Temporary Expansion of Telemedicine Benefit
For the next 60 days, PEIA is going to allow office visits and psychotherapy, for established patients, to be performed directly between the providers and patients via video conference or telephonically.
PEIA is waiving the requirement of an Originating Site for these services but are limiting the office evaluation and management codes to 99211, 99212, and 99213. Higher intensity codes 99214 and 99215 will still only be allowed for face to face visits.
PEIA would prefer the E&M codes billed for telemedicine service be billed with modifier GT or 95.
This real time interaction must be between the licensed provider and the patient. Communication with office staff cannot be billed under an Evaluation and Management code.
This is in addition to our current Telehealth Policy which can be found at www.PEIA.wv.gov
In addition, Optum, part of UnitedHealth Group, is opening its Emotional-Support Help Line. Professionally trained, mental health staff are there to support people who may be suffering from fear or stress created by COVID-19. Optum’s Emotional-Support Help Line number is 866-342-6892 and will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The service is free of charge and open to all PEIA members.