Washington

Disclaimer

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

At A Glance
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MEDICAID REIMBURSEMENT

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

PRIVATE PAYER LAW

  • Law Exists: Yes
  • Payment Parity: Yes

PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS

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

STATE RESOURCES

  1. Medicaid Program: Washington Apple Health
  2. Administrator: Washington State Health Care Authority
  3. Regional Telehealth Resource Center: Northwest Regional Telehealth Resource Center
Disclaimer

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

Private Payer

Last updated 05/05/2025

Definition

“Telemedicine” means the delivery of health care 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.

“Audio-only telemedicine” means the delivery of health care services through the use of audio-only 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, “audio-only telemedicine” does not include:
  • The use of facsimile or email; or
  • The delivery of health care services that are customarily delivered by audio-only technology and customarily not billed as separate services by the provider, such as the sharing of laboratory results.

“Store and forward technology” means use of an asynchronous transmission of a covered person’s medical information from an originating site to the health care provider at a distant site which results in medical diagnosis and management of the covered person, and does not include the use of audio-only telephone, facsimile, or email.

SOURCE: WA Rev. Code Sec. 48.43.735 & Sec. 41.05.700. (Accessed May 2025).

“Telemedicine” means the delivery of health care services through the use of interactive audio and video technology or audio-only 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 chapter, “telemedicine” does not include facsimile, email, or text messaging, unless the use of text-like messaging is necessary to ensure effective communication with individuals who have a hearing, speech, or other disability.

“Audio-only telemedicine” means the delivery of health care services through the use of audio-only technology, permitting real-time communication between the patient at the originating site and the provider, for the purpose of diagnosis, consultation, or treatment.

“Audio-only telemedicine” does not include:

  • The use of facsimile, email, or text messages, unless the use of text-like messaging is necessary to ensure effective communication with individuals who have a hearing, speech, or other disability; or
  • The delivery of health care services that are customarily delivered by audio-only technology and customarily not billed as separate services by the provider, such as the sharing of laboratory results.

SOURCE: WA Admin. Code Sec. 284-170-130. (Accessed May 2025).

Last updated 05/05/2025

Parity

SERVICE PARITY

Services must be considered an essential health benefit under the ACA and be determined to be safely and effectively provided through telemedicine or store-and-forward.

Reimbursement of store and forward technology is available only for those covered services specified in the negotiated agreement between the health carrier and the health care provider.

SOURCE: RCW 48.43.735 & Sec. 41.05.700 & WAC 284-170-433. (Accessed May 2025).

PAYMENT PARITY

A health carrier shall reimburse a provider for a health care service provided to a covered person through telemedicine the same amount of compensation the carrier would pay the provider if the health care service was provided in person by the provider.

Hospitals, hospital systems, telemedicine companies, and provider groups consisting of eleven or more providers may elect to negotiate an amount of compensation for telemedicine services that differs from the amount of compensation for in-person services.

SOURCE: RCW 48.43.735 & Sec. 41.05.700 & WAC 284-170-433. (Accessed May 2025).

“Same amount of compensation” means providers are reimbursed by a carrier using the same allowed amount for telemedicine services as they would if the service had been provided in-person unless negotiation has been undertaken. Where consumer cost-sharing applies to telemedicine services, the consumer’s payment combined with the carrier’s payment must be the same amount of compensation, or allowed amount, as the carrier would pay the provider if the telemedicine service had been provided in person. Where an alternative payment methodology other than fee-for-service payment would apply to an in-person service, “same amount of compensation” means providers are reimbursed by a carrier using the same alternative payment methodology that would be used for the same service if provided in-person, unless negotiation has been undertaken.

SOURCE: WA Rev. Code Sec. 284-170-130. (Accessed May 2025).

Last updated 05/05/2025

Requirements

Insurers (including employee health plans and Medicaid Managed Care) must reimburse a provider for services delivered through telemedicine or store-and-forward if:

  • The plan provides coverage when provided in-person;
  • The health care service is medically necessary;
  • The health care service is a service recognized as an essential health benefit under section 1302(b) of the federal patient protection and affordable care act (ACA);
  • The health care service is determined to be safely and effectively provided through telemedicine or store-and-forward technology according to generally accepted health care practices and standards, and the technology used to provide the health care service meets the standards required by state and federal laws governing the privacy and security of protected health information; and
  • Beginning January 1, 2023, for audio-only telemedicine, the covered person has an established relationship with the provider.

SOURCE: RCW 48.43.735 & Sec. 41.05.700, & WAC 284-170-433. (Accessed May 2025).

“Established relationship” means the provider providing audio-only telemedicine has access to sufficient health records to ensure safe, effective, and appropriate care services and:

  • The covered person has had, within the past three years, at least one in-person appointment or at least one real-time interactive appointment using both audio and video technology, with the provider providing audio-only telemedicine or with a provider employed at the same medical group, at the same clinic, or by the same integrated delivery system operated by a carrier licensed under chapter 48.44 or 48.46 RCW as the provider providing audio-only telemedicine; or a locum tenens or other provider who is the designated back up or substitute provider for the provider providing audio-only telemedicine who is on leave and is not associated with an established medical group, clinic, or integrated delivery system operated by a carrier licensed under chapter 48.44 or 48.46 RCW; or
  • The covered person was referred to the provider providing audio-only telemedicine by another provider who has had, within the past three years, at least one in-person appointment, or at least one real-time interactive appointment using both audio and video technology, with the covered person and has provided relevant medical information to the provider providing audio-only telemedicine; A referral includes circumstances in which the provider who has had at least one in-person appointment, or at least one real-time interactive appointment using both audio and video technology, with the covered person participates in the audio-only telemedicine encounter with the provider to whom the covered person has been referred.

SOURCE: WA Rev. Code Sec. 284-170-130 as amended by Permanent Rule. (Accessed May 2025).

“Established relationship” means the provider providing audio-only telemedicine has access to sufficient health records to ensure safe, effective, and appropriate care services and:

  • The covered person has had, within the past three years, at least one in-person appointment or at least one real-time interactive appointment using both audio and video technology, with the provider providing audio-only telemedicine or with a provider employed at the same medical group, at the same clinic, or by the same integrated delivery system operated by a carrier licensed under chapter 48.44 or 48.46 RCW as the provider providing audio-only telemedicine; or
  • The covered person was referred to the provider providing audio-only telemedicine by another provider who has had, within the past three years, at least one in-person appointment, or at least one real-time interactive appointment using both audio and video technology, with the covered person and has provided relevant medical information to the provider providing audio-only telemedicine.

SOURCE: RCW Sec. 41.05.700 & RCW 48.43.735, as amended by SB 5821 (2024 Legislative Session). (Accessed May 2025).

Eligible Originating Sites:

  • Hospital
  • Rural health clinic
  • Federally qualified health center
  • Physician’s or other health care provider’s office
  • Licensed or certified behavioral health agency
  • Skilled nursing facility
  • Home or any location determined appropriate by the individual receiving the service
  • Renal dialysis center, except an independent renal dialysis center

Any originating site (other than #7 above) may charge a facility fee for infrastructure and preparation of the patient. Reimbursement for a facility fee must be subject to a negotiated agreement between the originating site and the health plan. A distant site, a hospital that is an originating site for audio-only telemedicine, or any other site not identified in the list above may not charge a facility fee.

The plan may not distinguish between originating sites that are rural and urban.

SOURCE: RCW 48.43.735 & Sec. 41.05.700 & WAC 284-170-433, (Accessed May 2025).

An originating site that is a home or location determined appropriate by the individual receiving the service includes, but is not limited to: a pharmacy or a school-based health center. If the site chosen by the individual receiving service is in a state other than the state of Washington, a provider’s ability to conduct a telemedicine encounter in that state is determined by the licensure status of the provider and the provider licensure laws of the other state.

SOURCE: WAC 284-170-433. (Accessed May 2025).

Insurers offering a plan shall ensure that their benefits and services provided through electronic and information technology, including telehealth, are accessible to individuals with disabilities, unless doing so would result in undue financial and administrative burdens or a fundamental alteration in the nature of the health programs or activities. When undue financial and administrative burdens or a fundamental alteration exist, the issuer shall provide information in a format other than an electronic format that would not result in such undue financial and administrative burdens or a fundamental alteration but would ensure, to the maximum extent possible, that individuals with disabilities receive the benefits or services of the plan that are provided through electronic and information technology.

SOURCE:  WAC 284-43-5965 (Accessed May 2025).

Language assistance services required under subsection (1) of this section must be provided free of charge, be accurate and timely, and protect the privacy and independence of the individual with limited-English proficiency, regardless of whether an associated health service is provided in person or through telehealth.

SOURCE:  WAC 284-43-5960 (Accessed May 2025).

Printed and online provider directories must include information about any available telemedicine services, including any audio-only telemedicine services that are available, and specifically describe the services and how to access those services.

SOURCE: WAC 284-170-260. (Accessed May 2025).

Every participating provider contract must, for health plans issued or renewed on or after July 25, 2021, and by July 1, 2022, ensure that access to telemedicine services is inclusive for those patients who may have disabilities or limited-English proficiency and for whom the use of telemedicine technology may be more challenging.

A health carrier is not required to reimburse:

  • An originating site for professional fees;
  • A provider for a health care service that is not a covered benefit under the plan; or
  • An originating site or provider when the site or provider is not a participating provider under the plan.

A health carrier may subject coverage of a telemedicine or store and forward technology health service under subsection (1) of this section to all terms and conditions of the plan in which the covered person is enrolled including, but not limited to, utilization review, prior authorization, deductible, copayment, or coinsurance requirements that are applicable to coverage of a comparable health care service provided in person.

A carrier may not deny, reduce, terminate or fail to make payment for the delivery of health care services using audio and visual technology solely because the communication between the patient and provider during the encounter shifted to audio-only due to unanticipated circumstances. In these instances, a carrier may not require a provider to obtain consent from the patient to continue the communication.

A carrier has no obligation to reimburse a provider for both an audio-visual and an audio-only encounter when both means of communication have been used during the encounter due to unforeseen circumstances.

Every participating provider contract must, effective July 25, 2021, provide that if a provider intends to bill a covered person or the covered person’s health plan for an audio-only telemedicine service, the provider must obtain patient consent from the covered person for the billing in advance of the service being delivered, consistent with the requirements of this subsection and state and federal laws applicable to obtaining patient consent.

A covered person’s consent must be obtained prior to initiation of the first audio-only encounter with a provider and may constitute consent to such encounters for a period of up to 12 months. If audio-only encounters continue beyond an initial 12-month period, consent must be obtained from the covered person for each prospective 12-month period.

Consent to be billed for audio-only telemedicine services must be obtained by the provider or auxiliary personnel under the general supervision of the provider.

A covered person may consent to a provider billing them or their health plan in writing or verbally. Consent to billing for an audio-only telemedicine encounter may be obtained and documented by the provider or auxiliary personnel under the general supervision of the provider as part of the process of making an appointment for an audio-only telemedicine encounter, recorded verbally as part of the audio-only telemedicine encounter record or otherwise documented in the patient record. Consent must be documented and retained by the provider for a minimum of five years. As needed, a carrier also may request documentation of the covered person’s consent as a condition of claim payment.

A patient may revoke consent granted under this subsection. Revocation of the patient’s consent must be communicated by the patient or their authorized representative to the provider or auxiliary personnel under the general supervision of the provider verbally or in writing and must be documented and retained by the provider for a minimum of five years. Once consent is revoked, the revocation must operate prospectively.

SOURCE: WAC 284-170-433. (Accessed May 2025).

Workers’ Compensation

Within the workers’ compensation system, when there is no approved examiner in the worker’s community or in a reasonably convenient location for the worker, the department or self-insurer may make alternate arrangements for the examination including, but not limited to, using telemedicine where appropriate.

The following exams may be conducted via telehealth:

  • Mental health;
  • Dermatology;
  • Speech when there is no documented hearing loss;
  • Kidney function;
  • Hematopoietic system;

The terms telehealth and telemedicine are used interchangeably and have the same requirements as in-person visits. Telemedicine may be appropriate to effectively conduct an independent medical exam when:

  • Face-to-face services by a qualified medical provider can be delivered through a real-time, two-way, audio video connection, and complies with all federal, state, and local rules and laws; and
  • A worker is able and willing to participate in an exam via telemedicine; and
  • The department or self-insured employer, and worker, have agreed a telemedicine IME is appropriate; these individuals should also agree to the location of the worker during the exam; and
  • The agreement is documented in the claim file; and
  • A physical or hands-on exam is not required.

Upon request of the department or self-insured employer and with the agreement of the worker, a telemedicine IME may be approved on a case-by-case basis for additional specialties not listed under subsection (1) of this section.

SOURCE: WAC 296-23-358; WAC 296-23-359, as added by Permanent Rule. (Accessed May 2025).

Medicaid

Last updated 05/05/2025

Consent Requirements

To receive payment for an audio-only telemedicine service, a provider must obtain client consent before delivering the service to the client. The client’s consent to receive services via audio-only telemedicine must:

  • Acknowledge the provider will bill the agency or the agency’s designee, including an agency-contracted managed care entity (managed care organization or behavioral health administrative services organization) for the service; and
  • Be documented in the client’s medical record.

A provider may only bill a client for services if they comply with the requirements in WAC 182-502-0160.

 SOURCE: WAC 182-501-0300(6)(a). (Accessed May. 2025).

For audio-only telemedicine, providers must obtain consent before rendering the service per RCWs 74.09.325 and 71.24.335. Consent must be documented in the client record.

For e-consults, treating providers must document the client’s consent for each consultation.

SOURCE: WA State Health Care Authority. Medicaid Provider Guide. Telemedicine Policy and Billing, p. 22, 25 (Jan. 2025). (Accessed May 2025).

Informed consent documentation is required for remote patient monitoring services.

SOURCE: WA State Health Care Authority, Medicaid Provider Guide, Physician-Related Svcs./Health Care Professional Svcs., p. 84, 326 (Apr. 2025). (Accessed May 2025).

Behavioral Health

For the client’s consent to receive services, HCA now only requires this for services provided via audio-only telemedicine.

SOURCE: WA State Health Care Authority Behavioral Health Policy and Billing FAQ (Jan. 2025). (Accessed May 2025).

Managed Care and Behavioral Health Administrative Service Organizations

If a provider intends to bill a patient or a managed health care system for an audio-only telemedicine service, the provider must obtain patient consent for the billing in advance of the service being delivered. The authority may submit information on any potential violations of this subsection to the appropriate disciplining authority.

If the commissioner has cause to believe that a provider has engaged in a pattern of unresolved violations obtaining consent (as required above) the commissioner may submit information to the appropriate disciplining authority for action. Prior to submitting information to the appropriate disciplining authority, the commissioner may provide the provider with an opportunity to cure the alleged violations.  See text for additional information.

SOURCE: Revised Code of Washington 71.24.335 & 74.09.325. (Accessed May 2025).

Last updated 05/04/2025

Definitions

“Telemedicine” means the delivery of health care 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(9)(k) WAC 182-501-0300 (1)(h), & RCW 71.24.335(9)(i). (Accessed May 2025).

Telemedicine is the delivery of health care services using interactive audio and video technology, permitting real-time communication between the client at the originating site and the provider, for the purpose of diagnosis, consultation, or treatment. Telemedicine includes audio-only telemedicine, but does not include any of the following services:

  • Email and facsimile transmissions
  • Installation or maintenance of any telecommunication devices or systems
  • Purchase, rental, or repair of telemedicine equipment
  • Incidental services or communications that are not billed separately, such as communicating laboratory results

Telemedicine is an interaction between a healthcare provider who is physically located at the distant site and a client who is physically located at the originating site.

Audio-only telemedicine is the delivery of health care services using audio-only technology, permitting real-time communication between the client at the originating site and the provider, for the purposes of diagnosis, consultation, or treatment.

SOURCE: WA State Health Care Authority. Medicaid Provider Guide, Telemedicine Policy and Billing, p. 8-9, 17 (Jan. 2025); WAC 182-501-0300 (2)(a). (Accessed May 2025).

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 SBHS program also reimburses for some services when provided through audio-only telemedicine (i.e., telephone service delivery). HCA does not cover the following services provided through telemedicine:

  • Email and facsimile transmissions
  • Installation or maintenance of any telecommunication devices or systems
  • Purchase, rental, or repair of telemedicine equipment

SOURCE: WA State Health Care Authority, Medicaid Provider Guide, School Based Health Care Services, p. 34 (Aug. 2024). (Accessed May 2025).

Home Health and Hospice

“Telehealth” means a collection of means or methods for enhancing health care, public health, and health education delivery and support using telecommunications technology. Telehealth encompasses a broad variety of technologies and tactics to deliver virtual medical, health, and education services.

“Telemedicine” means the delivery of health care services through the use of HIPAA-compliant, interactive audio and video technology (including web-based applications), permitting real-time communication between the patient and the agency provider, for the purpose of consultation, education, supervision, diagnosis, or treatment, as appropriate per scope of practice. “Telemedicine” also includes supervision of home health aide services to evaluate compliance with the plan of care and patient satisfaction with care. “Telemedicine” does not include the use of audio-only telephone, facsimile, electronic mail, or text messages.

SOURCE: WAC 246-335-510 & WAC 246-335-610. (Accessed May 2025).

Last updated 05/05/2025

Email, Phone & Fax

HCA will pay for audio-only services for specific billing codes when provided and billed as directed in HCA provider billing guides. Refer to HCA’s Provider billing guides and fee schedules webpage (scroll down to Telehealth under Billing guides and fee schedules) for a complete list of audio-only telemedicine procedure codes.

Apple Health (Medicaid) policies require the appropriate audio-only modifiers (93 or FQ).

For services that are partially audio/visual and partially audio-only, a service is considered audio-only if 50% or more of the service was provided via audio-only telemedicine.

Audio-only telemedicine requires an established relationship between the health care practitioner and the client. An established relationship is defined as a relationship between a health care practitioner and an Apple Health (Medicaid) client in which both the following are true:

  • The health care practitioner providing audio-only telemedicine has access to sufficient health care records to ensure safe, effective, and appropriate care services.
  • The client meets either of the following:
    • Has had, within the past three years, at least one in-person appointment, or at least one real-time interactive appointment using both audio and video technology, with the health care practitioner providing audio-only telemedicine or with a health care practitioner employed at the same medical group, at the same clinic, or by the same integrated delivery system operated by a carrier licensed under Chapter 48.44 or 48.46 RCW as the health care practitioner providing audio-only telemedicine.
    • Was referred to the health care practitioner providing audio-only telemedicine by another health care practitioner who has had, within the past three years, at least one in-person appointment, or at least one real-time interactive appointment using both audio and video technology, with the client and has provided relevant medical information to the health care practitioner providing audio-only telemedicine.

SOURCE: Medicaid Provider Guide, Telemedicine Policy and Billing, p. 8, 22 (Jan. 2025). (Accessed May 2025).

Audio-only telemedicine is the delivery of health care services using audio-only technology, permitting real-time communication between the client at the originating site and the provider, for the purposes of diagnosis, consultation, or treatment.

SOURCE: Medicaid Provider Guide, Telemedicine Policy and Billing, p. 8 (Jan. 2025). (Accessed May 2025).

Providers must obtain consent before rendering audio-only services and document the consent in the client record.

SOURCE: Medicaid Provider Guide, Telemedicine Policy and Billing, p. 22 (Jan. 2025). (Accessed May 2025).

The authority shall adopt rules regarding medicaid fee-for-service reimbursement for services delivered through audio-only telemedicine.  The rules must establish a manner of reimbursement for audio-only telemedicine that is consistent with RCW 74.09.325. The rules shall require rural health clinics to be reimbursed for audio-only telemedicine at the rural health clinic encounter rate.

“Audio-only telemedicine” means the delivery of health care services through the use of audio-only technology, permitting real-time communication between a patient at the originating site and the provider, for the purpose of diagnosis, consultation, or treatment.  It does not include:

  • The use of facsimile or email; or
  • The delivery of health care services that are customarily delivered by audio-only technology and customarily not billed as separate services by the provider, such as the sharing of laboratory results.

SOURCE: RCW 74.09.327 (Accessed May 2025).

For health care services provided by audio-only telemedicine, the provider and client must have an established relationship.

SOURCE: WAC 182-501-0300(3)(d). (Accessed May 2025).

Behavioral Health

As of April 4, 2022, Apple Health (Medicaid) policies require usage of the appropriate audio-only modifiers (93 or FQ). Information related to specific service areas and billing guidelines includes the following:

  • For SERI, Part II of HCA’s Mental Health Services Billing Guide, and HCA’s Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Billing Guide, providers must use modifier FQ.
  • For Part I of HCA’s Mental Health Services Billing Guide, providers must use modifier 93.

For services that are partially audio-visual and partially audio-only, a service is considered audio-only if 50% or more of the service was provided via audio-only telemedicine.

See Apple Health (Medicaid) Behavioral Health Policy and Billing FAQ for additional place of service and audio-only guidance.

SOURCE: WA State Health Care Authority Behavioral Health Policy and Billing FAQ (Jan. 2025). (Accessed May 2025).

Managed Care & Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organizations

“Audio-only telemedicine” means the delivery of health care services through the use of audio-only technology, permitting real-time communication between the patient at the originating site and the provider, for the purpose of diagnosis, consultation, or treatment.  It does not include:

  • The use of facsimile or email; or
  • The delivery of health care services that are customarily delivered by audio-only technology and customarily not billed as separate services by the provider, such as the sharing of laboratory results.

Upon initiation or renewal of a contract with the Washington state health care authority to administer a Medicaid managed care plan, a managed health care system shall reimburse a provider for a health care service provided to a covered person through telemedicine or store and forward technology if … Beginning January 1, 2023, for audio-only telemedicine, the covered person has an established relationship with the provider.

“Established relationship” means the provider providing audio-only telemedicine has access to sufficient health records to ensure safe, effective, and appropriate care services and:

  • The covered person has had, within the past three years, at least one in-person appointment, or at least one real-time interactive appointment using both audio and video technology, with the provider providing audio-only telemedicine or with a provider employed at the same medical group, at the same clinic, or by the same integrated delivery system operated by a carrier licensed under chapter 44 or 48.46 RCW as the provider providing audio-only telemedicine; or
  • The covered person was referred to the provider providing audio-only telemedicine by another provider who has had, within the past three years, at least one in-person appointment, or at least one real-time interactive appointment using both audio and video technology, with the covered person and has provided relevant medical information to the provider providing audio-only telemedicine;

If a provider intends to bill a patient, a behavioral health administrative services organization, or a managed care organization for an audio-only telemedicine service, the provider must obtain patient consent for the billing in advance of the service being delivered. The authority may submit information on any potential violations of this subsection to the appropriate disciplining authority, as defined in RCW 18.130.020.

SOURCE: Revised Code of Washington 74.09.325 as amended by SB 5821 (2024 Legislative Session) & 71.24.335. (Accessed May 2025).

Managed Care

A rural health clinic shall be reimbursed for audio-only telemedicine at the rural health clinic encounter rate.

SOURCE: Revised Code of Washington 74.09.325. (Accessed May 2025).

School-Based Health Services

The SBHS program reimburses for some services when provided through audio-only telemedicine (i.e., telephone service delivery). Audio-only telemedicine requires an “established relationship”.

To indicate that the service was provided through audio-only telemedicine (i.e., telephone service delivery with no visual component), school districts must submit claims for telemedicine services using either place of service (POS) 02 or POS 10 and must add modifier 93 to the claim to indicate services were provided through audio-only telemedicine. When billing for audio-only telemedicine through the SBHS program, the school district always submits a claim on behalf of both the originating and distant site.

For services that are partially audio/visual and partially audioonly, a service is considered audio-only if 50 percent or more of the service was provided via audio-only telemedicine.

A phone call between a provider and a parent when the student is not present is not billable. If the student is present and the provider is speaking with the parent while the parent assists the child with performing the activities as part of the service delivery, this is billable.

HCA does not cover the following services provided through telemedicine:

  • Email and facsimile transmissions
  • Installation or maintenance of any telecommunication devices or systems
  • Purchase, rental, or repair of telemedicine equipment

SOURCE: WA State Health Care Authority, Medicaid Provider Guide, SBHS Billing, p. 34-39 (Aug. 2024). (Accessed May 2025).

Obstetrical Services

HCA allows obstetrical services to be provided via audio-only. Audio-only visits for pregnant clients must:

  • Be utilized only when clinically appropriate for the individual client, based on current clinical guidance and standards of care from ACOG and AAFP.
  • Not be used when client circumstances call for an in-person assessment or procedure.
  • Be informed by client preference. Clients must have input on and choice regarding how services are delivered.
  • Have documentation that complies with HCA’s telemedicine policies. Must include start and stop time of audio-only interaction.

Medical abortion services provided via audio-only telemedicine are not eligible for the HCPCS code S0199 bundled payment.

See manual for audio-only billing instructions relative to global OB care and unbundled obstetrical care.

SOURCE: WA State Health Care Authority, Medicaid Provider Guide, Pregnancy Related Svcs., p. 17, 19, 27 (Apr. 2025). (Accessed May 2025).

Maternity Support Services and Infant Case Management

When billing for MSS- and ICM-covered services provided via telephone (audioonly) or telemedicine, use the appropriate MSS or ICM procedure code and place of service (POS) code. When billing for MSS or ICM services provided via audio-only telemedicine, you must include modifier 93 (synchronous telemedicine service rendered via telephone or other real-time interactive audio-only telecommunications system) on the claim. Modifier 93 indicates that the services were provided using an audio-only system. Claims for services provided via telemedicine do not require an additional modifier to indicate services were provided via HIPAA-compliant, real-time video and audio technology

SOURCE: WA State Health Care Authority. Medicaid Provider Guide. Maternity Support Services and Infant Case Management Billing, p. 46-47 (Oct. 2023). (Accessed May 2025).

Doula Services

HCA does not pay for audio-only telemedicine under the birth doula benefit.

SOURCE: WA State Health Care Authority, Birth Doula Services Billing Guide, p. 19. (Feb. 2025). (Accessed May 2025).

Community Health Worker (CHW) Services

Community Health Workers (CHWs) and community health representatives (CHRs) may perform CHI services face-to-face (in person or via audio-visual technology) or via audio-only telemedicine.

Providers must request prior authorization (PA) to conduct the initial visit (HCPCS codes G0019 or G0023) via audio-video or audio-only telemedicine instead of in-person. The provider must document:

  • Why an in-person visit is not feasible
  • Any barriers preventing the client from attending in person
  • How telemedicine is ensuring quality service delivery

See manual for additional telemedicine limitations for CHW services and eligible billing codes.

SOURCE: WA State Health Care Authority, Community Health Worker (CHW) Services Billing Guide, p.  17, 22, 33 (Jul. 2025). (Accessed May 2025).

Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech Therapy Services

Audio-only telemedicine may require participation of a caregiver to assist with the treatment. Providers are responsible for making this determination and ensuring appropriate assistance or supervision, or both. Audio-only telemedicine for the evaluation of speech is:

  • Allowed for patients who have already had a face-to-face (in-person), initial evaluation with the provider.
  • Permitted for less than 50% of the visits per year.
  • Not allowed for outpatient physical or occupational therapy

SOURCE: WA State Health Care Authority, Neurodevelopmental Centers Billing Guide, p. 16 (Jan. 2025). (Accessed May 2025).

Texting/Emailing/Virtual Check-Ins

During the federal PHE, HCA considered texting and emailing a virtual check-in and allowed physical and behavioral health providers to bill HCA for these check-ins using HCPCS code G2012. With the end of the federal PHE, effective May 12, 2023, virtual check-ins to include emailing and texting for physical and behavioral health services will no longer be covered. Note: HCA still covers HCPCS code G2012 for physical health providers, but this procedure code must not be billed for emailing or texting. HCPCS code G2012 is no longer allowable for behavioral health services.

SOURCE: WA State Health Care Authority, Medicaid Provider Alert, Apr. 27, 2023 – Correction, & Medicaid Provider Alert, Apr. 21, 2023 – Coverage of emailing and texting for Telehealth Services. (Accessed May 2025).

Communication Technology-Based Procedure Codes

Evaluation and management services may be provided via telephone or patient portal to established patients. Virtual check-ins and e-consults are also covered in certain instances. See manual for eligible codes and requirements.

Non-evaluation and management services may be provided via a virtual check-in. HCA pays certain codes for providers (e.g., physicians, physician assistants, and advanced registered nurse practitioners) who may report non-E/M services provided to an established patient: 98016. HCA covers 98016 for physical health services, but this procedure code is not allowable for behavioral health services.

SOURCE: WA State Health Care Authority. Medicaid Provider Guide, Telemedicine Policy and Billing, p. 26-27 (Jan. 2025). (Accessed May 2025).

Teledentistry

The agency does not cover email or facsimile transmissions as teledentistry services.

SOURCE: WA State Health Care Authority, Medicaid Provider Guide, Dental-Related Services, p. 75. (Apr. 2024). (Accessed May 2025).

Home Health and Hospice

“Audio-only telemedicine” means the delivery of health care services through the use of HIPAA-compliant audio-only technology (including web-based applications), permitting real-time communication between the patient and the agency provider for the purpose of consultation, education, diagnosis, or treatment, as appropriate per scope of practice. “Audio-only telemedicine” also includes supervision of home health aide services to evaluate compliance with the plan of care and patient satisfaction with care. “Audio-only telemedicine” does not include the use of facsimile, electronic mail, or text messages.

“Established relationship” means the patient has had, within the past two years, at least one in-person appointment with the agency provider providing audio-only telemedicine or with a provider employed at the same agency as the provider providing audio-only telemedicine; or the patient was referred to the agency provider providing audio-only telemedicine by another provider who has had, within the past two years, at least one in-person appointment with the patient and has provided relevant medical information to the provider providing audio-only telemedicine.

SOURCE: WAC 246-335-510 & WAC 246-335-610. (Accessed May 2025).

FACILITY FEE

HCA does not pay an originating site facility fee for audio-only services.

SOURCE: WA State Health Care Authority, Medicaid Provider Guide, Telemedicine Policy and Billing, p. 18 (Jan. 2025); WA State Health Care Authority, Medicaid Provider Guide, SBHS Billing, p. 39 (Aug. 2024). (Accessed May 2025).

A hospital that is an originating site or distant site for audio-only telemedicine may not charge a facility fee.

SOURCE: RCW 70.41.530. (Accessed May 2025).

Last updated 05/04/2025

Live Video

POLICY

Washington Health Care Authority (HCA) reimburses medically necessary covered services through telemedicine when the service is provided by a Washington Apple Health provider and is within their scope of practice. The payment amount for the professional service provided through telemedicine by the provider at the distant site is equal to the current fee schedule amount for the service provided.

SOURCE: WA State Health Care Authority. Medicaid Telemedicine Policy and Billing Guide, p. 19-20 (Jan. 2025). (Accessed May 2025).

The medicaid agency determines the health care services that may be paid for when provided through telemedicine or store and forward technology as authorized by state law, including RCW 71.24.335, 74.09.325, and 74.09.327.

The agency’s designee, including an agency-contracted managed care entity (managed care organization (MCO) or behavioral health administrative services organization (BH-ASO)), pays providers for health care services delivered through telemedicine or store and forward technology in the same amount as when the health care services are provided in person, except as provided in these rules, RCW 71.24.335, and 74.09.325.

SOURCE: WAC 182-501-0300(3)(a) & 5(a). (Accessed May 2025).

Managed Care 

All managed care organizations contracted with the authority for the medicaid program shall reimburse a provider for a health care service provided to a covered person through telemedicine or store and forward technology if:

  • The managed care organization in which the covered person is enrolled provides coverage of the health care service when provided in person by the provider;
  • The health care service is medically necessary;
  • The health care service is a service recognized as an essential health benefit under section 1302(b) of the federal patient protection and affordable care act in effect on January 1, 2015;
  • The health care service is determined to be safely and effectively provided through telemedicine or store and forward technology according to generally accepted health care practices and standards, and the technology used to provide the health care service meets the standards required by state and federal laws governing the privacy and security of protected health information; and
  • Beginning January 1, 2023, for audio-only telemedicine, the covered person has an established relationship with the provider.

A managed health care system shall reimburse a provider for a health care service provided to a covered person through telemedicine the same amount of compensation the managed health care system would pay the provider if the health care service was provided in person by the provider.

Hospitals, hospital systems, telemedicine companies, and provider groups consisting of eleven or more providers may elect to negotiate an amount of compensation for telemedicine services that differs from the amount of compensation for in-person services.

A managed health care system may subject coverage of a telemedicine or store and forward technology health service under subsection (1) of this section to all terms and conditions of the plan in which the covered person is enrolled including, but not limited to, utilization review, prior authorization, deductible, copayment, or coinsurance requirements that are applicable to coverage of a comparable health care service provided in person.

SOURCE: RCW 74.09.325. (Accessed May 2025).

Behavioral Health Services

Upon initiation or renewal of a contract with the authority, behavioral health administrative services organizations and managed care organizations shall reimburse a provider for a behavioral health service provided to a covered person through telemedicine or store and forward technology if:

  • The behavioral health administrative services organization or managed care organization in which the covered person is enrolled provides coverage of the behavioral health service when provided in person by the provider;
  • The behavioral health service is medically necessary; and
  • Beginning January 1, 2023, for audio-only telemedicine, the covered person has an established relationship with the provider.

SOURCE: RCW 71.24.335 (Accessed May 2025).

If the service is provided through store and forward technology there must be an associated visit between the covered person and the referring provider. Nothing in this section prohibits the use of telemedicine for the associated office visit.

SOURCE: RCW 71.24.335. (Accessed May 2025).

ELIGIBLE SERVICES/SPECIALTIES

The agency reimburses medically necessary covered services through telemedicine when the service is provided by a Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) provider and is within their scope of practice.

The service(s) rendered must be:

  • Consistent with the scope of professional licensure or certification.
  • Clinically appropriate to be provided via telemedicine for that client, on that date of service.

Submit claims for telemedicine services using the appropriate CPT® or HCPCS code for the professional service. Use place of service (POS) 02 or 10 to indicate that a billed service was furnished as a telemedicine service from a distant site.

When billing with POS 02 or 10:

  • Add modifier 95 if the distant site is designated as a nonfacility.
  • Nonfacility providers must add modifier 95 to the claim to distinguish them from facility providers and ensure that they receive the nonfacility rate.

For licensed behavioral health agencies (BHA)—Using modifier 95 and distinguishing between facility/nonfacility are not applicable for behavioral health providers who use the following guides: Service encounter reporting instructions (SERI) guide; Mental health billing guide (Part 2); Substance use disorder (SUD) billing guide

For health homes—Modifier 95 is not applicable to health home providers.

HCA discontinued the use of modifier GT for claims submitted for professional services (services billed on a CMS-1500 claim form, when submitting paper claims). Distant site practitioners billing for telemedicine services under the Critical Access Hospital (CAH) optional payment method must use modifier GT.

SOURCE: WA State Health Care Authority. Medicaid Telemedicine Policy and Billing Guide, p. 19-21 (Jan. 2025). (Accessed May 2025).

Health care services that are authorized to be provided through telemedicine or store and forward technology are identified in the agency’s provider guides and fee schedules. The agency determines the health care services that may be provided through telemedicine or store and forward technology based on whether the health care service is:

  • A covered service when provided in person by the provider;
  • Medically necessary;
  • Determined to be safely and effectively provided through telemedicine or store and forward technology based on generally accepted health care practices and standards; and
  • Provided through a technology that meets the standards required by state and federal laws governing the privacy and security of protected health information.

SOURCE: WAC 182-501-0300(3)(d). (Accessed May 2025).

School Based Services

HCA covers telemedicine when it is used to substitute for an in-person, face-to-face, hands-on encounter for only those services specifically listed in this billing guide. For a school district to receive reimbursement for telemedicine, the provider furnishing services must be enrolled as a servicing provider under the school district’s ProviderOne account. Services provided by nonlicensed school staff must be billed under the supervising provider’s NPI in ProviderOne. School districts are reimbursed for services provided through telemedicine at the same rate as if the service was provided in person.

To indicate that the service was provided through HIPAA-compliant audio/visual telemedicine, school districts must submit claims for telemedicine services using either place of service (POS) 02 or POS 10 and enter modifier 95 on any claims for services provided through audio/visual telemedicine. When billing for telemedicine through the SBHS program, the school district always submits a claim on behalf of both the originating and distant site.

Telemedicine claims must include one of the following modifiers based on the platform used to deliver the service: 93 or 95.

SOURCE: WA State Health Care Authority, Medicaid Provider Guide, School-Based Health Services, p. 34-37 (Aug. 2024). (Accessed May 2025).

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services delivered using telemedicine may be reimbursed by HCA when billed in accordance with the rules regarding telemedicine and store-and-forward technology as outlined in WAC 182-501-0300 and HCA’s published billing instructions for ABA and telemedicine services.

The LBA may use telemedicine to supervise the CBT’s delivery of ABA services to the client, the family, or both. LBAs who use telemedicine are responsible for determining if telemedicine can be performed without compromising the quality of the caregiver training, or the outcome of the ABA therapy treatment plan.

See manual for eligible service codes.

SOURCE: WA State Health Care Authority, Medicaid Provider Guide, Applied Behavior Analysis, p. 36 (Feb. 2025). (Accessed May 2025).

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) services delivered using telemedicine may be reimbursed by the agency when billed in accordance with the rules regarding telemedicine and store-and-forward technology in WAC 182-501-0300 and the agency’s published billing instructions.

SOURCE: WAC 182-531A-1200. (Accessed May 2025).

Effective for dates of service on and after October 1, 2023, some services provided as part of an early childhood intensive behavioral intervention day treatment program (CPT® code H2020) may occur via synchronous, audio-visual telemedicine. Speech and language pathology services must occur face-to-face, either in-person or via audio-visual telemedicine.

Supervision of Certified Behavior Technicians (CBTs) may occur via audio-visual telemedicine; however, a Lead Behavior Analysis Therapist (LBAT) is required to be on-site for all hours the day treatment program is in session.

SOURCE: WA State Health Care Authority Provider Bulletin (Sept. 2023). (Accessed May 2025).

Teledentistry

Teledentistry can be delivered through a synchronous or asynchronous method.  The agency covers teledentistry as a substitute for an in-person, face-to-face, hands-on encounter when medically necessary, within the scope of practice of the performing agency-contracted providers, and Department of Health teledentistry guidelines.

A dentist or authorized dental provider may delegate allowable tasks to Washington State Registered Dental Hygienists and Expanded Function Dental Assistants through teledentistry. Delegation of tasks must be under general supervision. Teledentistry does not meet the definition of close supervision.

See manual for acceptable CPT codes.

SOURCE: WA State Health Care Authority, Medicaid Provider. Dental-Related Services, p. 77-79. (Apr. 2025). (Accessed May 2025).

Behavioral Health Services

To bill for outpatient behavioral health services via telemedicine, see the appropriate billing guidance to report the service modality/procedure code (CPT® or HCPC code) consistent with the instructions on the telemedicine page in the Service Encounter Reporting Instructions (SERI), or Part I or Part II of HCA’s Mental Health Services Billing Guide.

Some current outpatient modalities in Part II of HCA’s Mental Health Services Billing Guide and the Service Encounter Reporting Instructions (SERI) Guide may not be appropriate for using telemedicine (e.g., day support services). The delivery of these services as described doesn’t lend itself to a telemedicine delivery model. The milieu in which these services are rendered is essential to the modality. In these situations, provide care, but provide the service using a different modality, such as group therapy or individual treatment therapy, to meet the client’s needs.

SOURCE: WA State Health Care Authority, Medicaid Behavioral Health Policy and Billing FAQ, p. 3-4. (Jan. 2025). (Accessed May 2025).

Medication management must be provided during an in-person visit with the client, unless it is part of a qualified telemedicine visit.

SOURCE: WA State Health Care Authority, Medicaid Provider. Mental Health Services, p. 51. (Apr. 2025). (Accessed May 2025).

Home Health Services

The face-to-face encounter requirements of this section may be met using telemedicine services.

SOURCE: WA Admin Code 182-551-2040. (Accessed May 2025).

Home Health and Hospice

Certain supervisory visits may be conducted on-site, via telemedicine, or via audio-only telemedicine and must be conducted by a licensed nurse or licensed therapist in accordance with the appropriate practice acts. A supervisory visit conducted via audio-only telemedicine is only permitted for patients that have an established relationship with the provider consistent with WAC 246-335-510(8). A supervisory visit conducted via telemedicine or via audio-only telemedicine may not be used to fulfill the annual performance evaluations and on-site observation of care and skills requirements in WAC 246-335-525(16).

SOURCE: WAC 246-335-545 & WAC 246-335-645. (Accessed May 2025).

Obstetrical Services

HCA allows obstetrical services to be provided via telemedicine. When billing for audio-visual telemedicine, use the place of service (POS) relevant to the service provided on the date of service or the last date of service for a global or bundled code. For example:

  • If the service was provided in-person in an office setting, use POS 11 (office).
  • If the service was provided via audio-visual telemedicine, use either POS 02 (telehealth) or 10 (telehealth provided in patient home), whichever is appropriate
  • If the service was provided via audio-only telemedicine, refer to HCA’s Telemedicine policy and billing document

SOURCE: WA State Health Care Authority, Medicaid Provider Guide, Pregnancy Related Svcs, p. 19 (Apr. 2025). (Accessed May 2025).

Abortion

Medical abortion services provided via telemedicine to a client who does not receive ultrasound(s) and laboratory studies from the medical abortion provider are not eligible for the HCPCS S0199 bundled payment.

SOURCE: WA State Health Care Authority, Medicaid Provider Guide, Pregnancy Related Svcs, p. 26 (Apr. 2025). (Accessed May 2025).

Prenatal Genetic Counseling

Medicaid covers prenatal genetic counseling via in-person or audio-visual telemedicine encounters.

SOURCE: WA State Health Care Authority, Medicaid Provider Guide, Pregnancy Related Svcs, p. 28 (Apr. 2025). (Accessed May 2025).

Maternal Support Services (MSS)

MSS clients may be eligible for telemedicine. Infant case management (ICM) clients and their parents may be eligible for telemedicine. Refer to HCA’s Provider billing guides and fee schedules webpage, under Telehealth, for more information.

SOURCE: WA State Health Care Authority, Maternity Support Services and Infant Case Management Billing Guide, p. 9-10 (Oct. 2023). (Accessed May 2025).

Doula Services

HCA pays for birth doula services provided via telemedicine only when one of the following are met:

  • The prenatal intake visit is provided in-person.
  • The first visit with a new birth doula is provided in person if the client changes their birth doula.
  • When initiating care postpartum, the first visit is in person.

HCA pays for birth doula services provided via telemedicine when the servicing provider for the telemedicine visit uses the same billing provider’s national provider identifier (NPI) used to bill for the in-person prenatal intake visit, first inperson visit with a new birth doula provider, or the first in-person postpartum visit.

HCA does not pay for the following birth doula services provided via telemedicine:

  • The prenatal intake visit
  • The first visit with a new birth doula if the client changes their birth doula
  • Labor and delivery support
  • The first visit with a birth doula when initiating care postpartum

SOURCE: WA State Health Care Authority, Birth Doula Services Billing Guide, p. 18-19. (Feb. 2025). (Accessed May 2025).

Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech Therapy Services

HCA pays for evaluation, re-evaluation, and treatment of some physical therapy (PT), occupational therapy (OT), and speech therapy (ST) services when provided via audio-visual telemedicine. HCA pays for telehealth services for PT, OT, or ST when provided via audio-visual telemedicine and billed with specific procedure codes if clinically appropriate as determined by the practitioner, per standard of care. Services delivered by synchronous audio-visual technology may require participation of a caregiver to assist with the treatment. Providers are responsible for making this determination and ensuring there is appropriate assistance or supervision, or both.

SOURCE: WA State Health Care Authority, Neurodevelopmental Centers Billing Guide, p. 13 (Jan. 2025). (Accessed May 2025).

Community Health Worker (CHW) Services

Community Health Workers (CHWs) and community health representatives (CHRs) may perform CHI services face-to-face (in person or via audio-visual technology) or via audio-only telemedicine.

Providers must request prior authorization (PA) to conduct the initial visit (HCPCS codes G0019 or G0023) via audio-video or audio-only telemedicine instead of in-person. The provider must document:

  • Why an in-person visit is not feasible
  • Any barriers preventing the client from attending in person
  • How telemedicine is ensuring quality service delivery

See manual for additional telemedicine limitations for CHW services and eligible billing codes.

SOURCE: WA State Health Care Authority, Community Health Worker (CHW) Services Billing Guide, p.  17, 22, 33 (Jul. 2025). (Accessed May 2025).

Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC)

A face-to-face or telemedicine (including audio-only telemedicine) visit between an encounter eligible client and an FQHC provider who exercises independent judgment when providing services that qualify for encounter rate reimbursement.

SOURCE: WA State Health Care Authority, Medicaid Provider Guide, Federally Qualified Health Centers, p. 8 (Apr. 2025). (Accessed May 2025).

Rural Health Clinic (RHC)

A face-to-face or telemedicine (including audio-only telemedicine) visit between an encounter-eligible client and an RHC provider who exercises independent judgment when providing services that qualify for encounter rate reimbursement.

SOURCE: WA State Health Care Authority, Medicaid Provider Guide, Rural Health Clinics, p. 9. (Apr. 2025). (Accessed May 2025).

ELIGIBLE PROVIDERS

RHCs & FQHCs

RHCs & FQHCs are authorized to serve as an originating site for telemedicine services. RHCs and FQHCs may receive the encounter rate when billing as a distant site provider if the service being billed is encounter eligible.

SOURCE: WA State Health Care Authority, Medicaid Provider Guide, Rural Health Clinics, p. 50, (Apr. 2025); Federally Qualified Health Centers, p. 63-64. (Apr. 2025). (Accessed May 2025).

School Based Health Care Services

Under the SBHS program, HCA pays for services provided through telemedicine as outlined in this billing guide. Licensed providers, licensed assistants, compact license holders, interim permit holders, and nonlicensed school staff practicing under the supervision of a licensed provider may provide SBHS through telemedicine.

In order for a school district to receive reimbursement for telemedicine, the provider furnishing services must be enrolled as a servicing provider under the school district’s ProviderOne account. Services provided by nonlicensed school staff must be billed under the supervising provider’s NPI in ProviderOne.

SOURCE: WA State Health Care Authority, Medicaid Provider Guide, School-Based Health Services, p. 34 (Aug. 2024). (Accessed May 2025).

Tribal Health Program

An encounter can be conducted face-to-face or via real-time telemedicine.

SOURCE: WA State Health Care Authority, Tribal Health Billing Guide, p. 20 (Apr. 2025). (Accessed May 2025).

Kidney Centers and Ambulatory Surgery Centers

For kidney centers or ambulatory surgery centers to bill for telemedicine services, either the client or the provider must be physically present at the facility at the time the service was rendered.

SOURCE: WA State Health Care Authority. Medicaid Telemedicine Policy and Billing Guide, p. 19 (Jan. 2025). (Accessed May 2025).

ELIGIBLE SITES

An originating site and a distant site must be located within the continental United States, Hawaii, District of Columbia, or any United States territory (e.g., Puerto Rico). Specific documentation requirements apply to both originating and distant sites. See the Telemedicine Policy and Billing Guide for more information.

SOURCE: WA State Health Care Authority. Medicaid Telemedicine Policy and Billing Guide, p. 17-20 (Jan. 2025). (Accessed May 2025).

Managed Care

The following are eligible originating sites.

  • Hospital;
  • Rural health clinic;
  • Federally qualified health center;
  • Physician’s or other health care provider’s office;
  • Licensed or certified behavioral health agency;
  • Skilled nursing facility;
  • Home or any location determined by the individual receiving the service; or
  • Renal dialysis center, except an independent renal dialysis center.

SOURCE: RCW 74.09.325. (Accessed May 2025).

School-Based Health Care Services (SBHS)

The school district must submit a claim on behalf of both the originating and distant site.  The location of the student and provider must be documented. The SBHS program allows the following approved originating sites:

  • The school
  • The home, daycare, or any location determined appropriate by the students or parents

See manual for specific scenarios and appropriate modifiers.

SOURCE: WA State Health Care Authority, Medicaid Provider Guide, School Based Health Care Services, p. 35 (Aug. 2024). (Accessed May 2025).

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Services

For the purposes of ABA services, an originating site is:

  • For therapy, where the client is located.
  • For caregiver training, where the caregiver is located.

The distant site is the physical location where the lead behavior analysis therapist (LBAT) is located during the telemedicine session. If a separately identifiable service for the client is performed on the same day as the telemedicine service, documentation for both services must be clearly and separately identified in the client’s medical record.

SOURCE: WA State Health Care Authority, Medicaid Provider Guide, Applied Behavior Analysis, p. 36 (Feb. 2025). (Accessed May 2025).

GEOGRAPHIC LIMITS

A managed health care system may not distinguish between originating sites that are rural and urban in providing the coverage required in subsection (1) of this section.

SOURCE: RCW 74.09.325 (Accessed May 2025).

An originating site and a distant site must be located within the continental United States, Hawaii, District of Columbia, or any United States territory (e.g., Puerto Rico).

SOURCE: WA State Health Care Authority. Medicaid Telemedicine Policy and Billing Guide, p. 17-20 (Jan. 2025),  WAC 182-501-0300(7)(a). (Accessed May 2025).

FACILITY/TRANSMISSION FEE

Originating sites that are enrolled with HCA to provide services to HCA clients and bill HCA may be paid a facility fee for infrastructure and client preparation. Originating site facility fees are not paid for audio-only or store-and-forward telemedicine services.

Facility fees are available for originating sites, except hospitals (inpatient services), skilled nursing facilities, homes or other locations receiving payment for the client’s room and board. HCA does not pay an originating site facility fee if the site is part of the same entity as the distant site or if the provider is employed by the same entity as the distant site, nor does HCA pay an originating site facility fee to the client in any setting.

Eligible originating sites explicitly listed for the facility fee include:

  • Hospital outpatient
  • Critical access hospitals
  • FQHCs and RHCs
  • Physicians or other health professional office
  • Other setting

See manual for specific billing instructions for each.

SOURCE: WA State Health Care Authority. Medicaid Telemedicine Policy and Billing Guide, p. 18-19 (Jan. 2025) & WAC 182-501-0300(7). (Accessed May 2025).

A hospital that is an originating site or distant site for audio-only telemedicine may not charge a facility fee.

SOURCE: RCW 70.41.530. (Accessed May 2025). 

Managed Care

The following eligible originating sites (besides #7) can charge a facility fee for infrastructure and preparation of the patient.

  • Hospital;
  • Rural health clinic;
  • Federally qualified health center;
  • Physician’s or other health care provider’s office;
  • Licensed or certified behavioral health agency;
  • Skilled nursing facility;
  • Home or any location determined by the individual receiving the service; or
  • Renal dialysis center, except an independent renal dialysis center.

Reimbursement for a facility fee must be subject to a negotiated agreement between the originating site and the managed care organization. A distant site, a hospital that is an originating site for audio-only telemedicine, or any other site not identified in subsection (3) of this section may not charge a facility fee.

SOURCE: RCW 74.09.325. (Accessed May 2025).

FQHCs/RHCs

FQHCs and Rural Health Clinics that serve as an originating site for telemedicine services are paid an originating site facility fee. Charges for the originating site facility fee may be included on a claim, but the originating site facility fee may not be included on the cost report.

SOURCE: WA State Health Care Authority, Medicaid Provider Guide Rural Health Clinics, p. 50 (Apr. 2025) & Federally Qualified Health Centers, p. 63 (Apr. 2025). (Accessed May 2025).

School-Based Health Care Services (SBHS)

To receive payment for the telemedicine fee (HCPCS code Q3014), the student must be located at the school and a corresponding procedure code must be billed for the same date of service. Treatment notes must clearly reflect when services were provided through telemedicine. HCA does not reimburse for the telemedicine facility fee for audio-only services.

SOURCE: WA State Health Care Authority, Medicaid Provider Guide, School Based Health Care Services, p. 38 (Aug.. 2024). (Accessed May 2025).

Tribal Health

The telemedicine facility fee (HCPCS code Q3014) is not included in the encounter rate, but it is payable separately from the encounter rate at the applicable rate in the fee schedule. The telemedicine facility fee must be billed on a separate claim from the encounter claim to avoid including the item in the encounter payment.

SOURCE: WA State Health Care Authority, Tribal Health Billing Guide, p. 22 (Apr. 2025). (Accessed May 2025).

Abortion

When telemedicine is used to provide HCPCS S0199 bundled services, HCA does not pay any additional originating facility fees.

SOURCE: WA State Health Care Authority, Medicaid Provider Guide, Pregnancy Related Svcs, p. 26 (Apr. 2025). (Accessed May 2025).

Last updated 05/05/2025

Miscellaneous

Health care services that are authorized to be provided through telemedicine or store and forward technology are identified in the agency’s provider guides and fee schedules.

To receive payment for an audio-only telemedicine service, a provider must obtain client consent before delivering the service to the client. The client’s consent to receive services via audio-only telemedicine must:

  • Acknowledge the provider will bill the agency or the agency’s designee, including an agency-contracted managed care entity (managed care organization or behavioral health administrative services organization) for the service; and
  • Be documented in the client’s medical record.

A provider may only bill a client for services if they comply with the requirements in WAC 182-502-0160.

Providers using telemedicine or store and forward technology must document in the client’s medical record the:

  • Technology used to deliver the health care service by telemedicine or store and forward technology (audio, visual, or other means) and any assistive technologies used;
  • Client’s location for telemedicine only. This information is not required when a provider uses store and forward technology;
  • People attending the appointment with the client (e.g., family, friends, or caregivers) during the delivery of the health care service;
  • Provider’s location;
  • Names and credentials (MD, ARNP, RN, PA, CNA, LMHP, etc.) of all originating and distant site providers involved in the delivery of the health care service;
  • Start and end time or duration of service when billing is based on time;
  • Client’s consent for the billing of audio-only telemedicine services.

SOURCE: WAC 182-501-0300 (4)(a), (6)(a), & (8)(b). (Accessed May 2025).

Use place of service (POS) 02 or 10 to indicate that a billed service was furnished as a telemedicine service from a distant site.

When billing with POS 02 or 10:

  • Add modifier 95 if the distant site is designated as a nonfacility.
  • Nonfacility providers must add modifier 95 to the claim to distinguish them from facility providers and ensure that they receive the nonfacility rate.

HCA discontinued the use of modifier GT for claims submitted for professional services (services billed on a CMS-1500 claim form, when submitting paper claims). Distant site practitioners billing for telemedicine services under the Critical Access Hospital (CAH) optional payment method must use modifier GT.

SOURCE: WA State Health Care Authority. Medicaid Provider Guide. Telemedicine Policy and Billing, p. 20-21 (Jan. 2025). (Accessed May 2025).

Telemedicine Documentation Requirements

Distant site:

  • Specification of the telehealth modality that was used (e.g., visit was conducted via HIPAA-compliant real-time audio/visual)
  • Verification that telemedicine was clinically appropriate for this service
  • Whether any assistive technologies (e.g., electronic stethoscopes, mobile automatic blood pressure device, etc.) were used
  • The location of the client
  • The location of the provider. Include the following:
    • The state in which the service was provided for users of the following documents:
      • Part 2 (specialized) of HCA’s Mental Health Services Billing Guide
      • HCA’s Substance Use Disorder Billing Guide
      • HCA’s Service Encounter Reporting Instructions (SERI)
    • For all others, the state in which the provider was located at the time services were provided and for specific service locations (e.g., facility-based), whether the provider was in a facility at the time services were provided.
  • The names and credentials (MD, ARNP, RN, PA, etc.) of all provider personnel involved in the telemedicine visit
  • The people who attended the appointment with the client (family, friend, caregiver)
  • The start and end times of the health care service provided by telemedicine or the duration of service when billing is based on time
  • The client’s consent to receive services if the services were provided via audio-only telemedicine

Originating site:

  • Specification of the telehealth modality that was used (e.g., visit was conducted via HIPAA-compliant real-time audio/visual)
  • If there are staff involved in providing the service list the names and credentials (e.g., MD, ARNP, PA, etc.) of all provider personnel involved in the telemedicine visit
  • Any medical service provided (e.g., vital signs, weight, etc.)
  • The start and end times of the health care service provided by telemedicine

SOURCE: WA State Health Care Authority. Medicaid Provider Guide. Telemedicine Policy and Billing, p. 17-18 (Jan. 2025). (Accessed May 2025).

Telemedicine Best Practices

When conducting telemedicine services, it is important to ensure that the standard of care for telemedicine is the same as that for an in-person visit, providing the same health care service. Refer to the Department of Health for requirements from various commissions (e.g., Medical Commission, Nursing Commission, etc.).

Best practices may include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Consider the client’s resources when deciding the best platform to provide telemedicine services.
  • Test the process and have a back-up plan; connections can be disrupted with heavy volume. Communicate a back-up plan in the event the technology fails.
  • Introduce yourself, including what your credential is and what specialty you practice. Show a badge when applicable.
  • Ask the client their name and verify their identity. Consider requesting a photo ID when applicable/available.
  • Inform clients of your location and obtain the location of clients. Include this information in documentation.
  • Inform the client of how the client can see a clinician in-person in the event of an emergency or as otherwise needed.
  • Inform clients they may want to be in a room or space where privacy can be preserved during the conversation. Explain that personal health information may be disclosed.
  • Ask clients if they need assistive devices to participate in virtual visits.
  • Include accessibility options (e.g., screen readers, closed captioning, etc.) within your telehealth programs.
  • Use technology designed with equity in mind when it comes to speech recognition.

E-consults Best Practices

The following are some best practices for e-consults adapted from the Association of American Medical Colleges’ Coordinating Optimal Referral Experiences (CORE®) document Advancing Health Care Equity Through eConsults Resource Module:

Good e-consult questions are:

  • Focused questions that a specialist can reasonably answer without knowledge of the client’s entire medical history o Answerable using only the information available in the electronic health record
  • Answerable within three business days, without an in-person visit

The following are four components of a high-quality e-consult:

  1. Restate the question and define the parameters to address based on the clinical question.
  2. Explain the rationale and indicate the clinical or evidence-based, or both, reasons for the recommendation.
  3. Provide recommendations for the next steps in management and ongoing monitoring and collaborate with the treating provider regarding the care plan.
  4. Conclude with contingencies that would necessitate additional follow-up.

SOURCE: WA State Health Care Authority. Medicaid Provider Guide. Telemedicine Policy and Billing, p. 10, 24. (Jan. 2025). (Accessed May 2025).

Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Services

If a separately identifiable service for the client is performed on the same day as the telemedicine service, documentation for both services must be clearly and separately identified in the client’s medical record.

SOURCE: WA State Health Care Authority, Medicaid Provider Guide, ABA Services, p. 36 (Feb. 2025). (Accessed May 2025).

School-Based Health Services

The documentation requirements are the same as those listed in the documentation section of this billing guide, as well as the following:

  • Documentation that the service was provided through telemedicine
    • Provider must indicate whether the service was delivered through audio/visual or audio-only telemedicine
  • The location of the student
  • The location of the provider

The SBHS program uses two telemedicine modifiers. Telemedicine claims must include one of the following modifiers based on the platform used to deliver the service. Only use modifier 93 when providing services through audio-only telehealth (i.e., telephone with no visual component). Use with either POS 02 or POS 10. Only use telemedicine modifier 95 when providing services through HIPAA compliant audio/visual telehealth. Use with either POS 02 or POS 10.

SOURCE: WA State Health Care Authority, Medicaid Provider Guide, SBHS Billing, p. 35-37 (Aug. 2024). (Accessed May 2025).

Childbirth Education Classes

Agency-approved online classes are allowed with a one-on-one check-in with the client and qualified childbirth education provider during or after the online classes have been completed by the client. As part of the coverage requirements, the provider must follow up with clients participating in online classes through a telemedicine, including audio-only, visit or an in-person visit. If the client does not appear for the follow up visit, the provider must attempt to connect with the client one more time before billing the agency.

SOURCE: WAC 182-533-0390 as amended by Final Rule. (Accessed May 2025).

Inpatient/Outpatient Hospital Services

WA statute includes telemedicine in covered and noncovered revenue code categories for inpatient and outpatient hospital services.

SOURCE: WAC 182-550-1400; WAC 182-550-1500 (Accessed May 2025).

Emergency Rules 

Emergency rules implement the agency’s apple health expansion program, as directed by the legislature, to provide health care coverage for adults who qualify. The program took effect on July 1, 2024. The agency previously filed emergency rules: Under WSR 24-13-067 on June 14, 2024; under WSR 24-21-064 on October 11, 2024; and under WSR 25-02-112 on December 31, 2024, to amend two additional rules applicable to the apple health expansion program. The rules filed under WSR 24-21-064 are expiring. The current filing continues the emergency rules while the permanent rule process is completed. The agency is also including the rules filed under WSR 25-02-112 into this filing to combine all rules related to this rule making into one filing. The text of these emergency rules has not changed. The rules will add a new section to Washington Administrative Code (WAC): 182-525A-0700, Telemedicine and store and forward technology, stating that the agency’s rules related to the authorized use of telemedicine and store and forward technology are found in WAC 182-501-0300 and are applicable to Washington apple health expansion benefits, including those administered by the health plan.

SOURCE: WA Health Care Authority Emergency Rules WSR 25-05-014. Mar. 2025. (Accessed May 2025).

Perinatal Psychiatry Consultation Line (Perinatal PCL) 

The Perinatal PCL offers free provider-to-provider consultations to health care providers in Washington State. Online scheduling is now available on an ongoing basis for general perinatal psychiatry consultations and consultations that include questions about co-occurring substance use.

SOURCE: WA Health Care Authority, PCL Bulletin (Feb. 2025). (Accessed May 2025).

Last updated 05/05/2025

Out of State Providers

In order to bill an encounter for services provider via telemedicine or telehealth, you must be licensed as a provider in Washington State, or a part of an interstate compact that Washington participates in such as RCW 18.225.090. Service(s) must be rendered consistent with the scope of professional licensure or certification. This answer does not pertain to providers in a Direct IHS Clinic, Tribal Clinic, or Tribal FQHC as those providers may be licensed in any state per federal law.

If you are a participating interstate compact provider, the same expectations apply for billing and encountering as outlined in the answer above, meaning if the client is temporarily in a state that is not a participating compact provider, then it would not be billable or encounterable to provide services to the WA Medicaid client. Note: If the Washington (WA) Apple Health (Medicaid) client is receiving services outside of Washington State by a Washington State provider, the provider must follow the applicable laws of the state in which the client is located.

SOURCE: WA State Health Care Authority Behavioral Health Policy and Billing FAQ (Jan. 2025). (Accessed May 2025).

A distant site must be located within the continental United States, Hawaii, District of Columbia, or any United States territory (e.g., Puerto Rico). A distant site is where a physician or other licensed provider, delivering a professional service, is physically located at the time the service is provided through telemedicine.

To bill for services provided via telemedicine to a client located in Washington State, the practitioner must either:

  • Be licensed as a provider in Washington State OR
  • Have an interstate compact license that is recognized by Washington State. Active Washington State compacts include the following:
    • Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact
    • Physical Therapy Licensure Compact
    • Nurse Licensure Compact
    • Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact
    • DOH Note: Some compacts are still in the implementation process. See the Department of Health’s (DOH) website for details specific to Washington State.

SOURCE: WA State Health Care Authority Telemedicine Policy and Billing Manual (Jan. 2025), p. 18-20. (Accessed May 2025).

Last updated 05/04/2025

Overview

Telemedicine is covered by the Department. Washington Medicaid (Apple Health) reimburses for live video, store-and-forward, and remote patient monitoring under certain circumstances. The Department also covers audio-only services for specific billing codes .

SOURCE: WA Admin. Code Sec. 182-531-0100. WA State Health Care Authority. Medicaid Telemedicine Policy and Billing Guide (Jan. 2025) & WA State Health Care Authority, Medicaid Provider Guide, Physician-Related Svcs./Health Care Professional Svcs., RPM, p. 83 (Apr. 2025). (Accessed May 2025).

Last updated 05/05/2025

Remote Patient Monitoring

POLICY

Certain service procedure codes are covered for remote patient monitoring (RPM) when specific medical necessity criteria are met.

SOURCE: WA State Health Care Authority, Medicaid Provider Guide, Physician-Related Svcs./Health Care Professional Svcs., p. 83-84 (Apr. 2025), WAC 182-551-2125(1). (Accessed May 2025).

Home Health Services

The medicaid agency pays for one telemedicine interaction, per eligible client, per day, based on the ordering physician’s home health plan of care. To receive payment for the delivery of home health services through telemedicine, the services must involve:

(a) An assessment, problem identification, and evaluation which includes:

  • Assessment and monitoring of clinical data including, but not limited to, vital signs, pain levels and other biometric measures specified in the plan of care. Also includes assessment of response to previous changes in the plan of care; and
  • Detection of condition changes based on the telemedicine encounter that may indicate the need for a change in the plan of care; and

(b) Implementation of a management plan through one or more of the following:

  • Teaching regarding medication management, as appropriate;
  • Teaching regarding other interventions as appropriate to both the patient and the caregiver;
  • Management and evaluation of the plan of care including changes in visit frequency or addition of other skilled services;
  • Coordination of care with the ordering physician regarding findings;
  • Coordination and referral to other medical providers as needed; and
  • Referral to the emergency room as needed.

The medicaid agency does not require prior authorization for the delivery of home health services through telemedicine. The medicaid agency does not pay for the purchase, rental, or repair of telemedicine equipment. Electronic visit verification requirements are not applicable to home health services delivered through telemedicine. Other program rules may apply similar or the same record requirements to providers of home health services.

SOURCE: WAC 182-551-2125. (Accessed May 2025).

HCA covers the delivery of home health services through telemedicine for clients who have been diagnosed with an unstable condition who may be at risk for hospitalization or a more costly level of care.  See manual for codes.

SOURCE: Washington Apply Health Medicaid Home Health Billing Guide, pg. 28-30. (Jul. 2024). (Accessed May 2025).

CONDITIONS

Specific medical necessity criteria must be met for RPM coverage, including disease-specific criteria. In addition to meeting other defined general criteria, the client must have a qualifying diagnosis of congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or hypertension.

SOURCE: WA State Health Care Authority, Medicaid Provider Guide, Physician-Related Svcs./Health Care Professional Svcs., p. 83-84. (Apr. 2025). (Accessed May 2025).

Home Health Services

The client must have a diagnosis or diagnoses where there is a high risk of sudden change in medical condition which could compromise health outcomes. See manual for specific codes to bill.

SOURCE: Washington Apply Health Medicaid Home Health Billing Guide, pg. 28. (Jul. 2024). (Accessed May 2025).

PROVIDER LIMITATIONS

FQHCs/RHCs

CPT® code 99453 is encounter-eligible when performed by a Rural Health Clinic (RHC) or Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) encounter-qualified provider. Other RPM procedure codes are not RHC- or FQHC-encounter eligible.

IHS Clinics, Tribal Clinics, and Tribal FQHCs

Direct Indian Health Service (IHS) Clinics, Tribal Clinics, and Tribal FQHCs— refer to HCA’s Tribal Health Billing Guide to determine if the service qualifies for the IHS encounter rate.

SOURCE: WA State Health Care Authority, Medicaid Provider Guide, Physician-Related Svcs./Health Care Professional Svcs., p. 84 (Apr. 2025). (Accessed May 2025).

OTHER RESTRICTIONS

Specific medical necessity criteria must be met for RPM coverage, including the following:

  • Client-specific criteria. The client must exhibit at least one of the following risk factors in each category:
    • Health care utilization:
      • Two or more hospitalizations in the prior 12-month period
      • Four or more emergency department admissions in the prior 12-month period
    • Other risk factors that present challenges to optimal care:
      • Limited or absent informal support systems
      • Living alone or being home alone for extended periods of time
      • A history of care access challenges
      • A history of consistently missed appointments with health care providers
  • Device-specific criteria. The device must have both of the following:
    • Capability to directly transmit patient data to provider
    • An internet connection and capability to use monitoring tools

Informed consent documentation requirements and quantitative limits also apply to RPM services.

SOURCE: WA State Health Care Authority, Medicaid Provider Guide, Physician-Related Svcs./Health Care Professional Svcs., p. 83-84 (Apr. 2025). (Accessed May 2025).

Home Health Services

HCA pays for one telemedicine interaction, per eligible client, per day, based on the ordering licensed practitioner’s home health plan of care.

To receive payment for the delivery of home health services through telemedicine, the services must involve:

  • A documented assessment, identified problem, and evaluation, which includes:
    • Assessment and monitoring of clinical data including, but not limited to, vital signs, pain levels and other biometric measures specified in the plan of care. Also included is an assessment of response to previous changes in the plan of care.
    • Detection of condition changes based on the telemedicine encounter that may indicate the need for a change in the plan of care
  • Implementation of a documented management plan through one or
    more of the following:

    • Education regarding medication management as appropriate, based on the findings from the telemedicine encounter
    • Education regarding other interventions as appropriate to both the patient and the caregiver
    • Management and evaluation of the plan of care, including changes in visit frequency or the addition of other skilled services
    • Coordination of care with the ordering licensed provider regarding findings from the telemedicine encounter
    • Coordination and referral to other medical providers as needed
    • Referral to the emergency room as needed

HCA does not pay for the purchase, rental, repair, or maintenance of telemedicine equipment and associated costs of operation of telemedicine equipment.

HCA does not require prior authorization for the delivery of home health services through telemedicine.

SOURCE: Washington Apply Health Medicaid Home Health Billing Guide, pg. 29. (Jul. 2024). (Accessed May 2025).

Last updated 05/05/2025

Store and Forward

POLICY

The medicaid agency determines the health care services that may be paid for when provided through telemedicine or store and forward technology as authorized by state law, including RCW 71.24.335, 74.09.325, and 74.09.327.

SOURCE: WAC 182-501-0300(3)(a). (Accessed May 2025).

Store and Forward is the transmission of medical information to be reviewed later by a physician or practitioner at a distant site. A client’s medical information may include, but is not limited to, video clips, still images, x-rays, laboratory results, audio clips, and text. The physician or practitioner at the distant site reviews the case without the client present. Transmission of protected health information must be HIPAA-compliant.

SOURCE: WA State Health Care Authority. Medicaid Provider Guide, Telemedicine Policy and Billing, p. 24 (Jan. 2025). (Accessed May 2025).

“Store and forward technology” means use of an asynchronous transmission of a covered person’s medical or behavioral health information from an originating site to the health care provider at a distant site which results in medical or behavioral health diagnosis and management of the covered person and does not include the use of audio-only telephone, facsimile, or email.

SOURCE: RCW 74.09.325; WA State Health Care Authority. Medicaid Provider Guide, Telemedicine Policy and Billing, p.,9 (Jan. 2025). (Accessed May 2025).

Effective for dates of service on and after January 1, 2025, HCA is replacing teledermatology with e-consults.

SOURCE: WA State Health Care Authority. Medicaid Provider Guide, Telemedicine Policy and Billing, p. 4, (Jan. 2025). (Accessed May 2025).

E-consults

An e-consult is a situation in which the client’s treating provider requests the opinion or treatment advice, or both, of a consulting provider with specific specialty expertise to assist the treating provider with the client’s care without client face-to-face contact with the consulting practitioner. The services must be directly relevant to the individual client’s diagnosis and treatment, and the consulting practitioner must have specialized expertise in the health concerns of the client. The treating provider uses Store and Forward to send the request including pertinent medical information (e.g., lab results, scans, photos, etc.) to the consulting provider.

SOURCE: WA State Health Care Authority. Medicaid Provider Guide, Telemedicine Policy and Billing, p. 24, (Jan. 2025). (Accessed May 2025).

Managed Care 

All managed care organizations contracted with the authority for the medicaid program shall reimburse a provider for a health care service provided to a covered person through telemedicine or store and forward technology if:

  • The medicaid managed care plan in which the covered person is enrolled provides coverage of the behavioral or health care service when provided in person by the provider;
  • The health care service is medically necessary;
  • The health care service is a service recognized as an essential health benefit under section 1302(b) of the federal patient protection and affordable care act in effect on January 1, 2015;
  • The health care service is determined to be safely and effectively provided through telemedicine or store and forward technology according to generally accepted health care practices and standards, and the technology used to provide the health care service meets the standards required by state and federal laws governing the privacy and security of protected health information; and
  • Beginning January 1, 2023, for audio-only telemedicine, the covered person has an established relationship with the provider.

A managed health care system shall reimburse a provider for a health care service provided to a covered person through telemedicine the same amount of compensation the managed health care system would pay the provider if the health care service was provided in person by the provider.  For purposes of this section, reimbursement of store and forward technology is available only for those services specified in the negotiated agreement between the managed health care system and health care provider.

Hospitals, hospital systems, telemedicine companies, and provider groups consisting of eleven or more providers may elect to negotiate an amount of compensation for telemedicine services that differs from the amount of compensation for in-person services.

A managed health care system may subject coverage of a telemedicine or store and forward technology health service to all terms and conditions of the plan in which the covered person is enrolled including, but not limited to, utilization review, prior authorization, deductible, copayment, or coinsurance requirements that are applicable to coverage of a comparable health care service provided in person.

SOURCE: RCW 74.09.325. (Accessed May 2025).

Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organizations and Managed Care Organizations

Upon initiation or renewal of a contract with the authority, behavioral health administrative services organizations and managed care organizations shall reimburse a provider for a behavioral health service provided to a covered person through telemedicine or store and forward technology if:

  • The behavioral health administrative services organization or managed care organization in which the covered person is enrolled provides coverage of the behavioral health service when provided in person by the provider;
  • The behavioral health service is medically necessary; and
  • Beginning January 1, 2023, for audio-only telemedicine, the covered person has an established relationship with the provider.

If the service is provided through store and forward technology there must be an associated visit between the covered person and the referring provider. Nothing in this section prohibits the use of telemedicine for the associated office visit.

Reimbursement of store and forward technology is available only for those services specified in the negotiated agreement between the behavioral health administrative services organization, or managed care organization, and the provider.

SOURCE: RCW 71.24.335. (Accessed May 2025).

ELIGIBLE SERVICES/SPECIALTIES

Teledermatology

Effective for dates of service on and after November 1, 2024, previous guidance specific to teledermatology will end. Providers who would like to provide services via store and forward may do so under Econsults. Dermatologists may provide this consultative service or provide services directly to clients in-person or via telemedicine. See HCA’s Telemedicine Policy Billing Guide for more information.

SOURCE: WA State Health Care Authority, Medicaid Provider Guide, Physician-Related Svcs./Health Care Professional Svcs., p. 321 (Apr. 2025). (Accessed May 2025).

Communication Technology-Based Procedure Codes

What evaluation and management services may be provided via telephone or patient portal? HCA pays for the following procedure codes for providers (e.g., physicians, physician assistants, and advanced registered nurse practitioners) who may report evaluation and management (E/M) services provided to an established patient. Refer to the CPT® guidelines before using these procedure codes: 99421, 99422, 99423.

  • There are coding rules related to using these procedure codes if there is a related E/M procedure code or if the diagnosis is the same as another E/M procedure code.
  • E/M procedure codes require the following components: evaluation, assessment, and management of the client.
  • Online, digital E/M services may only be reported once in a 7-day period because it includes the cumulative time spent.
  • CPT® codes 99421-99443 are not allowable for users of the Service Encounter Reporting Instructions (SERI) and Mental Health Services Billing Instructions.

HCPCS code G2012 has been discontinued for dates of service on and after January 1, 2025. CPT® code 98016 may be used in its place.

What non-evaluation and management services may be provided via a virtual check-in? HCA pays for 98016 for providers (e.g., physicians, physician assistants, and advanced registered nurse practitioners) who may report non-E/M services provided to an established patient. HCA pays for CPT® code 98016 for physical health services, but this procedure code is not allowable for behavioral health services.

SOURCE: WA State Health Care Authority. Medicaid Provider Guide, Telemedicine Policy and Billing, p. 5, 26-27. (Jan. 2025). (Accessed May 2025).

E-consults

HCA does not pay for e-consults when used as a referral for a face-to-face appointment or procedure. When billing for e-consults, providers (e.g., physicians, physician assistants, advanced registered nurse practitioners, etc.) who may report evaluation and management (E/M) services must use the following codes: 99451 or 99452. To bill the codes above, providers must:

  • Meet all elements of the procedure code
  • Adhere to the American Medical Association (AMA) guidelines related to frequency of billing these codes
  • Follow billing restrictions when the e-consult leads to a face-to-face encounter

Treating providers must document the following:

  • The client’s consent for each consultation
  • The request for the e-consult provider

Treating providers must assure the treatment plan recommendations and rationale from the consulting provider are added to the client’s medical record.

Consulting providers must respond to the treating provider with a written treatment plan that includes the following information:

  • Recommendations for treatment (e.g., plan A, plan B, etc.) and rationale
  • Justification for another e-consult or to submit a referral

SOURCE: WA State Health Care Authority. Medicaid Provider Guide, Telemedicine Policy and Billing, p. 24-25, (Jan. 2025). (Accessed May 2025).

Consultations—TB treatment services

Health departments may use a recorded video submitted by the client in place of the in-home visit or office visit. HCPCS code G2010 may be billed when this modality is used and the requirements of the code are met. HCPCS code G2010 is not Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) encounter-eligible.

SOURCE: WA State Health Care Authority, Medicaid Provider Guide, Physician-Related Svcs./Health Care Professional Svcs., p. 71 (Apr. 2025). (Accessed May 2025).

Teledentistry

Teledentistry can be delivered through a synchronous or asynchronous method.  The agency covers teledentistry as a substitute for an in-person, face-to-face, hands-on encounter when medically necessary. For asynchronous teledentistry, the client’s dental clinical information is gathered at the originating site the information is sent via store-and-forward technology to a dentist or authorized dental provider (distant site) for review and subsequent intervention at a later point in time.

See manual for acceptable CPT codes.

SOURCE: WA State Health Care Authority, Medicaid Provider. Dental-Related Services, p. 78-79. (Apr. 2025). (Accessed May 2025).

Behavioral Health

For behavioral health services authorized for delivery through store and forward technology, there must be an associated visit between the referring provider and the client.

SOURCE: WAC 182-501-0300(3)(d). (Accessed May 2025).

GEOGRAPHIC LIMITS

No Reference Found

TRANSMISSION FEE

The originating site for store-and-forward is not eligible to receive an originating site fee.

SOURCE: WA State Health Care Authority. Medicaid Provider Guide, Telemedicine Policy and Billing, p. 18 (Jan. 2025). (Accessed May 2025).

Professional Requirements

Last updated 05/05/2025

Consent Requirements

Uniform Telehealth Act – This chapter does not permit a health care practitioner to bill a patient directly for a telehealth service that is not a permissible telemedicine service under chapter 48.43, 41.05, or 74.09 7 RCW without receiving patient consent to be billed prior to providing the telehealth service.

SOURCE: RCW 18.134.070, as added by SB 5481 (2024 Legislative Session). (Accessed May 2025).

For purposes of private payer contract requirements, “patient consent” means a voluntary and informed decision by a patient, following an explanation by the provider or auxiliary personnel under the general supervision of the provider presented in a manner understandable to the patient that is free of undue influence, fraud or duress, to consent to a provider billing the patient or the patient’s health plan for an audio-only telemedicine service under RCW 48.43.735 or WAC 284-170-433.

SOURCE: WA Rev. Code Sec. 284-170-130, (Accessed May 2025).

If a provider intends to bill a patient or a managed health care system for an audio-only telemedicine service, the provider must obtain patient consent for the billing in advance of the service being delivered. The authority may submit information on any potential violations of this subsection to the appropriate disciplining authority.

If the commissioner has cause to believe that a provider has engaged in a pattern of unresolved violations obtaining consent (as required above) the commissioner may submit information to the appropriate disciplining authority for action. Prior to submitting information to the appropriate disciplining authority, the commissioner may provide the provider with an opportunity to cure the alleged violations.  See text for additional information.

SOURCE: Revised Code of Washington 71.24.335, 74.09.325, 48.43.735 & 41.05.700. (Accessed May 2025).

A covered person’s consent must be obtained prior to initiation of the first audio-only encounter with a provider and may constitute consent to such encounters for a period of up to 12 months. If audio-only encounters continue beyond an initial 12-month period, consent must be obtained from the covered person for each prospective 12-month period.

Consent to be billed for audio-only telemedicine services must be obtained by the provider or auxiliary personnel under the general supervision of the provider. A covered person may consent to a provider billing them or their health plan in writing or verbally. Consent to billing for an audio-only telemedicine encounter may be obtained and documented by the provider or auxiliary personnel under the general supervision of the provider as part of the process of making an appointment for an audio-only telemedicine encounter, recorded verbally as part of the audio-only telemedicine encounter record or otherwise documented in the patient record. Consent must be documented and retained by the provider for a minimum of five years. As needed, a carrier also may request documentation of the covered person’s consent as a condition of claim payment.

A patient may revoke consent granted under this subsection. Revocation of the patient’s consent must be communicated by the patient or their authorized representative to the provider or auxiliary personnel under the general supervision of the provider verbally or in writing and must be documented and retained by the provider for a minimum of five years. Once consent is revoked, the revocation must operate prospectively.

SOURCE: WAC 284-170-433. (Accessed May 2025).

Last updated 05/05/2025

Cross State Licensing

Uniform Telehealth Act – A health care practitioner may provide telehealth services to a patient located in this state if the services are consistent with the health care practitioner’s scope of practice in this state, applicable professional practice standards in this state, and requirements and limitations of federal law and law of this state.

This chapter does not authorize provision of health care otherwise regulated by federal law or law of this state, unless the provision of health care complies with the requirements, limitations, and prohibitions of the federal law or law of this state.

A practitioner-patient relationship may be established through telehealth. A practitioner-patient relationship may not be established through email, instant messaging, text messaging, or fax.

A health care practitioner who provides telehealth services to a patient located in this state shall provide the services in compliance with the professional practice standards applicable to a health care practitioner who provides comparable in-person health care in this state. Professional practice standards and law applicable to the provision of health care in this state, including standards and law relating to prescribing medication or treatment, identity verification, documentation, informed consent, confidentiality, privacy, and security, apply to the provision of telehealth services in this state.

A disciplining authority in this state shall not adopt or enforce a rule that establishes a different professional practice standard for telehealth services merely because the services are provided through telehealth or limits the telecommunication technology that may be used for telehealth services.

An out-of-state health care practitioner may provide telehealth services to a patient located in this state if the out-of-state health care practitioner:

  1. Holds a current license or certification required to provide health care in this state or is otherwise authorized to provide health care in this state, including through a multistate compact of which this state is a member; or
  2. Holds a license or certification in good standing in another state and provides the telehealth services:
    1. In the form of a consultation with a health care practitioner who has a practitioner-patient relationship with the patient and who remains responsible for diagnosing and treating the patient in the state
    2. In the form of a specialty assessment, diagnosis, or recommendation for treatment. This does not include the provision of treatment; or
    3. In the form of follow up by a primary care practitioner, mental health practitioner, or recognized clinical specialist to maintain continuity of care with an established patient who is temporarily located in this state and received treatment in the state where the practitioner is located and licensed.

The provision of a telehealth service under this chapter occurs at the patient’s location at the time the service is provided. In a civil action arising out of a health care practitioner’s provision of a telehealth service to a patient under this chapter, brought by the patient or the patient’s personal representative, conservator, guardian, or a person entitled to bring a claim under the state’s wrongful death statute, venue is proper in the patient’s county of residence in this state or in another county authorized by law.

Disciplining  authorities may adopt rules to administer, enforce, implement, or interpret this chapter. In applying and construing this chapter, a court shall consider the promotion of uniformity of the law among jurisdictions that enact the uniform telehealth act.

Nothing in this act shall be construed to require a health carrier as defined in RCW 48.43.005, a health plan offered under chapter 41.05 RCW, or medical assistance offered under chapter 74.09 RCW to reimburse for telehealth services that do not meet statutory requirements for reimbursement of telemedicine services.

This chapter does not permit a health care practitioner to bill a patient directly for a telehealth service that is not a permissible telemedicine service under chapter 48.43, 41.05, or 74.09 7 RCW without receiving patient consent to be billed prior to providing the telehealth service.

SOURCE: RCW 18.134.030, 18.134.040, 18.134.050, 18.134.060, 18.134.070, 184.134.800, 18.134.900 as added by SB 5481 (2024 Legislative Session). (Accessed May 2025).

There is no prohibition against the consultation through telemedicine by a practitioner, licensed by another state or territory in which he or she resides, with a practitioner licensed in WA who has responsibility for the diagnosis and treatment of the patient within WA.

SOURCE: RCW 18.57.040. (Accessed May 2025).

Last updated 05/05/2025

Definitions

“Telehealth” includes telemedicine and means the use of synchronous or asynchronous telecommunication technology by a practitioner to provide health care to a patient at a different  physical location than the practitioner. “Telehealth” does not include the use, in isolation, of email, instant messaging, text messaging, or fax.

“Telehealth services” means health care provided through telehealth.

“Telecommunication technology” means technology that supports communication through electronic means. The term is not limited to regulated technology or technology associated with a regulated industry.

SOURCE: RCW 18.134.010, as added by SB 5481 (2024 Legislative Session). (Accessed May 2025).

Hospitals

“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.   ‘Telemedicine’ includes audio-only telemedicine, but does not include facsimile, or email.”

“Audio-only telemedicine” means the delivery of health care services through the use of audio-only technology, permitting real-time communication between the patient at the originating site and the provider, for the purpose of diagnosis, consultation, or treatment.

“Audio-only telemedicine” does not include:

  • The use of facsimile or email; or
  • The delivery of health care services that are customarily delivered by audio-only technology and customarily not billed as separate services by the provider, such as the sharing of laboratory results.

SOURCE: RCW 70.41.020, (Accessed May 2025).

Physical and Occupational Therapy

“Telehealth means providing physical therapy [or occupational therapy] via electronic communication where the physical [occupational] therapist or physical [or occupational] therapist assistant and the patient are not at the same physical location.”

SOURCE: WAC 246-915-187(3(a)) & 246-847-176.(1) (Accessed May 2025).

Hospice and Home Health

“Telehealth” means a collection of means or methods for enhancing health care, public health, and health education delivery and support using telecommunications technology. Telehealth encompasses a broad variety of technologies and tactics to deliver virtual medical, health, and education services.

“Telemedicine” means the delivery of health care services through the use of HIPAA-compliant interactive audio and video technology, permitting real-time communication between the patient and the agency provider for the purpose of consultation, education, supervision, diagnosis, or treatment, as appropriate per scope of practice. “Telemedicine” also includes supervision of home health aide services to evaluate compliance with the plan of care and patient satisfaction with care. “Telemedicine” does not include the use of audio-only telephone, facsimile, electronic mail, or text messages.

SOURCE: WAC 246-335-610 (20) & (21). WAC 246-335-510 (23) & (24). (Accessed May 2025).

Audio-only telemedicine” means the delivery of health care services through the use of HIPAA-compliant audio-only technology (including web-based applications), permitting real-time communication between the patient and the agency provider for the purpose of consultation, education, diagnosis, or treatment, as appropriate per scope of practice. “Audio-only telemedicine” also includes supervision of home health aide services to evaluate compliance with the plan of care and patient satisfaction with care. “Audio-only telemedicine” does not include the use of facsimile, electronic mail, or text messages.

SOURCE: WAC 246-335-510 (3) & WAC 246-335-610. (Accessed May 2025).

Last updated 05/05/2025

Licensure Compacts

Member of the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Compact.

SOURCE: ASLP-IC Compact Map. HB 1001 (2023 Session). (Accessed May 2025).

Member of the Counseling Compact.

SOURCE: Counseling Compact Map. HB 1069 (2023 Session). (Accessed May 2025).

Member of the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact.

SOURCE: The IMLC. (Accessed May 2025).

Member of Nurse Licensure Compact

SOURCE: NCSBN, Nurse Licensure Compact, Compact Map, (Accessed May 2025).

Member of the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact.

SOURCE: OT Compact. (Accessed May 2025).

Member of Physical Therapy Compact.

SOURCE:  PT Compact. Compact Map. (Accessed May 2025).

Member of the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact.

SOURCE: Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact. (Accessed May 2025).

Member of Physician Assistant Licensure Compact

SOURCE: Physician Assistant Compact, PA Compact Status, (Accessed May 2025).

Member of the Social Work Licensure Compact.

SOURCE: SW Compact Map. HB 1939 (2024 Session). (Accessed May 2025).

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

Last updated 05/05/2025

Miscellaneous

Beginning Jan. 1, 2021, a health care professional who provides clinical services through telemedicine, other than a physician licensed under chapter 18.71 RCW or an osteopathic physician licensed under chapter 18.57 RCW, shall complete a telemedicine training. By January 1, 2020, the telemedicine collaborative shall make a telemedicine training available on its web site for use by health care professionals who use telemedicine technology. If a health care professional completes the training, the health care professional shall sign and retain an attestation. The training:

  • Must include information on current state and federal law, liability, informed consent, and other criteria established by the collaborative for the advancement of telemedicine, in collaboration with the department and the Washington state medical quality assurance commission;
  • Must include a question and answer methodology to demonstrate accrual of knowledge; and
  • May be made available in electronic format and completed over the internet.

A health care professional is deemed to have met the requirements of subsection (2) of this section if the health care professional:

  • Completes an alternative telemedicine training; and
  • Signs and retains an attestation that he or she completed the alternative telemedicine training.

SOURCE: RCW 43.70.495. (Accessed May 2025).

A certified behavioral health support specialist who provides clinical services through telemedicine as defined in RCW 70.41.020 shall complete a one-time telemedicine training that complies with RCW 43.70.495.

SOURCE: WAC 246-821-505 as added by Permanent Rules. (Accessed May 2025).

Collaborative for the advancement of telemedicine was created to develop recommendations on improving reimbursement and access to care, and review the concept of telemedicine payment parity.  They were required to submit policy reports with recommendations in December 2017, 2018, and December 2021.  Recent legislation requires the collaborative to study store and forward technology with an emphasis on utilization, whether it should be paid for at parity, the potential for store and forward to improve rural health outcomes and ocular services.

Effective June, 6, 2024, the statute has been updated by recent legislation to replace references to telemedicine to telehealth and additionally require the Collaborative to review the proposal authored by the uniform law commission for the state to implement a process for out-of-state health care providers to register with the disciplinary authority regulating their profession allowing that provider to provide services through telehealth or store and forward technology to persons located in this state. By December 1, 2024, the collaborative must submit a report to the legislature on its recommendations regarding the proposal.

SOURCE: RCW 28B.20.830 as amended by SB 5481 (2024 Legislation). (Accessed May 2025).

The insurance commissioner, in collaboration with the Washington state telehealth collaborative and the health care authority, shall study and make recommendations for audio-only telemedicine, among other items.

SOURCE: HB 1196 (2021 Session), (Accessed May 2025).

A certified dietitian or nutritionist may provide services in person or through telehealth, to residents of Washington, as appropriate, based on the needs of the client.

SOURCE: WAC 246-822-175 as added by Permanent Rules. (Accessed May 2025).

Home Health and Hospice

“Established relationship” means the patient has had, within the past two years, at least one in-person appointment with the agency provider providing audio-only telemedicine or with a provider employed at the same agency as the provider providing audio-only telemedicine; or the patient was referred to the agency provider providing audio-only telemedicine by another provider who has had, within the past two years, at least one in-person appointment with the patient and has provided relevant medical information to the provider providing audio-only telemedicine.

SOURCE: WAC 246-335-510(8) & WAC 246-335-610. (Accessed May 2025).

For patients receiving acute care services, supervision of the home health aide services with or without the home health aide present must occur once a month to evaluate compliance with the plan of care and patient satisfaction with care. The supervisory visit may be conducted on-site, via telemedicine, or via audio-only telemedicine and must be conducted by a licensed nurse or therapist in accordance with the appropriate practice acts.

For patients receiving maintenance care or home health aide only services, supervision of the home health aide services with or without the home health aide present must occur every six months to evaluate compliance with the plan of care and patient satisfaction with care. The supervisory visit may be conducted on-site, via telemedicine, or via audio-only telemedicine and must be conducted by a licensed nurse or licensed therapist in accordance with the appropriate practice acts.

A supervisory visit conducted via audio-only telemedicine in subsection (7) or (8) of this section is only permitted for patients that have an established relationship with the provider consistent with WAC 246-335-510(8).

A supervisory visit conducted via telemedicine or via audio-only telemedicine in subsection (7) or (8) of this section may not be used to fulfill the annual performance evaluations and on-site observation of care and skills requirements in WAC 246-335-525(16).

SOURCE: WAC 246-335-545(7-10) & WAC 246-335-645. (Accessed May 2025).

Hospitals

Duty of hospital to request information on physicians, physician assistants, or advanced registered nurse practitioners granted privileges…:

  • When granting or renewing credentials and privileges or association of any physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse providing telemedicine or store and forward services, an originating site hospital may rely on a distant site hospital’s decision to grant or renew credentials and clinical privileges or association of the physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse if the originating site hospital obtains reasonable assurances, through a written agreement with the distant site hospital, that all of the following provisions are met:
    • The distant site hospital providing the telemedicine or store and forward services is a Medicare participating hospital;
    • Any physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse providing telemedicine or store and forward services at the distant site hospital will be fully credentialed and privileged to provide such services by the distant site hospital;
    • Any physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse providing telemedicine or store and forward services will hold and maintain a valid license to perform such services issued or recognized by the state of Washington; and
    • With respect to any distant site physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse who holds current credentials and privileges at the originating site hospital whose patients are receiving the telemedicine or store and forward services, the originating site hospital has evidence of an internal review of the distant site physician’s, physician assistant’s, or advanced practice registered nurse’s performance of these credentials and privileges and sends the distant site hospital such performance information for use in the periodic appraisal of the distant site physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse. At a minimum, this information must include all adverse events, as defined in RCW 70.56.010, that result from the telemedicine or store and forward services provided by the distant site physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse to the originating site hospital’s patients and all complaints the originating site hospital has received about the distant site physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse.

SOURCE: RCW 70.41.230 as amended by HB 1281 (2025 Session). (Accessed May 2025).

A hospital that is an originating site or distant site for audio-only telemedicine may not charge a facility fee.

SOURCE: RCW 70.41.530. (Accessed May 2025).

Medical Assistants

“Telemedicine supervision” means the delivery of direct patient care under supervision by a health care practitioner provided through the use of interactive audio and video technology, permitting real-time communication between a medical assistant at the originating site and a health care practitioner off premises. “Telemedicine” does not include the use of audio-only telephone, facsimile, or electronic mail.

“Telemedicine supervision” also includes supervision of a medical assistant-certified or medical assistant registered through interactive audio or visual telemedicine technology when administering intramuscular injections for the purpose of treating a known or suspected syphilis infection in accordance with RCW 18.360.050.

SOURCE: WAC 246-827-0010 as amended by Permanent Rule. (Accessed May 2025).

During a telemedicine visit, supervision over a medical assistant assisting a health care practitioner with the telemedicine visit may be provided through interactive audio and video telemedicine technology.

SOURCE: Revised Code of Washington Sec. 18.360.010 as amended by SB 5983 (2024 Session) & WAC 246-827-0140 as added by Permanent Rule. (Accessed May 2025).

When administering intramuscular injections for the purposes of treating a known or suspected syphilis infection in accordance with RCW 18.360.050, a medical assistant-certified or medical assistant-registered may be supervised through interactive audio or video telemedicine technology.

SOURCE: Revised Code of Washington Sec. 18.360.010 as amended by SB 5983 (2024 Legislative Session). (Accessed May 2025).

A medical assistant-certified may only administer intramuscular injections for the purposes of treating a known or suspected syphilis infection without immediate supervision if a health care practitioner is providing supervision through interactive audio or video telemedicine technology in accordance with RCW 18.360.010 (12)(c)(ii).

SOURCE: Revised Code of Washington Sec. 18.360.010 as amended by SB 5983 (2024 Legislative Session); WAC 246-827-0240 as amended by Permanent Rule. (Accessed May 2025).

Last updated 05/05/2025

Online Prescribing

Uniform Telehealth Act – A practitioner-patient relationship may be established through telehealth. A practitioner-patient relationship may not be established through email, instant messaging, text messaging, or fax.

SOURCE: RCW 18.134.030, as added by SB 5481 (2024 Legislative Session). (Accessed May 2025).

For purposes of authorizing the medical use of marijuana, a physician must complete an in-person physical exam or a remote physical exam when certain conditions are met. Following an in-person physical examination to authorize the use of marijuana for medical purposes, the health care professional may determine and note in the patient’s medical record that subsequent physical examinations for the purposes of renewing an authorization may occur through the use of telemedicine technology if the health care professional determines that requiring the qualifying patient to attend a physical examination in person to renew an authorization would likely result in severe hardship to the qualifying patient because of the qualifying patient’s physical or emotional condition.

SOURCE: Revised Code Washington Sec. 69.51A.030. (Accessed May 2025).

Last updated 05/05/2025

Professional Boards Standards

Physical Therapy Practice Board

SOURCE: WAC 246-915-187 (Accessed May 2025).

Occupational Therapy Practice Board

SOURCE: WAC 246-847-176 (Accessed May 2025).

Board of Optometry

SOURCE: Board of Optometry Appropriate Use of Telehealth (Dec. 2018). (Accessed May 2025).

Examining Board of Psychology

SOURCE: Telepsychology Appropriate Use of Telemedicine (Jan. 2016). (Accessed May 2025).

Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission

SOURCE: Telehealth Advanced Practice Nursing Care Services (Mar. 2021). (Accessed May 2025).

Board of Hearing and Speech

SOURCE: Telepractice (Nov. 2018). (Accessed May 2025).

Board of Naturopathy Guideline

SOURCE: Appropriate Use of Telemedicine (Nov. 2017). (Accessed May 2025).

Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery

SOURCE: Telemedicine Policy Statement (Mar. 2022). (Accessed May 2025).

Chiropractic Quality Assurance Commission

SOURCE: Telehealth Policy (July 2024). (Accessed May 2025).

Uniform Telehealth Act 

A health care practitioner may provide telehealth services to a patient located in this state if the services are consistent with the health care practitioner’s scope of practice in this state, applicable professional practice standards in this state, and requirements and limitations of federal law and law of this state.

This chapter does not authorize provision of health care otherwise regulated by federal law or law of this state, unless the provision of health care complies with the requirements, limitations, and prohibitions of the federal law or law of this state.

A health care practitioner who provides telehealth services to a patient located in this state shall provide the services in compliance with the professional practice standards applicable to a health care practitioner who provides comparable in-person health care in this state. Professional practice standards and law applicable to the provision of health care in this state, including standards and law relating to prescribing medication or treatment, identity verification, documentation, informed consent, confidentiality, privacy, and security, apply to the provision of telehealth services in this state.

A disciplining authority in this state shall not adopt or enforce a rule that establishes a different professional practice standard for telehealth services merely because the services are provided through telehealth or limits the telecommunication technology that may be used for telehealth services.

SOURCE: RCW Title 18, as added by SB 5481 (2024 Legislative Session). (Accessed May 2025).

Previous Washington Medical Commission Telehealth Policy Rescinded

In December 2024, the Washington Medical Commission filed a notice that its previous telemedicine guidance, POL2021-02 Telemedicine, which was filed December 12, 2021 and published under WSR 22-01-092, is rescinded. The purpose of the prior policy statement was to provide guidance to allopathic physicians and physician assistants who use telemedicine to provide medical services to Washington patients. The commission is rescinding this policy statement because the state of Washington became the first state to enact the Uniform Telemedicine Act, and this statute just recently went into effect on June 6, 2024. As such, the commission’s telemedicine policy, POL2021-02, became superseded by statutory law.

SOURCE: Washington Medical Commission/Department of Health Policy Statement (Dec. 2024). (Accessed May 2025).