An FQHC is not precluded from establishing a new patient relationship through video synchronous interaction.
An FQHC may not establish a new patient relationship using an audio-only synchronous interaction. Notwithstanding this prohibition, the department may provide for specific exceptions to this prohibition, which shall be developed in consultation with affected stakeholders and published in departmental guidance. Exceptions shall include but not be limited to:
- An FQHC or RHC may establish a new patient relationship using an audio-only synchronous interaction when the visit is related to sensitive services, as defined in subdivision (n) of Section 56.05 of the Civil Code, or when the patient requests an audio-only modality or attests they do not have access to video – in accordance with department-specific requirements and consistent with federal and state laws, regulations, and guidance.
An FQHC is not precluded from establishing a new patient relationship through an asynchronous store and forward modality, as defined in subdivision (a) of Section 2290.5 of the Business and Professions Code, if the visit meets all of the following conditions:
- The patient is physically present at the FQHC or RHC, or at an intermittent site of the FQHC or RHC, at the time the service is performed.
- The individual who creates the patient records at the originating site is an employee or contractor of the FQHC, or other person lawfully authorized by the FQHC to create a patient record.
- The FQHC determines that the billing provider is able to meet the applicable standard of care.
- An FQHC patient who receives telehealth services shall otherwise be eligible to receive in-person services from that FQHC pursuant to HRSA requirements.
SOURCE: WIC 14132.100, as amended by SB 184 (2022 Session) and AB 32 (2022 Session). (Accessed Apr. 2024).
New Patient – FQHCs and RHCs are not precluded from establishing a new patient relationship through a synchronous video interaction or asynchronous store and forward if all the following conditions are met:
- The patient is physically present at an originating site that is a licensed or intermittent site of the FQHC or RHC at the time the service is performed.
- The individual who creates the patient records at the originating site is an employee or contractor of the FQHC or RHC, or other person lawfully authorized by the FQHC or RHC to create a patient record.
- The FQHC or RHC determines that the billing provider is able to meet the applicable standard of care.
- An FQHC or RHC patient who receives telehealth services shall otherwise be eligible to receive in-person services.
Established Patient – A Medi-Cal eligible recipient who meets one or more of the following conditions:
- The patient has a health record with the FQHC that was created or updated during a visit that occurred in the clinic or during a synchronous telehealth visit in a patient’s residence or home with a clinic provider and a billable provider at the clinic. The patient’s health record must have been created or updated within the previous three years.
- The patient is homeless, homebound or a migratory or seasonal worker (HHMS) and has an established health record that was created from a visit occurring within the last three years that was provided outside the originating site clinic, but within the FQHC’s service area. All consent for telehealth services for these patients must be documented.
- The patient is assigned to the FQHC by their Managed Care Plan (MCP) pursuant to a written agreement between the plan and the FQHC.
SOURCE: CA Department of Health Care Services (DHCS). Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) Outpatient Services Manual. Mar. 2024. Pg. 13. (Accessed Apr. 2024).
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