) & AR Admin. Rule 016.06.18. (Accessed Oct. 2021)

Provider-Led Arkansas Shared Savings Entity (PASSE) Program

The following activities will not be considered a reportable encounter when delivered to a member of the PASSE:

• Audio-only communication including without-limitation, interactive audio;
• A facsimile machine;
• Text messaging; or
• Electronic mail systems

Virtual services are telemedicine, telehealth, e-consulting, and provider home visits that are part of a patient care treatment plan and are provided at the individual’s home or in a community setting. These services are provided using mobile secure telecommunication devices, electronic monitoring equipment, and include clinical provider care, behavioral health therapies, speech, occupational and physical therapy services, and treatment provided to an individual at their residence.

SOURCE: PASSE Program, Sec. II, p. 8-9, (3/1/19).  (Accessed Oct. 2021).

Rural Health Centers

Arkansas Medicaid defines telemedicine services as medical services performed as electronic transactions in real time.

SOURCE: AR Medicaid Provider Manual. Section II Rural Health.  Rule 211.300. , p. 6, Updated Oct. 13, 2003. (Accessed Oct. 2021).

Telemedicine means the use of electronic information and communication technology to deliver healthcare services, including without limitation the assessment, diagnosis, consultation, treatment, education, care management and self-management of a patient.  Telemedicine includes store-and-forward and remote patient monitoring. Telemedicine does not include the use of audio-only communication including without limitation interactive audio; a facsimile machine; text messaging; or electronic mail systems.

SOURCE: AR Code 23-79-1601(7). (Accessed Oct. 2021).

“Telehealth” means the mode of delivering health care services and public health via information and communication technologies to facilitate the diagnosis, consultation, treatment, education, care management and self-management of a patient’s health care.  Telehealth facilitates patient self-management and caregiver support for patients and includes synchronous interactions and asynchronous store-and-forward transfers.

SOURCE: CA Department of Health Care Services.  Medi-Cal Part 2 General Medicine Manual. Telehealth (Aug. 2020). Pg. 1. (Accessed Aug. 2021).

Telemedicine is not a unique service, but a means of providing services approved by Health First Colorado through live interactive audio and video telecommunications equipment.

SOURCE: CO Department of Health Care Policy and Financing.  “Telemedicine Billing Manual,” 4/21 (Accessed Aug. 2021).  

Telemedicine is the delivery of medical services and any diagnosis, consultation, treatment, transfer of medical data or education related to health care services using interactive audio or interactive video communication instead of in-person contact.

SOURCE: “Telemedicine – Provider Information”, CO Department of Health Care Policy and Financing & Colorado Adopted Rule 8.200.3.B  (Accessed Aug. 2021). 

Telehealth remote monitoring services include the installation and on-going remote monitoring of clinical data through technologic equipment in order to detect minute changes in the client’s clinical status that will allow Home Health agencies to intercede before a chronic illness exacerbates requiring emergency intervention or inpatient hospitalization.

SOURCE: CO Medical Assistance Program, Home Health Billing Manual, (4/21), (Accessed Aug. 2021). 

Telehealth allows for the monitoring of a member’s health status remotely via equipment, which transmits data from the member’s home to the member’s home health agency. The purpose of providing telehealth services is to assist in the effective management and monitoring of members whose medical needs can be appropriately and cost-effectively met at home through the frequent monitoring of data and early intervention.

SOURCE: CO Department of Health Care Policy and Financing.  “Home Health Telehealth”.  (Accessed Aug. 2021).

Effective Now Until June 30, 2023

“Telehealth” means the mode of delivering health care or other health services via information and communication technologies to facilitate the diagnosis, consultation and treatment, education, care management and self-management of a patient’s physical, oral and mental health, and includes interaction between the patient at the originating site and the telehealth provider at a distant site, synchronous interactions, asynchronous store and forward transfers or remote patient monitoring, but does not include interaction through (A) facsimile, texting or electronic mail, or (B) audio-only telephone unless the telehealth provider is (i) in-network, or (ii) a provider enrolled in the Connecticut medical assistance program providing such health care or other health services to a Connecticut medical assistance program recipient.

SOURCE: HB 5596 (2021 Session) (Accessed June 2021).

Permanent Statute

“Telehealth” means the mode of delivering health care or other health services via information and communication technologies to facilitate the diagnosis, consultation and treatment, education, care management and self-management of a patient’s physical and mental health, and includes (A) interaction between the patient at the originating site and the telehealth provider at a distant site, and (B) synchronous interactions, asynchronous store-and-forward transfers or remote patient monitoring. Telehealth does not include the use of facsimile, audio-only telephone, texting or electronic mail.

SOURCE: CT General Statute 19a, Sec. 906.  (Accessed June 2021).

Synchronized telemedicine is defined as an audio and video telecommunication system with real-time communication between the patient and practitioner.

SOURCE: CT Policy – Provider Bulletin 2020-09. March 2020, (Accessed June 2021).

Definition for Telemedicine Demonstration Program for FQHCs: “Telemedicine means the use of interactive audio, interactive video or interactive data communication in the delivery of medical advice, diagnosis, care or treatment and includes services described in subsection (d) of section 20-9 and 42 CFR 410.78(a)(3). Telemedicine does not include the use of facsimile or audio-only telephone.”

SOURCE: CT General Statute 17b, Sec. 245c. (Accessed June 2021).

READ LESS

Telemedicine is a cost-effective alternate to face-to-face encounters where access to care is compromised due to the lack of available service providers in the patient’s geographical location.  This definition is modeled on Medicare’s definition for telehealth services located at 42 CFR Sec. 410.78.  Note that the Federal Medicaid statute does not recognize telemedicine as a distinct service.

For purposes of DMAP, telemedicine is the use of medical or behavioral health information exchanged from one site to another site via an electronic interactive (two-way, real time) telecommunications system to improve a patient’s health.

SOURCE:  DE Medical Assistance Program.  Practitioner Provider Specific Manual, 5/20/21. Ch. 16 Telemedicine, 16.1 & 16.2 (Accessed July 2021).

“Telemedicine is the use of medical or behavioral health information exchanged from one site to another via an electronic interactive telecommunications system to improve a patient’s health. Telemedicine services are provided with specialized equipment at each site including real-time streaming via the use of:

• Video Camera
• Audio Equipment
• Monitor
• The telecommunications must permit real-time encryption of the interactive audio and video exchanges with the consulting provider.”

SOURCE: DE Medical Assistance Program. Adult Behavioral Health Service Certification and Reimbursement.  Dec. 14, 2016.  Sec. 1.8. (Accessed July 2021).

“Telehealth” means the delivery of healthcare services through the use of interactive audio, video, or other electronic media used for the purpose of diagnosis, consultation, or treatment; provided, that services delivered through email messages or facsimile transmissions are not included.

SOURCE; DC Code Sec. 31-3861 & Department of Health Care Finance – Telemedicine Provider Guidance, July 30, 2021, pg. 1 & Physicians Billing Manual.  DC Medicaid.  (Mar. 1, 2021) Sec. 15.9, P. 65 (Accessed Aug. 2021).

For the purposes of coverage by the Department of Health Care Finance (DHCF), telehealth and telemedicine shall be deemed synonymous.

SOURCE: Department of Health Care Finance – Telemedicine Provider Guidance, July 30, 2021, pg. 1 & Physicians Billing Manual.  DC Medicaid.  (Mar. 1, 2021) Sec. 15.9, P. 65 (Accessed Aug. 2021).

Telemedicine is a service delivery model that delivers healthcare services through a two-way, real time interactive video-audio communication for the purpose of evaluation, diagnosis, consultation, or treatment.

SOURCE: DC Municipal Regulation. Title 29, Ch. 9, Sec. 910.2. (Accessed Aug.. 2021) & Physicians Billing Manual.  DC Medicaid.  (Mar. 18, 2021) Sec. 15.9.1. P. 65, & Department of Health Care Finance – Telemedicine Provider Guidance, July 30, 2021, pg. 2, (Accessed Aug. 2021).

Telemedicine is “the use of telecommunication and information technology to provide clinical care to individuals at a distance, and to transmit the information needed to provide that care.”

SOURCE: FL Dept. of Health, Child Protection Team Program, Program Handbook, p.65 (Jun. 28, 2019).  (Accessed July 2021).

Telemedicine – The practice of health care delivery by a practitioner who is located at a site other than the site where a recipient is located for the purposes of evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment.

SOURCE: FL Admin Code 59G-1.057. (Accessed July 2021).

Telemedicine is the use of medical information exchange from one site to another via electronic communications to improve patient’s health status. It is the use of two-way, real time interactive communication equipment to exchange the patient information from one site to another via an electronic communication system. This includes audio and video communications equipment.

Closely associated with telemedicine is the term “telehealth,” which is often used to encompass a broader definition of remote healthcare that does not always involve clinical services. Telehealth is the use of telecommunications technologies for clinical care (telemedicine), patient teachings and home health, health professional education (distance learning), administrative and program planning, and other diverse aspects of a health care delivery system.

SOURCE: GA Dept. of Community Health, Physician Services Manual, p. R-1 (Oct. 2021). (Accessed Oct. 2021).

Telehealth is a broad definition of remote healthcare that does not always involve clinical services. Telehealth can be used in telecommunications technologies for patient education, home health, professional health education and training, administrative and program planning, and other diverse aspects of a health care delivery system.

Telehealth involves the use of two-way, real time interactive communication equipment to exchange medical/clinical information between a healthcare practitioner and the member from one site to another via a secure electronic communication system. This includes audio and video communications equipment designed to facilitate delivery of healthcare services in a face-to-face interactive, though distant, engagement.

TeleMental Health is a term defined by Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 135-11-01. and is applicable only to Licensed Social Workers, Professional Counselors and Marriage & Family Therapists when either 1) practicing telehealth as defined above, or 2) providing telephonic intervention when allowable via DCH/DBHDD guidelines). Per this rule and regulation, there are specific practice guidelines and mandatory training pertaining to what is identified as TeleMental Health. Providers shall adhere to these rules and regulations when TeleMental Health is provided by one of these named practitioners.

SOURCE: GA Dept. of Community Health, GA Medicaid Telehealth Guidance Handbook, p. 6, (Oct. 2021). (Accessed Oct. 2021).

“Telehealth” means the use of telecommunications services, as defined in section 269‑1, to encompass four modalities:  store-and-forward technologies, remote monitoring, live consultation, and mobile health; and which shall include but not be limited to real-time video conferencing-based communication, secure interactive and non‑interactive web-based communication, and secure asynchronous information exchange, to transmit patient medical information, including diagnostic-quality digital images and laboratory results for medical interpretation and diagnosis, for the purpose of delivering enhanced health care services and information while a patient is at an originating site and the health care provider is at a distant site.  Standard telephone contacts, facsimile transmissions, or e-mail text, in combination or by itself, does not constitute a telehealth service for the purposes of this section.”

SOURCE: HI Revised Statutes § 346-59.1(g). (Accessed Sept. 2021).

Dentistry

“Telehealth” means the use of telecommunication services to transmit patient health information for interpretation and diagnosis while a patient is at an originating site and the health care provider is at a distant site. It is an enabling technology intended to facilitate access for patients who would otherwise not receive services without the provider being physically present. “Teledentistry” is a form of telehealth.

SOURCE: HI Med-QUEST Medicaid Provider Manual: Dental, pg. 80 (Jan. 2021) & MedQuest Memo, Reimbursement for Procedures Related to FFS Teledentistry Services, No. 19-01, Mar. 13, 2019 & Med-QUEST Memo 20-03. (Accessed Sept. 2021).

Telehealth services is two-way live video between the provider and the participant.

Source: Medicaid Telehealth Policy, General Information and Requirements for Providers. Section 10.9 Pg. 131. Rev. June 9, 2021. (Accessed Oct. 2021).

“Telemedicine” is the use of a telecommunication system to provide medical services for the purpose of evaluation and treatment when the patient is at one medical provider location and the rendering provider is at another location.

Source: IL Admin. Code, Title 89,140.403(a)(9) & IL Dept. of Healthcare and Family Svcs., Handbook for Podiatrists, F-200 (VI), p. 7 (Oct. 2016). (Accessed Aug. 2021).

Telehealth is the use of a telecommunication system to provide medical services between places of lesser and greater medical capability and/or expertise, for the purpose of evaluation and treatment. Medical data exchanged can take the form of multiple formats: text, graphics, still images, audio and video. The information or data exchanged can occur in real time (synchronous) through interactive video or multimedia collaborative environments or in near real time (asynchronous) through “store and forward” applications.

SOURCE: IL Dept. of Healthcare and Family Svcs., Handbook for Practitioners. Ch. A-200 Policy and Procedures, 220.5.7, p. 25 (June 2021). & Handbook for Podiatrists, F-200(220.6) (Oct. 2016) & Handbook for Encounter Clinic Services, D-210.2,  pg. 16-17 (Aug. 2016). (Accessed Aug. 2021).

“Telehealth” means services provided via a telecommunication system.

SOURCE: IL Admin. Code, Title 89,140.403(8). (Accessed Aug. 2021). 

Telepsychiatry: Originating Site: The use of a telecommunication system to provide medical services between places of lesser and greater medical capability and/or expertise, for the purpose of evaluation and treatment. Medical data exchanged can take the form of multiple formats: text, graphics, still images, audio and video. The information or data exchanged can occur in real time (synchronous) through interactive video or multimedia collaborative environments or in near real time (asynchronous) through “store and forward” applications.

SOURCE: IL Dept. of Healthcare and Family Svcs., Handbook for Community-Based Behavioral Services Providers, 208.3.1 pg. 42 (Oct., 2018). (Accessed Aug. 2021).

Telemedicine services are defined as “the use of videoconferencing equipment to allow a medical provider to render an exam or other service to a patient at a distant location.”

Telehealth services are defined as “the scheduled remote monitoring of clinical data through technologic equipment in the member’s home.”

SOURCE: IN Medicaid Telemedicine and Telehealth Module Oct. 1, 2019, published Mar. 30, 2021, p.1. (Accessed Aug. 2021).

Telehealth activities means the use of telecommunications and information technology to provide access to health assessment, diagnosis, intervention, consultation, supervision and information across a distance.

Telehealth services has the same meaning as telehealth in IN Code 25-1-9.5-6.

SOURCE: IN Code, 12-15-5-11. ,  SB 3 (2021 Session) and Indiana Health Coverage Programs (IHCP) Bulletin BT202145, June 17, 2021.  (Accessed Aug. 2021). 

Related to the Accreditation of Providers of Services to Persons with Mental Illness, Intellectual Disabilities or Developmental Disabilities

“Telehealth” is the use of electronic information and telecommunications technologies to support long-distance clinical health care, patient and professional health-related education, public health and health administration. Technologies include videoconferencing, the Internet,store-and-forward imaging, streaming media, and terrestrial and wireless communications.

SOURCE: Iowa Admin Code 441—24.20(225C) Definitions, p. 23 (Accessed Oct. 2021)

“Telemedicine is the use of communication equipment to link health care practitioners and patients in different locations. This technology is used by health care providers for many reasons, including increased cost efficiency, reduced transportation expenses, improved patient access to specialists and mental health providers, improved quality of care, and better communication among providers.”

Source: KS Dept. of Health and Environment, Kansas Medical Assistance Program, Provider Manual, General Benefits, p. 2-30 (Jun. 2021). (Accessed Aug. 2021).

‘‘Telemedicine,’’ including ‘‘telehealth,’’ means the delivery of healthcare services or consultations while the patient is at an originating site and the healthcare provider is at a distant site. Telemedicine shall be provided by means of real-time two-way interactive audio, visual, or audio-visual communications, including the application of secure video conferencing or store-and-forward technology to provide or support healthcare delivery, that facilitate the assessment, diagnosis, consultation, treatment, education and care management of a patient’s healthcare.

‘‘Telemedicine’’ does not include communication between:

1. 1. Healthcare providers that consist solely of a telephone voice-only conversation, email or facsimile transmission; or
   2. A physician and a patient that consists solely of an email or facsimile transmission.

SOURCE:  KS Statute Ann. § 40-2,211(5). & KS Dept. of Health and Environment, Kansas Medical Assistance Program, Provider Manual, General Benefits, p. 2-31 (Jun. 2021). (Accessed Aug. 2021).

Telemedicine is the use of communication equipment to link health care practitioners and patients in different locations. This technology is used by health care providers for many reasons, including increased cost efficiency, reduced transportation expenses, improved patient access to specialists and mental health providers, improved quality of care, and better communication among providers.

SOURCE:  KS Dept. of Health and Environment, Kansas Medical Assistance Program, Provider Manual, FQHC/RHC, p. 8-12 (Feb. 2021). (Accessed Aug. 2021).

“Telehealth” or “digital health” means a mode of delivering healthcare services through the use of telecommunication technologies, including but not limited to synchronous and asynchronous technology, remote patient monitoring technology, and audio-only encounters, by a health care provider to a patient or to another health care provider at a different location. Shall not include:

• The delivery of health care services through electronic mail, text, chat, or facsimile unless a state agency authorized or required to promulgate administrative regulations relating to telehealth determines that health care services can be delivered via these modalities in ways that enhance recipient health and well-being and meet all clinical and technology guidelines for recipient safety and appropriate delivery of services; or
• Basic communication between a health care provider and a patient, including but not limited to appointment scheduling, appointment reminders, voicemails, or any other similar communication intended to facilitate the actual provision of healthcare services either in-person or via telehealth; and

Unless waived by the applicable federal authority, shall be delivered over a secure communications connection that complies with the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996.

SOURCE: House Bill 140 (2021 Session), (Accessed Sept. 2021).

“Telehealth consultation means a medical or health consultation, for purposes of patient diagnosis or treatment, that meets the definition of telehealth in this section.”

SOURCE: KY Revised Statutes. 205.510. (Accessed Sept 2021).

Telehealth means two-way, real time interactive communication between a patient and a physician or practitioner located at a distant site for the purpose of improving a patient’s health through the use of interactive telecommunication equipment that includes, at a minimum, audio and video equipment.

SOURCE: KY 907 KAR 1:055 (36). (Accessed Sept. 2021).

“Telemedicine” means two-way, real time interactive communication between a patient and a physician or practitioner located at a distant site for the purpose of improving a patient’s health through the use of interactive telecommunications equipment that includes, at a minimum, audio and video equipment.

SOURCE: KY 907 KAR 9:005. (Accessed Sept. 2021).

“Telehealth” or “digital health” is defined by KRS 211.332(5). “Telehealth” or “digital health”: Means a mode of delivering healthcare services through the use of telecommunication technologies, including but not limited to synchronous and asynchronous technology, remote patient monitoring technology, and audio only encounters, by a health care provider to a patient or to another health care provider at a different location.

Shall not include:

• The delivery of health care services through electronic mail, text, chat, or facsimile unless a state agency authorized or required to promulgate administrative regulations relating to telehealth determines that health care services can be delivered via these modalities in ways that enhance recipient health and well-being and meet all clinical and technology guidelines for recipient safety and appropriate delivery of services; or
• Basic communication between a health care provider and a patient, including but not limited to appointment scheduling, appointment reminders, voicemails, or any other similar communication intended to facilitate the actual provision of healthcare services either in-person or via telehealth; and
• Unless waived by the applicable federal authority, shall be delivered over a secure communications connection that complies with the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, 42 U.S.C. secs. 1320d to 1320d-9.

SOURCE: KY 900 KAR 12:005 Emergency Rule & Ordinary Rule; KY Revised Statute 211.332. (Accessed Sept. 2021)

“Telehealth” means healthcare services, including behavioral health services, provided by a healthcare provider, as defined in this Section, to a person through the use of electronic communications, information technology, asynchronous store-and-forward transfer technology, or synchronous interaction between a provider at a distant site and a patient at an originating site, including but not limited to assessment of, diagnosis of, consultation with, treatment of, and remote monitoring of a patient, and transfer of medical data. The term “telehealth” shall not include any of the following:

• Electronic mail messages
• Text messages
• Facsimile transmissions

SOURCE: LA Revised Statutes 40:1223.3 as revised by HB No. 270(2021 Session) p. 1-2 (Accessed Aug. 2021) 

“Telemedicine/telehealth is the use of a telecommunications system to render healthcare services when a physician or other licensed practitioner and a beneficiary are not in the same location. The telecommunications system shall include, at a minimum, audio and video equipment permitting two-way, real-time interactive communication between the beneficiary at the originating site and the physician or other licensed practitioner at the distant site. The telecommunications system must be secure, ensure patient confidentiality, and be compliant with the requirements of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.”

SOURCE: LA Dept. of Health and Hospitals, Professional Svcs. Provider Manual, Chapter Five of the Medicaid Svcs. Manual, Section 5.1, p. 151. (Sept 03, 2020) (Accessed Aug. 2021).

Telecare is a delivery of care services to recipients in their home by means of telecommunications and/or computerized devices to improve outcomes and quality of life, increase independence and access to health care, and reduce health care costs. Telecare services include:

• Activity and sensor monitoring;
• Health status monitoring; and
• Medication dispensing and monitoring.

SOURCE: LA Dept. of Health and Hospitals, Community Choices Waiver Provider Manual, Chapter Seven of the Medicaid Svcs. Manual, Section 7.1, p. 22 (As revised on Mar. 2, 2020). (Accessed Aug. 2021). 

Telemedicine/telehealth is the use of a telecommunications system to render healthcare services when a physician or other licensed practitioner and an enrollee are not in the same location.

SOURCE: LA Medicaid MCO Manual (revised 3/5/21), p. 134 (Accessed Aug. 2021).

READ LESS

Telehealth services are the use of information technology by a Health Care Provider to deliver clinical services at a distance for the purpose of diagnosis, disease monitoring, or treatment.  Telehealth Services may be either telephonic or interactive (combined video/audio).

SOURCE: MaineCare Benefits Manual, Telehealth, 10-144 Ch. 101, Ch. 1, Sec. 4., p. 2 (June 15, 2020). (Accessed Aug. 2021).

Telehealth as it pertains to the delivery of MaineCare services, means the use of information technology and includes, synchronous encounters, asynchronous encounters, store-and-forward transfers and telemonitoring.

SOURCE: ME Statute Sec. 22:855.3173-H(D) as amended by LD 791 (2021 Session). (Accessed Aug. 2021).

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, 2023, 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 (As amended by HB 123/SB 3 (2021 Session). Accessed Aug. 2021.

“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. (Accessed Aug. 2021).

“Telehealth”, the use of synchronous or asynchronous audio, video, electronic media or other telecommunications technology, including, but not limited to: (i) interactive audio-video technology; (ii) remote patient monitoring devices; (iii) audio-only telephone; and (iv) online adaptive interviews, for the purpose of evaluating, diagnosing, consulting, prescribing, treating or monitoring of a patient’s physical health, oral health, mental health or substance use disorder condition.

SOURCE: Massachusetts Senate No. 2984. (Accessed Sept. 2021). 

Telehealth is the use of electronic communication and information technologies to provide or support clinical care at a distance. The delivery of services through telehealth involves the use of secure interactive audio and video telecommunications systems that permit two-way, real-time communication between a patient and a provider.

SOURCE: MassHealth All Provider Bulletin 281, p. 1, Jan. 2019. (Accessed Sept. 2021).

“Telemedicine” means the use of an electronic media to link patients with health care professionals in different locations. To be considered telemedicine under this section, the health care professional must be able to examine the patient via a health insurance portability and accountability act of 1996, Public Law 104-191 compliant, secure interactive audio or video, or both, telecommunications system, or through the use of store and forward online messaging.

SOURCE: MI Compiled Law Services, Section 330.1100(d), (Accessed Sept. 2021).

“Telemedicine” means that term as defined in section 3476 of the insurance code: “Telemedicine means the use of an electronic media to link patients with health care professionals in different locations. To be considered telemedicine, the health care professional must be able to examine the patient via a HIPPA compliant, secure real-time, interactive audio or video, or both, telecommunications system, or through the use of store and forward online messaging.”

SOURCE: MI Compiled Law Svcs. Sec. 500.3476(2)(b) (Accessed Sept. 2021).

“Telemedicine is the use of telecommunication technology to connect a patient with a health care professional in a different location. MDHHS requires a real time interactive system at both the originating and distant site, allowing instantaneous interaction between the patient and health care professional via the telecommunication system. Telemedicine should be used primarily when travel is prohibitive for the beneficiary or there is an imminent health risk justifying immediate medical need for services.”

SOURCE: MI Dept. of Health and Human Services, Medicaid Provider Manual, p.1718, Jul. 2021 (Accessed Sept. 2021). 

Assertive Community Treatment Program (ACT)

Telepractice is the use of telecommunications and information technologies for the provision of psychiatric services to ACT consumers and is subject to the same service provisions as psychiatric services provided in-person.

SOURCE: MI Dept. of Health and Human Services, Medicaid Provider Manual, p. 349 Jul. 2021  (Accessed Sept. 2021). 

Behavioral Health Treatment Services (BHT)

Telepractice is the use of telecommunications and information technologies for the exchange of encrypted patient data for the provision of services (e.g., access or travel to needed medical services may be prohibitive). Telepractice must be obtained through real-time interaction between the child’s physical location (patient site) and the provider’s physical location (provider site). Telepractice services are provided to patients through hardwire or internet connection.

SOURCE: MI Dept. of Health and Human Services, Medicaid Provider Manual, p. 477 Jul. 2021 (Accessed Sept. 2021).

Telemedicine for BHT Services

Telemedicine is the use of telecommunications and information technologies for the exchange of encrypted patient data for the provision of services (e.g., access or travel to needed medical services may be prohibitive). Telemedicine must be obtained through real-time interaction between the individual’s physical location (patient site) and the provider’s physical location (provider site). Telemedicine services are provided to patients through hardwire or internet connection.

SOURCE: MSA Bulletin 21-20, (Sept. 1, 2021), (Accessed Sept. 2021).

Medication Therapy Management

Telepractice is the use of telecommunications and information technologies for the exchange of encrypted patient data for the provision of services. Telepractice must be obtained through real-time interactions between the beneficiary’s physical location (origin site) and the pharmacist provider’s physical location (distant site). Telepractice services are provided to beneficiaries through hardwire or internet connection.

SOURCE: MI Dept. of Health and Human Services, Medicaid Provider Manual, p. 1643 Jul. 2021 (Accessed Sept. 2021). 

Speech, Language and Hearing Therapy

“Telepractice is the use of telecommunications and information technologies for the exchange of encrypted patient data for the provision of speech, language and hearing services. Telepractice must be obtained through real-time interaction between the patient’s physical location (patient site) and the provider’s physical location (provider site).” Services are provided to patients through hardwire or internet connection.

SOURCE: MI Dept. of Health and Human Services Medicaid Provider Manual, p. 1814 Jul. 2021 (Accessed Sept. 2021).

Child Therapy

Telepractice/Telehealth is the use of telecommunications and information technologies for the exchange of encrypted patient data for the provision of services (e.g., access or travel to needed therapy services may be prohibitive). Telepractice/Telehealth must be obtained through real-time interaction between the child’s/family’s physical location and the provider’s physical location. Telepractice/Telehealth services are provided to patients through hardwire or internet connection.

SOURCE:  MI Dept. of Health and Human Services Medicaid Provider Manual, p. 334, Jul. 2021. (Accessed Sept. 2021).

“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) As amended by HF 33 (2021 Session). (Accessed Sept. 2021).

“Telemedicine is defined as the delivery of health care services or consultations 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 (Telemedicine), As revised Sept. 2, 2021. (Accessed Sept. 2021).

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 As amended by HF 33 (2021 Session).(Accessed Sept. 2021).

Telemedicine means the delivery of health care services such as diagnosis, consultation, or treatment through the use of interactive audio, video or other electronic media.  Telemedicine must be “real-time” consultation, and it does not include the use of audio-only telephone, e-mail or facsimile.

SOURCE: MS Code Sec. 83-9-351(1)(d). (Accessed Aug. 2021).

The Division of Medicaid defines telemedicine as a method which uses electronic information and communication equipment to supply and support health care when remoteness disconnects patients and links primary care physicians, specialists, providers, and beneficiaries which includes, but is not limited to, telehealth services, remote patient monitoring services, teleradiology services, store-and-forward and continuous glucose monitoring services.

The Division of Medicaid defines telehealth services as the delivery of health care by an enrolled Medicaid provider, through a real-time communication method, to a beneficiary who is located at a different site. The interaction must be live, interactive, and audiovisual.

SOURCE: MS Admin. Code Title 23, Part 225, Rule. 1.1 (Accessed Aug. 2021)

“Telehealth” or “telemedicine”, the delivery of health care services by means of information and communication technologies which facilitate the assessment, diagnosis, consultation, treatment, education, care management, and self-management of a patient’s health care while such patient is at the originating site and the health care provider is at the distant site. Telehealth or telemedicine shall also include the use of asynchronous store-and-forward technology.

SOURCE: MO Revised Statute Title XII Public Health and Welfare Sec. 208.670 which references Title XII Sec. 191.1145. (Accessed Aug. 2021).

Telemedicine Services are health care services provided through information and communication technologies which facilitate the assessment, diagnosis, consultation, treatment, education care management, and self-management of a patient’s health care while such patient is at the originating site and the health care provider is at the distant site.

SOURCE: MO HealthNet, Physician Manual,13-69A p. 290 (July 2, 2021), (Accessed Aug. 2021).

Telehealth Services are health care services provided through information and communication technologies which facilitate the assessment, diagnosis, consultation, treatment, education care management, and self-management of a patient’s health care while such patient is at the originating site and the health care provider is at the distant site.

SOURCE:  MO HealthNet, Provider Manual, Rural Health Clinics, Section 13, p. 165 (Nov. 25, 2020) & MO HealthNet, Provider Manual, Behavioral Services, Section 13, p. 209 (Nov. 24, 2020). (Accessed Aug. 2021).

Behavioral Health Services in Residential and Inpatient Settings

For purposes of this bulletin, telemedicine refers to the delivery of health care services by means of information and communication technologies which facilitate the assessment, diagnosis, consultation, treatment, education, care management, and self-management of a patient’s health care while such patient is at the originating site and the health care provider is at the distant site.

SOURCE: MO Department of Social Services. Provider Bulletin, Vo. 43, No. 25, Apr. 12, 2021, (Accessed Aug. 2021).

“Telehealth” means the use of telecommunications and information technology to provide access to health assessment, diagnosis, intervention, consultation, supervision, and information across distance, including but not limited to the use of secure portal messaging, secure instant messaging, audiovisual communications, and audio-only communications.

The term includes both clinical and nonclinical services.”

SOURCE: MT Code Annotated Sec. 53-6-155 as amended by Senate Bill 357 (2021 Session), (Accessed Sept. 2021)

Telemedicine is the use of interactive audio-video equipment to link practitioners and patients located at different sites.

SOURCE: MT Dept. of Public Health and Human Svcs., Medicaid and Medical Assistance Programs Manual, General Information for Providers, Telemedicine (Feb. 2020). (Accessed Sept. 2021). 

Healthy Montana Kids

Telemedicine is “the use of a secure interactive audio and video, or other telecommunications technology by a health care provider to deliver health care services at a site other than the site where the patient is located.  Does not include audio only (phone call), e-mail, and/or facsimile transmission.”

SOURCE: MT Children’s health Insurance Plan, Healthy Montana Kids (HMK). Evidence of Coverage (Nov., 2017), p. 11. (Accessed Sept. 2021).

Telehealth consultation means any contact between a client and a health care practitioner relating to the health care diagnosis or treatment of such client through telehealth.  For the purposes of telehealth, a consultation includes any service delivered through telehealth.

Telemonitoring is the remote monitoring of a client’s vital signs, biometric data, or subjective data by a monitoring device which transmits such data electronically to a health care practitioner for analysis and storage.

SOURCE: NE Admin. Code Title 471 Sec. 1-004.01, (Accessed Aug. 2021).

Telehealth means the use of medical information electronically exchanged from one site to another, whether synchronously or asynchronously, to aid a health care practitioner in the diagnosis or treatment of a patient.  Telehealth includes

• Services originating from a patient’s home or any other location where such patient is located,
• Asynchronous services involving the acquisition and storage of medical information at one site that is then forwarded to or retrieved by a health care practitioner at another site for medical evaluation, and
• Telemonitoring.

Telehealth also includes audio-only services for the delivery of individual behavioral health services for an established patient, when appropriate, or crisis management and intervention for an established patient
as allowed by federal law.

Telehealth consultation means any contact between a patient and a health care practitioner relating to the health care diagnosis or treatment of such patient through telehealth; and

Telemonitoring means the remote monitoring of a patient’s vital signs, biometric data, or subjective data by a monitoring device which transmits such data electronically to a health care practitioner for analysis and storage.

SOURCE: NE Rev. Statute, 71-8503 & Legislative Bill 400 (2021 Session), (Accessed Aug. 2021).

“Telehealth is the use of a telecommunications system to substitute for an in-person encounter for professional consultations, office visits, office psychiatry services, and a limited number of other medical services.”

“Telehealth” is defined as the delivery of service from a provider of health care to a patient at a different location through the use of information and audio-visual communication technology, not including standard telephone, facsimile, or electronic mail.

SOURCE: NV Dept. of Health and Human Svcs., Medicaid Services Manual, Telehealth Services Chapter 3400 Section 3400 & 3401, p. 1 & 2 (Jul. 27, 2017), (Accessed Jul. 2021).

Telehealth is the use of a telecommunications system instead of an in-person recipient encounter for professional consultations, office visits, office psychiatry services and a limited number of other medical services.

SOURCE: Nevada Dept. of Health and Human Services Billing Guidelines Telehealth Billing Instructions, p. 1 (Nov. 18, 2020); School Health Services (8/6/20), pg. 67. (Accessed Jul. 2021).

“Telehealth services” shall comply with 42 C.F.R. section 410.78, except for 42 C.F.R. section 410.78(b)(4). The use of the term “telemedicine” shall comply with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services requirements governing the aforementioned telehealth services.

SOURCE: NH Revised Statutes 167:4-d (Accessed Jul. 2021).

“Telehealth” means the use of information and communications technologies, including telephones, remote patient monitoring devices, or other electronic means, to support clinical health care, provider consultation, patient and professional health-related education, public health, health administration.

Telemedicine means the delivery of a health care service using electronic communications, information technology, or other electronic or technological means to bridge the gap between a health care provider who is located at a distant site and a patient who is located at an originating site, either with or without the assistance of an intervening health care provider.  Telemedicine does not include the use, in isolation, of audio-only telephone conversation, electronic mail, instant messaging, phone text or facsimile transmission.

SOURCE: NJ Statute C.30:4D-6K(e) – cites: NJ Statute C.45:1-61. (Accessed Jul. 2021).

Telehealth is defined as the use of electronic communication technologies to support clinical health care, provider consultation, patient and professional health-related education, public health, health administration and other services. Telemedicine and telehealth are often used interchangeably but telemedicine, a subset of telehealth, is considered the clinical application of electronic technology to provide long distance clinical health services. Telehealth is the broader application of communication technology, beyond clinical diagnostics and patient monitoring and shall be used throughout this newsletter to refer to both telemedicine and telehealth services.

SOURCE: NJ Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services. Newsletter Vol. 28, No. 17, Sept. 2018. (Accessed Jul. 2021).

Behavioral Health

Telemedicine is defined as “the use of electronic information, imaging and communication technologies, including interactive audio, video, data communications as well as store-and-forward technologies, to provide and support health care delivery, diagnosis, consultation, treatment, transfer of medical data and education”

SOURCE: NM Human Services Dept. Behavioral Health Policy and Billing Manual for Providers Treating Medicaid Beneficiaries (2019) p. 29 (Accessed Jul. 2021).

Applied Behavior Analysis

Telehealth includes three means of delivering a service to a recipient when not rendered in person. Check each service’s billing instructions to determine which can be delivered through Telehealth.

Telemedicine is real time audio and video between the location of the recipient (originating site) and the location of the practitioner (distant site). For 97156 and 97157, MAD allows the use of telemedicine to deliver guidance to members of the Family Set. Think of this as a Zoom-like meeting where different Family Set members of the recipient are in different locations all participating in the session.

SOURCE: NM Applied Behavior Analysis Agency Manual Instructions, pg. 3, (Accessed Jul. 2021).

“Telehealth” means the use of electronic information and communication technologies by telehealth providers to deliver health care services, which shall include the assessment, diagnosis, consultation, treatment, education, care management and/or self-management of a patient. Telehealth shall not include delivery of health care services by means of facsimile machines, or electronic messaging alone, though use of these technologies is not precluded if used in conjunction with telemedicine, store and forward technology, or remote patient monitoring. For purposes of this section, telehealth shall be limited to telemedicine, store and forward technology, remote patient monitoring and audio-only telephone communication, except that with respect to the medical assistance program established under section three hundred sixty-six of the social services law, and the child health insurance plan under title one-A of article twenty-five of this chapter, telehealth shall include audio-only telephone communication only to the extent defined in regulations as may be promulgated by the commissioner. This subdivision shall not preclude the delivery of health care services by means of “home telehealth” as used in section thirty-six hundred fourteen of this chapter.

SOURCE: NY Public Health Law Article 29 – G Section 2999-cc, (Accessed Jul. 2021).

Telemental Health Services means the use of two-way real-time interactive audio and video to provide and support clinical psychiatric care at a distance. Such services do not include a telephone conversation, electronic mail message, or facsimile transmission between a provider and a recipient or a consultation between two physicians or nurse practitioners, or other staff, although these activities may support Telemental Health Services.

SOURCE: NY Code of Rules and Regs.  Title 14, Sec. 596.4(r) & NY Office of Mental Health, Telepsychiatry Standards Guidance, 2020, pg. 2, (Accessed Jul. 2021).

Teledentistry

Telehealth is defined as “the use of electronic information and communication technologies to deliver health care to patients at a distance, which shall include the assessment, diagnosis, consultation, treatment, education, care management and/or self-management of a patient (Medicaid member)”.

SOURCE: NY Dental Policy and Procedure Code Manual January 1, 2020, page 83 (Accessed Jul. 2021).

“Telehealth is the use of two-way real-time interactive audio and video to provide and support health care services when participants are in different physical locations.”

SOURCE: NC Div. of Medical Assistance, Medicaid and Health Choice Manual, Clinical Coverage Policy No: 1H, Telehealth, Virtual Communications and Remote Patient Monitoring, p. 2, Nov. 15, 2020. (Accessed Jul. 2021).

Telemedicine is the use of interactive audio-video equipment to link practitioners and patients at different sites. Telemedicine involves two collaborating provider sites: an “originating site” and a “distant site”. The client/patient is located at the originating site and the practitioner is located at the distant site and provides those professional services allowed/reimbursed by ND Medicaid.

SOURCE: ND Div. of Medical Assistance, General Information Provider Manual, Telemedicine, p. 157, (Apr. 2021), (Accessed Jul. 2021).

“Telehealth” is the direct delivery of health care services to a patient related to the diagnosis, treatment, and management of a condition.

Telehealth is the interaction with a patient via synchronous, interactive, real-time electronic communication that includes both audio and video elements; OR

The following activities that are asynchronous or do not have both audio and video elements:

• Telephone calls
• Remote patient monitoring
• Communication with a patient through secure electronic mail or a secure patient portal

SOURCE: The Ohio Department of Medicaid.  Telehealth Billing Guide.  Revised 2/8/2021 & OAC 5160-1-18. (Accessed Feb. 2021).

Conversations or electronic communication between practitioners regarding a patient without the patient present is not considered telehealth unless the service would allow billing for practitioner-to-practitioner communication in a non-telehealth setting.

SOURCE: OAC 5160-1-18. (Accessed Jul. 2021).

Mental Health Services

Telehealth means the use of, real-time audiovisual communications of such quality as to permit accurate and meaningful interaction between at least two persons, one of which is a certified provider of the service being provided. Asynchronous modalities that do not have both audio and video elements are considered telehealth.

SOURCE: OAC 5122-29-31. (Accessed Jul. 2021).

“Telehealth service” means a health care service delivered to a patient through the use of interactive audio, video, or other telecommunications or electronic technology from a site other than the site where the patient is located.

SOURCE:  OH Revised Code, Sec. 5164.95. (Accessed Jul. 2021).

Managed Care

Telehealth, as defined in emergency rule 5160-1-21* of the Ohio Administrative Code (OAC), is the direct delivery
of healthcare services to a patient via synchronous, interactive, real-time electronic communication comprising both audio and video elements; or activities that are asynchronous and do not have both audio and video elements such as telephone calls, images transmitted via facsimile machine, and electronic mail.

Telehealth is an umbrella term for remote care that may include healthcare education and administration as well as real-time clinical services. Telemedicine, a subset of telehealth, describes real-time clinical healthcare services provided through electronic technology when distance separates the patient and healthcare provider.

SOURCE: Managed Care Plan Provider Telehealth Resource Guide, pg. 3, (Accessed Jul. 2021).

Telehealth is the use of interactive audio, video or other electronic media for the purpose of diagnosis, consultation or treatment that occurs in real time and when the member is actively participating during the transmission. Telehealth service is not an expansion of SoonerCare but a different way to offer quality health care access to SoonerCare members.

SOURCE: Health Care Authority, Providers, Telehealth. (Accessed Jun. 2021).

“Telehealth” means the practice of health care delivery, diagnosis, consultation, evaluation and treatment, transfer of medical data or exchange of medical education information by means of a two-way, real-time interactive communication, not to exclude store and forward technologies, between a patient and a health care provider with access to and reviewing the patient’s relevant clinical information prior to the telemedicine visit.  Telehealth shall not include consultations provided by telephone audio-only communication, electronic mail, text message, instant messaging conversation, website questionnaire, nonsecure video conference, or facsimile transmission.

“Telehealth medical service” means, for the purpose of the notification requirements of OAC 317:30-3-27(d)(2), telehealth services that expressly do not include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and/or speech and hearing services.

SOURCE: OK Admin. Code Sec. 317:30-3-27 (a(4)). (Accessed Jun. 2021).

“Telemedicine” means the mode of delivering health services using information and telecommunication technologies to provide consultation and education or to facilitate diagnosis, treatment, care management or self-management of a patient’s health care.

SOURCE: OR Statute Ch. 414 & House Bill 2508 (2021 Session), (Accessed Jun. 2021).

Oregon Health Authority defines telehealth as the use of electronic information and telecommunications technologies to support and promote long-distance clinical health care, patient and professional health-related education, public health and health administration.

SOURCE: OR OAR 410-141-3566, Health Systems Division: Medical Assistance Programs, Oregon Health Plan, Telehealth Service and Reimbursement. (Effective Jan. 1, 2021). (Accessed Feb. 2021) & OAR 410-120-1990, Health Systems Division: Medical Assistance Programs, Telehealth. (Effective Jan. 1, 2021). (Accessed Jun. 2021). 

Behavioral Health Services

“Telehealth” means a technological solution that provides two-way, video-like communication on a secure line.

SOURCE: OAR 309-032-0860, Health Systems Division: Medical Assistance Programs, Behavioral Health Services. (Accessed Jun. 2021).

Telemedicine encompasses different types of programs, services, and delivery mechanisms for medically appropriate covered services within the recipient’s benefit package.

SOURCE: OR OAR 410-172-0850, Health Systems Division: Medical Assistance Programs, Medicaid Payment for Behavioral Health Services, Telemedicine for Behavioral Health. (Accessed Jun. 2021).

Telehealth services include a variety of health services provided by synchronous or asynchronous electronic communications, including secure electronic health portal, audio, or audio and video as well as remote monitoring devices.

SOURCE: Oregon Health Authority, Health Evidence Review Commission, Guideline Note Changes for the February 1, 2021 Prioritized List of Health Services, p. AD-2. (02/19/21). (Accessed Jun. 2021).

Teledentistry can take multiple forms, both synchronous and asynchronous, including but not limited to:

• Live video, a two-way interaction between a patient and dentist using audiovisual technology;
• Store and forward, an asynchronous transmission of recorded health information such as radiographs, photographs, video, digital impressions, or photomicrographs transmitted through a secure electronic communication system to a dentist, and it is reviewed at a later point in time by a dentist. The dentist at a distant site reviews the information without the patient being present in real time;
• Remote patient monitoring, where personal health and dental information is collected by dental care providers in one location then transmitted electronically to a dentist in a distant site location for use in care; and
• Mobile communication devices such as cell phones, tablet computers, or personal digital assistants may support mobile dentistry, health care, public health practices, and education.

SOURCE: OR OAR 410-123-1265, Health Systems Division: Medical Assistance Programs, Oregon Health Plan, Teledentistry. (Effective Jan. 1, 2021). (Accessed Jun. 2021).

Telehealth for School Based Health Services (SBHS) is a real time interactive and synchronous audio/video technology from site to site regarding a Medicaid-eligible child’s health-related service.  Telehealth is the equivalent to face-to-face therapy/treatment between a licensed practitioner/clinician or under the supervision of a practitioner/clinician within the scope of practice.

SOURCE: OR OAR 410-133-0040, Health Systems Division: Medical Assistance Programs, School-Based Health Services. (Accessed Jun. 2021).

Newborn Nurse Home Visiting Services – Effective Only During Governor-Declared or Authority-Declared public health emergency and up to 120 days after the emergency ends

“Telehealth” includes synchronous (live two-way interactive) video and audio transmission resulting in a real time communication between the home visitor and the client. Telehealth only includes telephone communication if a video platform is not available.

SOURCE: Oregon Administrative Rules Sec. 333-006-0170 (Accessed Jun. 2021).

“Telehealth” in this bulletin compensable behavioral health services using real-time, two-way interactive audio-video transmission. Telehealth does not include text messaging, electronic mail messaging or facsimile (fax) transmissions.

Source: PA Department of Human Services, Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Bulletin OMHSAS-21-09, p.1, Aug. 26, 2021, (Accessed Oct. 2021). 

Telemedicine is the use of two-way, real time interactive telecommunications technology that includes, at a minimum, audio and video equipment as a mode of delivering healthcare services.

Telemedicine, for purposes of Medicaid payment, does not include telephone, asynchronous or store and forward technology or facsimile machines, electronic mail systems or remote patient monitoring devices. However, these technologies may be utilized as a part of the provision of a MA-covered service.

Source: PA Department of Human Services, Medical Assistance Bulletin 99-21-06, p. 2 Sept. 30, 2021 (Accessed Oct. 2021).

“Telemedicine” means the delivery of clinical healthcare services by use of real time, two-way synchronous audio, video, telephone-audio-only communications or electronic media or other telecommunications technology including, but not limited to: online adaptive interviews, remote patient monitoring devices, audiovisual communications, including the application of secure video conferencing or store-and-forward technology to provide or support healthcare delivery, which facilitate the assessment, diagnosis, counseling and prescribing treatment, and care management of a patient’s health care while such patient is at an originating site and the healthcare provider is at a distant site, consistent with applicable federal laws and regulations. Telemedicine does not include an email message or facsimile transmission between the provider and patient, or an automated computer program used to diagnose and/or treat ocular or refractive conditions.

SOURCE: Rhode Island General Laws Sec. 27-81-3 as amended by Senate Bill 4 (2021 Session), (Accessed Sept. 2021).

“Telemedicine is the use of medical information about a patient that is exchanged from one site to another via electronic communications to provide medical care to a patient in circumstances in which face-to-face contact is not necessary. In this instance, a physician or other qualified medical professional has determined that medical care can be provided via electronic communication with no loss in the quality or efficacy of the care.”

“Electronic communication means the use of interactive telecommunication equipment that typically includes audio and video equipment permitting two-way, real-time interactive communication between the patient and the physician or practitioner at the referring site. Telemedicine includes consultation, diagnostic, and treatment services.”

SOURCE: SC Health and Human Svcs. Dept., Physicians Provider Manual, p. 27-28 (Feb. 2021), (Accessed Jun. 2021). 

“Telemedicine is the use of an interactive telecommunications system to provide two-way, real-time, interactive communication between a provider and a Medicaid recipient across a distance.”

SOURCE: SD Medicaid Billing and Policy Manual: Telemedicine, p. 10 (Jul. 2021) & Community Health Worker, pg. 9 (May. 2021). (Accessed Sept. 2021).

Office of Adult Services and Aging

“Telehealth services” is a home-based health monitoring system used to collect and transmit an individual’s clinical data for monitoring and interpretation.

SOURCE: SD Regulation 67:40:19:01(21) (Accessed Sept. 2021).\

Teledentistry

“Teledentistry”, the delivery of dental care while the patient and the dentist are in different locations via synchronous telecommunication technology or the transmission and review of recorded health information collected by another oral health professional and transmitted via asynchronous communication to create a treatment plan.

SOURCE: SD Medicaid Billing and Policy Manual, Teledentistry Services, p. 2, (Jun. 2021), (Accessed Sept. 2021).

Telehealth means the use of real-time interactive audio, video telecommunications or electronic technology, or store-and-forward telemedicine services by a healthcare services provider to deliver healthcare services to a patient within the scope of practice of the healthcare services provider when such provider is at a qualified site other than the site where the patient is located; and the patient is at a qualified site at a school clinic staffed by a healthcare services provider and equipped to engage in the telecommunications described in this section or a public elementary or secondary school staffed by a health care services provider and equipped to engage in the telecommunications described in this section and does not include audio only conversation; an electronic mail message or facsimile transmission; and for the provision of behavioral health services when real-time, interactive audio, video telecommunications or electronic technology  or store-and-forward telemedicine are unavailable, telehealth includes audio-only conversation.

SOURCE: TN Code Annotated, Sec. 56-7-1002, as amended by House Bill 620 & Senate Bill 429, (2021 Session), (Accessed Jun. 2021).

“Healthcare services provider” means an individual acting within the scope of a valid license issued pursuant to title 63 or title 68, chapter 24, part 6, or any state-contracted crisis service provider employed by a facility licensed under title 33.

“Provider-based telemedicine”: Means the use of Health Insurance Portability and Accessibility Act (HIPAA) (42 U.S.C. § 1320d et seq.) compliant real-time, interactive audio, video telecommunications, or electronic technology, or store-and-forward telemedicine services, used over the course of an interactive visit by a healthcare services provider to deliver healthcare services to a patient within the scope of practice of the healthcare services provider when:

• The healthcare services provider is at a qualified site other than the site where the patient is located and has access to the relevant medical record for that patient;
• The patient is located at a location the patient deems appropriate to receive the healthcare service that is equipped to engage in the telecommunication described in this section; and
• The healthcare services provider makes use of HIPAA compliant real-time, interactive audio, video telecommunications or electronic technology, or store-and-forward telemedicine services to deliver healthcare services to a patient within the scope of practice of the healthcare services provider as long as the healthcare services provider, the healthcare services provider’s practice group, or the healthcare system has established a provider-patient relationship by submitting to a health insurance entity evidence of an in-person encounter between the healthcare service provider, the healthcare services provider’s practice group, or the healthcare system and the patient within sixteen (16) months prior to the interactive visit; and
• Does not include:
  • An audio-only conversation;
  • An electronic mail message or phone text message;
  • A facsimile transmission;
  • Remote patient monitoring; or
  • Healthcare services provided pursuant to a contractual relationship between a health insurance entity and an entity that facilitates the delivery of provider-based telemedicine as the substantial portion of the entity’s business.

SOURCE: TN Code Annotated, Sec. 56-7-1003, (Accessed Jun. 2021).

TN Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services

“Telehealth is the use of electronic information and telecommunication technologies to support clinical care between an individual with mental illness and/or substance abuse issues and a healthcare practitioner.”

“Telehealth systems provide a live, interactive audio-video communication or videoconferencing connection between the individual in need of services and the crisis service delivery system.”

SOURCE: TN Dept. of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. Office of Crisis Services and Suicide Prevention. Minimal Standards of Care. p. 46, (2017) & TN Dept. of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. Office of Crisis Services Telecommunications Guideline. p. 4 (Accessed Jun. 2021).

Teledentistry

“Teledentistry dental service” means a health care service delivered by a dentist, or a health professional acting under the delegation and supervision of a dentist, acting within the scope of the dentist’s or health professional’s license or certification to a patient at a different physical location than the dentist or health professional using telecommunications or information technology.

SOURCE: Insurance Code Title 8, Subtitle F, Ch. 1455.001 refers to Occupations Code, Sec. 111.001 & TX HB 2056 (2021 Session) (Accessed Sept. 2021).

“Telehealth service” means a health service, other than a telemedicine medical service, delivered by a licensed or certified health professional acting within the scope of the health professional’s license or certification who does not perform a telemedicine medical service and that requires the use of advanced telecommunications technology, other than telephone or facsimile technology, including:

• Compressed digital interactive video, audio, or data transmission;
• Clinical data transmission using computer imaging by way of still-image capture and store-and-forward; and
• Other technology that facilitates access to health care services or medical specialty expertise.

“Telemedicine medical service” means a health care service, initiated by a physician or provided by a health professional acting under physician delegation and supervision, that is provided for purposes of patient assessment by a health professional, diagnosis or consultation by a physician, or treatment, or for the transfer of medical data, and that requires the use of advanced telecommunications technology, other than telephone or facsimile technology, including:

• Compressed digital interactive video, audio, or data transmission;
• Clinical data transmission using computer imaging by way of still-image capture and store-and-forward; and
• Other technology that facilitates access to health care services or medical specialty expertise.

SOURCE: TX Admin. Code, Title 1 Sec. 354.1430 (Accessed Sept. 2021).

“Telehealth Service” means a health service, other than a telemedicine medical service, delivered by a health professional licensed, certified, or otherwise entitled to practice in this state and acting within the scope of the health professional’s license, certification, or entitlement to a patient at a different physical location than the health professional using telecommunications or information technology.

“Telemedicine medical service” means a health care service delivered by a physician licensed in this state, or a health professional acting under the delegation and supervision of a physician licensed in this state, and acting within the scope of the physician’s or health professional’s license to a patient at a different location than the physician or health professional using telecommunications or information technology.

SOURCE: TX Government Code, Sec. 531.001 refers to Occupations Code, Sec. 111.001. (Accessed Sept. 2021)

Texas Medicaid managed care organizations (MCOs) are prohibited from denying reimbursement for covered services solely because they are delivered remotely. MCOs must consider reimbursement for all medically necessary Medicaid-covered services that are provided using telemedicine or telehealth and must consider clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness to determine whether a telemedicine or telehealth visit is appropriate.  See manual for list of considerations.

SOURCE: TX Medicaid Telecommunication Services Handbook, Sept. 2021, p. 5 (Accessed Sept. 2021).

Telemedicine medical services are defined as healthcare services delivered by a physician licensed in Texas or a health professional who acts under the delegation and supervision of a health professional licensed in Texas and within the scope of the health professional’s license to a patient at a different location using telecommunications or information technology.

Telehealth services are defined as health-care services other than telemedicine medical services, delivered by a health professional licensed, certified or otherwise entitled to practice in Texas and acting within the scope of the health professional’s license, certification or entitlement to a patient at a different physical location other than the health professional using telecommunications or information technology.

SOURCE: TX Medicaid Telecommunication Services Handbook, Feb. 2021, p. 6 & 10 (Sept. 2021) (Accessed Sept. 2021).

Standards of Care in Crisis Stabilization Units

Telehealth service–A health-care service, other than telemedicine medical services, delivered by a health professional licensed, certified or otherwise entitled to practice in Texas and acting within the scope of the health professional’s license, certification or entitlement to an individual at a different physical location other than the health professional using telecommunications or information technology.

SOURCE: TX Admin Code, Title 26, Part 1, Ch. 306, Subchapter B, Sec. 306.45, (Accessed Sept. 2021).

READ LESS

Telehealth services means the transmission of health-related services or information through the use of electronic communication or information technology.

SOURCE: Utah Medicaid Provider Manual: Section I: General Information, p. 48 (May 2021), & UT Admin. Code R414-42-2. (Accessed May 2021).

Telemedicine is the delivery of medical services and any diagnosis, consultation, treatment, transfer of medical data or education related to health care services using interactive audio or interactive video communication instead of in person contact.

SOURCE: Utah Medicaid Provider Manual: Section I: General Information, p. 48 (May 2021). (Accessed May 2021).

“Telemedicine” means the delivery of health care services, including dental services, such as diagnosis, consultation, or treatment through the use of live interactive audio and video over a secure connection that complies with the requirements of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, Pub. L. No. 104-191.

SOURCE: VT Statutes Annotated, Title 8 Sec. 4100k(h)(7), (Accessed May 2021).

“Telehealth” means methods for health care service delivery using telecommunications technologies. Telehealth includes telemedicine, store and forward, and telemonitoring.

“Telemedicine” means health care delivery by a provider who is located at a distant site to a beneficiary at an originating site for purposes of evaluation, diagnosis, consultation, or treatment, using telecommunications technology via two-way, real-time, audio and video interactive communication, through a secure connection that complies with HIPAA.

SOURCE:  VT Health Care Administrative Rules 13.174.003 (3.101), Telehealth, (Accessed May 2021).

Telehealth means methods for healthcare service delivery using telecommunications technologies. Telehealth includes telemedicine, store and forward, and telemonitoring.  The term telehealth is also often used more generally to describe electronic information and telecommunications technologies to support long-distance clinical healthcare, as well as patient and professional health-related education, public health and health administration.

Telemedicine means health care delivered by a provider who is located at a distant site to a beneficiary at an originating site for purposes of evaluation, diagnosis, consultation, or treatment using telecommunications technology via two-way, real-time, audio and video interactive communication, through a secure connection that complies with HIPAA.

Telemedicine encompasses the following:

• Real-time, audio video communication tools that connect providers and patients in different locations. Tools can include interactive videoconferencing or videoconferencing using mobile health (mHealth) applications (apps) that are used on a computer or hand-held mobile device.
• Store-and-forward technologies that collect images and data to be transmitted and interpreted later, which may also involve the use of mHealth apps.
• Remote patient-monitoring tools such as home blood pressure monitors, Bluetooth-enabled digital scales and other devices that can communicate biometric data for review, which may also involve the use of mHealth apps.

SOURCE: Department of Vermont Health Access. Agency of Human Services. Telehealth: Methods for healthcare service delivery using telecommunications technologies. (Accessed May 2021).

“Telemedicine is a means of providing services through the use of two-way, real time interactive electronic communication between the member and the Provider located at a site distant from the member. This electronic communication must include, at a minimum, the use of audio and video equipment. Telemedicine does not include an audio-only telephone.”

“Telehealth means the use of telecommunications and information technology to provide access to medical and behavioral health assessment, diagnosis, intervention, consultation, supervision, and information across distance. Telehealth encompasses telemedicine as well as a broader umbrella of services that includes the use of such technologies as telephones, interactive and secure medical tablets, remote patient monitoring devices, and store-and-forward devices. Telehealth includes services delivered in the dental health setting (i.e., teledentistry), and telehealth policies for dentistry are covered in the dental manuals.”

SOURCE:  VA Dept. of Medical Assistant Svcs., Medicaid Provider Manual Supplement-Telehealth Services (Available in multiple manuals, including physician/practitioner, see overview for full list),  (July 2021) (Accessed Sept. 2021).

“Telemedicine is when health care practitioners use HIPAA-compliant interactive real-time audio and video telecommunications (including web-based applications) or store-and-forward technology to deliver covered services that are within his or her scope of practice to a client at a site other than the site where the provider is located.”

SOURCE: WA Admin. Code Sec. 182-531-1730 & WA State Health Care Authority, Medicaid Provider Guide, Physician-Related Svcs./Health Care Professional Svcs., p. 90 (Jul. 2021); Accessed Sept. 2021).

Telemedicine is when a health care provider uses HIPAA-compliant, interactive, real-time audio and video telecommunications (including web-based applications) to deliver covered services that are within the provider’s scope of practice to a student at a site other than the site where the provider is located.  The HCA does not cover the following services provided through telemedicine:

• Email, telephone, and facsimile transmissions
• Installation or maintenance of any telecommunication devices or systems
• Purchase, rental, or repair of telemedicine equipment
• Home health monitoring (in ABA manual only)

SOURCE: WA State Health Care Authority, Medicaid Provider Guide, School Based Health Care Services, p. 32-33 (Oct. 2020); Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Program, p. 33 (Mar. 2021); Maternity Support Services and Infant Case Management, p. 26 (Jan. 2021), (Accessed Sept. 2021).

Manuals for Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), Rural Health Clinics (RHCs), Maternity Support Services, Mental Health Services, Medical Nutrition Therapy, Neurodevelopmental Centers, Habilitative Services, Outpatient Hospital Services, Outpatient Rehabilitation Respiratory Care, and Substance Use Disorder refer to agency’s telemedicine coverage policy in the Physician-related services manual.

SOURCE: WA State Health Care Authority, Medicaid Provider Guide. Federally Qualified Health Centers Manual, p. 60 Jul. 2021; Rural Health Clinics, p. 64,  May 2021; Mental Health Services, p. 19 (Sept. 2021); Maternity Support Services Manual, Jan. 2021, pg. 26; Medical Nutrition Therapy Manual, Oct. 1, 2020, pg. 15; Neurodevelopmental Centers, (Jul. 2021), p. 14, Habilitative Services, pg. 15, (Jul. 2021); Outpatient Rehabilitation, (Jul. 2021), pg. 15; Outpatient Hospital Services Manual, Apr. 2021 pg. 26; Respiratory Care, Oct. 2020, pg. 22; Substance Use Disorder, (Apr. 2021), pg. 23 (Accessed Sept. 2021).

Newly Passed Legislation – Managed Care

“Telemedicine” means the delivery of health care or behavioral health services through the use of interactive audio and video technology, permitting real-time communication between the patient at the originating site and the provider, for the purpose of diagnosis, consultation, or treatment. For purposes of this section only, “telemedicine” includes audio-only telemedicine, but does not include facsimile, or email.

SOURCE: RCW 74.09.325 as amended by HB 1196 (2021 Session), (Accessed Sept. 2021).

Newly Passed Legislation – Behavioral Health Organization

“Telemedicine” means the delivery of health care or behavioral health services through the use of interactive audio and video technology, permitting real-time communication between the patient at the originating site and the provider, for the purpose of diagnosis, consultation, or treatment. For purposes of this section only, “telemedicine” includes audio-only telemedicine, but does not include facsimile, or email.

SOURCE: RCW 71.24.335 as amended by HB 1196 (2021 Session), (Accessed Sept. 2021).

“Telehealth: The use of electronic information and telecommunications technologies to provide professional health care; often used to connect practitioners and clinical experts in large hospitals or academic medical centers with patients in smaller hospitals or critical access hospitals which are typically located in more remote locations; and can assure that these remotely located patients enjoy the same access to potentially life-saving technologies and expertise that are available to patients in more populated parts of the country.”

“A telecommunication system is defined as an interactive audio and video system that permits real time communication between the member at the originating site and the practitioner at the distant site.  The telecommunication technology must allow the treating practitioner at the distant site to perform a medical examination of the member that substitutes for an in-person encounter.”

SOURCE: WV Dept. of Health and Human Svcs. Medicaid Provider Manual, Chapter–519.17 Practitioner Services: Telehealth Services. (Revised Mar. 1, 2020) (Accessed Sept. 2021).

Telehealth – for purposes of Medicaid, telemedicine seeks to improve a patient’s health by permitting two-way, real time interactive communication between the patient, and the physician or practitioner at the distant site. This electronic communication means the use of interactive telecommunications equipment that includes, at a minimum, audio and video equipment.

SOURCE: WV Dept. of Health and Human Svcs. Medicaid Provider Manual, Chapter–200 Definitions and Acronyms.  (Nov. 1, 2016) (Accessed Sept. 2021).

“Telehealth Services: Health care services provided through advanced telecommunications technology from one location to another. Medical information is exchanged in real-time communication from an Originating Site, where the participant is located, to a Distant Site, where the provider is located, allowing them to interact as if they are having a face-to-face, “hands-on” session.”

SOURCE: WV Dept. of Health and Human Svcs. Medicaid Provider Manual, Chapter 522 Federally Qualified Health Center and Rural Health Clinic Svcs. P. 17. (Jul. 1, 2019) (Accessed Sept. 2021).

Telehealth enables a provider who is located at a distant site to render the service remotely to a member located at an originating site using a combination of interactive video, audio, and externally acquired images through a networking environment.

SOURCE: WI ForwardHealth Online Handbook. Topic #510 Telehealth. (Accessed Sept. 2021).

“Telehealth” means a practice of health care delivery, diagnosis, consultation, treatment, or transfer of medically relevant data by means of audio, video, or data communications that are used either during a patient visit or a consultation or are used to transfer medically relevant data about a patient. “Telehealth” does not include communications delivered solely by audio-only telephone, facsimile machine, or electronic mail unless the department specifies otherwise by rule.

“Asynchronous telehealth service” is telehealth that is used to transmit medical data about a patient to a provider when the transmission is not a 2-way, real-time, interactive communication.

“Interactive telehealth” means telehealth delivered using multimedia communication technology that permits 2-way, real-time, interactive communications between a certified provider of Medical Assistance at a distant site and the Medical Assistance recipient or the recipient’s provider.

SOURCE: WI Statute Sec. 49.45 (61).  (Accessed Sept. 2021).

“Telehealth is the use of an electronic media to link beneficiaries with health professionals in different locations.  The examination of the client is performed via a real-time interactive audio and video telecommunications system. This means that the client must be able to see and interact with the off-site practitioner at the time services are provided via telehealth technology.”

SOURCE: WY Dept. of Public Health Insurance, Medicaid, CMS 1500 ICD-10, p. 117 (Jul. 2021), WY Division of Healthcare Financing Tribal Provider Manual, pg. 114 (Jul. 2021) & Institutional Provider Manual pg. 112.  (Jul. 2021). (Accessed Sept. 2021).