Distant site services are counted as encounters and must meet PPS rate guidelines.
ForwardHealth assigns a PPS rate for an allowable encounter when Tribal FQHCs bill HCPCS code T1015 with a telehealth procedure code. ForwardHealth includes services billed with these modifiers in PPS reimbursement:
- FQ (The service was furnished using audio-only communication technology)
- GT (Via interactive audio and video telecommunications systems)
- 93 Synchronous Telemedicine Service Rendered Via Telephone or Other Real-Time Interactive Audio-Only Telecommunications System)
Providers will not be reimbursed for originating site services under PPS or AIR methods if they use modifier GT with procedure code Q3014.
ForwardHealth does not separately reimburse Tribal FQHCs for originating site services because costs or providing originating site services are incorporated into Tribal FQHCs’ PPS rates and AIRs. However, Tribal FQHC claims for originating site services may be used for future PPS rate-setting purposes, and Tribal FQHC codes associated with Telehealth Services may be reported for changes in scope adjustment consideration.
SOURCE: ForwardHealth Update, Revised Billing for Tribal FQHCs. Jan. 2026, No. 2026-03. (Accessed Apr. 2026).
For the purpose of this Online Handbook topic, FQHC refers to Tribal and Out-of-State FQHCs. This topic does not apply to Community Health Centers subject to PPS reimbursement.
Services billed with modifier GQ, GT, FQ, or 93 will be considered under the PPS reimbursement method for non-tribal FQHCs. Billing HCPCS procedure code T1015 (Clinic visit/encounter, all-inclusive) with a telehealth procedure code will result in a PPS rate for fee-for-service encounters. Fee-for-service claims must include HCPCS procedure code T1015 when services are provided via telehealth in order for proper reimbursement.
SOURCE: WI ForwardHealth Handbook, Originating and Distant Sites, Topic #22739, (Accessed Apr. 2026).
Community Health Centers
Services billed with modifier GQ, GT, FQ, FR, or 93 will be considered under the PPS reimbursement. Billing HCPCS procedure codes T1015 (Clinic visit/encounter, all-inclusive) with a telehealth procedure code will result in a PPS for an allowable encounter.
ForwardHealth will not separately reimburse the CHC for originating site services because all costs for providing originating site services have already been incorporated into the PPS rates for CHCs. However, claims billed by CHCs for originating site services may be used for future rate setting purposes, and CHC costs associated with telehealth services may be reported for change in scope adjustment consideration.
SOURCE: Telehealth for Community Health Centers, 21997 (Accessed Apr. 2026).
The following apply to telehealth services:
- Telehealth services include “originating site” services and/or “distant site” services
- Telehealth services are counted as encounters and require following PPS methodology guidelines
CHC costs associated with telehealth services may be reported for change in scope adjustment consideration; therefore, telehealth service costs may be used for future rate setting purposes.
SOURCE: WI ForwardHealth Online Handbook Community Health Center Encounter Reimbursement, (Accessed Apr. 2026).
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