Can Physical Therapists Bill for Telemedicine?

By Justin Oglesby

Can Physical Therapists Bill for Telemedicine?

The quick answer to Can Physical Therapists Bill for Telemedicine is yes. There are certain guidelines from each insurance company that JOI Rehab follows.  Please remember that Telemedicine is a very process and many insurance companies are changing their procedures on a daily basis.

Medicare

There are certain guidelines a physical therapist must follow when billing for a Telehealth visit. As of now Medicare will not allow physical therapist to bill for an evaluation but can bill for a e-visit if the patient is already established. Medicare requires that there must be an e-visit code. The duration of the treatment can be up to 21 minutes every 7 days.

Private Insurances

Currently Atena, United Health Care, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Tricare and Workers Compensation are allowing physical therapist to bill normal physical therapy codes just as the patient were in the clinic. These companies are allowing physical therapist to conduct an evaluation for new patients via telemedicine and follow up visits for physical and occupational therapy.

Where is Telemedicine frequently used?

All JOI Physicians, Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists now offer Telemedicine.  These services are from the convenience of your home. We can still provide orthopaedic Telehealth services for you. Through the download of the free Zoom app on the your phone, tablet or laptop. Our physicians and Physical Therapists can evaluate you and provide the care you need.

• To schedule a new patient or follow up patient appointment with your MD, please call (904)JOI-2000 or read more here about our orthopedic telemedicine providers.
• To schedule an appointment for physical or occupational therapy, call 904-858-7045 or call any of the 12 area JOI Rehab Centers.

JOI Fracture and Injury Care Services

JOI Physicians are currently offering ASAP Fracture care. Make an appointment by calling (904)JOI-2000. This is a new option for patients who would like to avoid the emergency room if they have suffered a fracture or soft tissue injury. To learn more about this service, read this article about fracture and injury care.