In response to the pandemic, many practices have decided to adopt and implement telemedicine. Considering this, MEDICAL MUTUAL has temporarily suspended the underwriting rule that initial patient interactions need to be face-to-face. Insureds can now see both new and established patients via telemedicine services. As always, we recommend documenting these visits contemporaneously. Here are some key resources regarding telemedicine:

• The Maryland Board of Physicians has recently updated its telehealth information. 
• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has made additional waivers to rules governing visits related to COVID-19. 
• With the increasing use of telehealth, Doctors need to develop a good "webside" manner. Here are 20 tips to improve this virtual skillset. 
• The Maryland Board of Physicians has compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions concerning Telehealth and the Maryland State of Emergency Declaration.
  
• Many health insurance carriers are waiving out-of-pocket costs for telehealth visits. It would be best to consult the individual carriers you contract with to see what their respective parameters are.
• MedChi has provided a quick guide on Medicare Telehealth Coding/Billing Guidelines.
• As noted above, MEDICAL MUTUAL has changed its underwriting rule concerning telemedicine.
• To read the article "Telemedicine: Welcome to The Future" by Rachel E. Brown and John T. Sly of Waranch & Brown, click here.
  
• Centers for Medicare & Medicare Services (CMS) Telemedicine Fact Sheet and Telehealth for Providers: What You Need to Know
• If you wish to incorporate telemedicine in your practice, we recommend using one of the following telemedicine consent forms as a template for your practice. Please note, these are examples and they should be tailored to fit your practice needs. Please see below:
  • From the American Academy of Pediatrics
  • Updated Sample Consent Form

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