FAIRFAX, Va., Dec. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services issued their final rule last month covering changes for the physician’s fee schedule and Medicare coverage of telehealth services. The agency approved the addition of several CPT codes related to renal dialysis to the list of covered telehealth services. In addition CMS clarified the policy of reimbursing for non face-to-face services. Medicare will pay for non face- to-face patient services listed in the CPT code manual.
This increased recognition and acceptance of telemedicine as a viable and practical healthcare delivery method has prompted T-Med Behavioral to expand the scope of their services accordingly. T-Med Behavioral is a leading contract services provider of mental health services to elderly facilities in the National Capital Area and throughout the states of Maryland and Virginia. With the addition of psychiatric medical services added to its original core business of psychotherapy services, T-Med Behavioral is also in process of bringing its quality healthcare programs to many other states. Add to that, the ability to use Video Telemedicine (VTM) for instant and convenient patient assessment, and T-Med Behavioral can now reach out to more facilities where these services are difficult, if not impossible to acquire.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services indicated, “The use of an interactive audio and video telecommunications system, permitting real time interaction between the beneficiary, physician or practitioner at the distant site, and telepresenter (if necessary) is a substitute for face-to-face requirements under Medicare. Services not requiring a face-to-face encounter with the patient that may be furnished through the use of a telecommunications system are already covered under Medicare.”
T-Med Behavioral’s CEO, Zee L. Friedman commented that “The final ruling from CMS was better than expected. This ruling clarifies and opens up reimbursement for a host of medical services and does not limit us to providing these teleservices to rural settings or certain institutions as was the case in the past.”
T-Med Behavioral is a twelve-year-old company that provides the entire spectrum of mental health services to Nursing Homes, Assisted Living Centers, and CCRC’s as well as providing individual, group and family therapy, psychiatric consults, and medication review and the new non face-to-face services. Facilities with T-Med Behavioral providers have the advantage of the many services the company can provide to their residents, as well as assistance with facility care plans, MDS and other areas where T-Med Behavioral can make a positive contribution.
CONTACT INFORMATION: Leo C. Loevner, COO T-Med Behavioral, Inc. 703-425-8269 800-688-7733 http://www.t-medbehavioral.com/
T-Med Behavioral, Inc.
CONTACT: Leo C. Loevner, COO of T-Med Behavioral, Inc., +1-703-425-8269or +1-800-688-7733
Web site: http://www.t-medbehavioral.com/