At the close of 2021, Congress passed the 2022 Consolidated Appropriations Act, extending key telehealth provisions introduced during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) for 151 days after its expiration. Later, the 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) extended these policies even further—through the end of 2024.

As Congress weighs making these provisions permanent, providers and stakeholders have been closely monitoring updates from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

After the PHE officially ended on May 11, 2023, CMS addressed ongoing uncertainties in the **2024 Proposed Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS)**—the first such proposal since the pandemic’s emergency period concluded.

Telehealth Access Beyond Traditional Locations

The 2024 MPFS proposal continues several telehealth flexibilities that began during the pandemic, including waiving restrictions on originating sites. This means patients can still receive telehealth care from virtually any location, including their homes.

This expanded location flexibility is a major win for patients in rural or underserved areas, ensuring access to healthcare services without unnecessary barriers.

Expanded Telehealth Roles for Allied Health Professionals

Another important provision in the 2024 MPFS is the inclusion of more healthcare professionals in virtual care delivery—specifically those authorized under the 2023 CAA. These include:

• Occupational Therapists
• Physical Therapists
• Speech-Language Pathologists
• Audiologists

These providers can now offer services remotely, significantly expanding access to crucial rehabilitative and supportive care services nationwide. This especially benefits patients in remote or resource-limited areas.

Updated Billing Codes for Social Determinants of Health

The 2024 proposal also introduces new billing codes and extends select temporary codes. Of particular note is the proposed HCPCS code GXXX5, which allows providers to bill for:

“Administration of a standardized, evidence-based Social Determinants of Health Risk Assessment tool, 5–15 minutes.”

This move aims to simplify the billing process, support population health, and ensure providers are reimbursed for the time spent assessing key patient risk factors.

Streamlining Telehealth Administration

CMS is also working to simplify the telehealth list inclusion process, reducing the administrative burden for providers and speeding up the approval of services suitable for remote delivery.

Why does simplification matter?

• Improved Access: Especially in underserved regions
• Greater Efficiency: Providers can care for more patients
• Lower Costs: Reduces travel and overhead
• Better Compliance: Streamlined systems reduce errors and regulatory risk
• Improved Outcomes: Patients receive consistent, coordinated care

Equitable Reimbursement for At-Home Care

To support equity in telehealth, CMS introduced a national non-facility reimbursement rate for services provided at Place of Service 10 (the patient’s home). This means:

• Providers will be paid the same rate as they would for an in-person office visit
• Telehealth becomes a financially viable option for both providers and systems

What This Means for the Future of Virtual Care

These CMS updates show a commitment to building a more integrated, accessible, and tech-enabled healthcare system. By addressing everything from billing to provider eligibility to patient locations, the policy landscape is evolving to meet the needs of both providers and patients.

At Tellihealth, we support these changes through our accuRPM platform, offering scalable, compliant, and effective Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) solutions that integrate seamlessly with modern telehealth programs.

If you’re preparing your clinic for the next chapter in virtual care, Tellihealth is here to help.