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<<<<NOTE: This ALERT is a replacement to the ALERT dated March 24, 2020>>>>

TO:  Speech and Occupational Therapy Providers

This notice serves as a replacement for the March 24, 2020 Alert titled Alabama Medicaid Extends Temporary Telemedicine Coverage for Speech and Occupational Therapy Providers.

In response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, for dates of service on or after March 16, 2020, Medicaid is temporarily allowing covered speech and occupational services to be performed via telemedicine. This allowance should only be used for medically necessary services that can be appropriately delivered in a secure, confidential location. The therapy provider and recipient/caregiver must use an interactive audio/video telecommunications system. These actions will be effective for one month, expiring on dates of service April 16, 2020. Alabama Medicaid will reevaluate for continuance as needed.   

Medicaid will update claims processing systems by March 30, 2020. For a listing of covered procedure codes, please visit https://medicaid.alabama.gov/content/Gated/7.6.1G_Provider_Manuals/7.6.1.1G_Jan2020/Jan20_37.pdf for the Provider Billing Manual.  Please note, this list could be revised as needed. 

During the COVID-19 emergency, it is important to file claims as quickly as possible to ensure payment from Medicaid is made to Medicaid providers close to the date of service. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has increased the federal matching percentage for the emergency timeframe, but states can only receive the increased match on claims that are paid during the emergency. 

For policy questions, please email elizabeth.huckabee@medicaid.alabama.gov, beverly.churchwell@medicaid.alabama.gov or shauna.williams@medicaid.alabama.gov.

For billing questions, please call the provider assistance center at (800) 688-7989 – (Nationwide Toll Free) (334) 215-0111.

The Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) and Current Dental Terminology (CDT) codes descriptors, and other data are copyright © 2020 American Medical Association and © 2020 American Dental Association (or such other date publication of CPT and CDT). All rights reserved. Applicable FARS/DFARS apply.