Posted in #reimbursement, HealthFirst, NY Providers, Payer Updates, Payers and CPT reinbursement, Training

HealthFirst Telehealth mental health modifier update

This update applies to HealthFirst following plan types: Medicaid, Personal Wellness Plan (HARP), and Medicaid Advantage.


Which services are affected?

Telehealth services done through a NY OMH licensed and or designated outpatient program.


Please refer to OMH modifier and rate code chart here.


Image via NYS OMH

To ensure the providers receive proper reimbursement, please make sure you go over payment rate changes and use the proper modifiers:

Modifier FQ- used for outpatient telehealth services, audio-only, for dual enrolled members.

Modofier 93- OMH providers – use this modifier for qualifying telehealth and audio-only mental health services, for members that are only enrolled in Medicaid.


The changes apply to the services performed on or after July 1st 2025.


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Posted in EmblemHealth NY, NY Providers, Training, Updates

EmblemHealth/Connecticare: Telehealth Reimbursement Policy Update for 2022

If you are a provider that accepts patients with EmblemHealth and/or Connecticare Insurance this blog post is for you!

This policy applies to Emblemhealth/Connecticare Commercial, Medicare and Medicaid Members.


Effective 01/01/2022- EmblemHealth/Connecticare has updated their telehealth policy. The following update was added:


Effective 06/01/2022- changes effect modifiers:

Want to learn more? Please click here to see the whole telehealth policy.


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Posted in MVP (NY/VT) Insurance Payer, Training, Updates

MVP-Vermont Providers: Audio-only (telehealth) code reimbursement changes 2022

This blog applies to providers that accept MVP members and practice in Vermont.

This blog post addresses AUDIO ONLY CODES!

Effective 01/01/2022- Providers can continue to bill audio only codes, using telephone-only evaluation and management codes: 99441, 99442, 99443. These codes do not require a modifier.

However, the audio only codes that are EQUIVALENT to IN-Person visit, using audio-only must be billed with:

1.Modifier V3 – in-person services AND

2. Place of Service has to be 99 (OTHER)


Reimbursement Changes effective 03/01/2022:

1.Claims for in-person covered services performed via audio-only will be allowed at 75% of the medical provider contracted rate.

2.Behavioral Health Providers billing codes for in person covered services performed via audio[1]only will be reimbursed as outlined in their contract.


PLEASE NOTE: Other telehealth services should be provided in accordance with and billed following the guidelines outlined in the MVP Telehealth Payment Policy.


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