Be Considerate When Using Telehealth: It Might Cost You Extra!

Due to the covid-19 pandemic, the demand for telehealth services has increased significantly, leading physicians and hospital systems to adopt more technologically efficient methods of digital communication. Unfortunately, there has been such a spike in demand and complexity of these services that several facilities are beginning to enforce additional billing for digital services. 

While this may be alarming or concerning to you, the good news is that not all digital services are going to be billed. For example, digital services for prescription refills, appointment scheduling, follow ups on a recent appointment (within 7 days), or various other follow ups advised by your doctor will not be receiving additional billing. However, services such as sending a photo of a rash, requesting the doctor fill out various forms, and request for prescription of new medications are likely to see additional charges or co-pays when submitted.

In addition, new billing rules suggest that doctors are permitted to charge extra based on insurance coverage and the amount of time per request. For instance, according to the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid, doctors will now be permitted to charge medicare extra online submissions with as low as 5 minutes spent in a seven day window and receiving the  online message. Those with private insurance and the uninsured are expected to have the highest additional fees and co-pays for online services.

While the addition of these fees is aimed at getting more patients or clients to attend in-person visits to receive care, there is worry that these fees may be a deterrent for those seeking medical care. The founder of the Patient Rights Advocate stands firm on the claim that adding this barrier will ultimately prevent individuals from seeking out care. The U.S. health care billing system is already complex as it is, so adding another layer would be an  unfortunate step for hospitals, doctors offices, and care providers at large.

References:

https://apnews.com/article/health-c02ffb926e58597d844a02358b30f1fa