<<<<NOTE: This ALERT is a follow-up to the ALERT dated March 18, 2020>>>>
As Medicaid continues to monitor the outbreak of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Alabama, we are updating the procedure codes which may be billed via telemedicine to include the following:
99201-99205
99214-99215
99218-99220
99241-99245
99224-99226
99217
99234-99236
99221-99223
99231-99233
99251-99255
99238-99239
99451-99452
99446-99449
The effective dates for this ALERT are March 16, 2020 - May 30, 2020, or at the conclusion of the COVID-19 National emergency, whichever occurs first. Providers can begin submitting claims on May 8, 2020.
For Medicaid to ensure proper reporting with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), it is necessary to file the claim with place of service ‘02’ (telemedicine) and a modifier of ‘CR’ for catastrophic/disaster to assist with claims tracking. 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 time frame, but states can only receive the increased match on claims that are paid during the emergency. Providers should include appropriate COVID-19 diagnosis code(s) on claims submitted to help with tracking of COVID-19.
Alabama Medicaid will review and verify that requirements for the extension of telemedicine services are being met. Payments to providers that do not meet the specifications are subject to recoupment.
If you have questions, please visit the Medicaid website at www.medicaid.alabama.gov, or call the Medicaid Fiscal Agent at 1.800.688.7989.
Contacts:
elizabeth.huckabee@medicaid.alabama.gov, beverly.churchwell@medicaid.alabama.gov