The insurer giant is also waiving the audio-visual component requirement.
The nation’s second-largest healthcare insurer announced this week that it is waiving telehealth site restrictions and audio-visual mandates amid the continuing COVID-19 pandemic.
UnitedHealthcare (UHC) made the announcement via an update to its online resource library on Wednesday, saying that it is waiving the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) requirements for Medicare Advantage (MA), Medicaid, individual, and group market health plan members on dates of service extending back to March 18 and through June 18, 2020.
“Eligible care providers can bill for telehealth services performed using interactive audio-video or audio-only, except in the cases where we have explicitly denoted the need for interactive audio-video, such as with PT/OT/ST, while a patient is at home,” UHC said. “By removing the originating site and audio-video requirement, UnitedHealthcare has broadened access to telehealth services.”
The announcement comes amid a seismic, industry-wide shift to telehealth services for a range of medical needs. The number of COVID-19 cases in the U.S. rose to more than 425,000 on Thursday, ranking it first in the world in that category by a wide margin, while deaths approached 15,000.
UHC, which at a reported 9.3 percent market share ranks only behind Anthem, at 10.4 percent, among American health insurers, also noted that its other protocols in handling telehealth services will remain unchanged.
“UnitedHealthcare reimburses telehealth services according to its telehealth reimbursement policies. Depending on whether a claim is for a Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, or individual and group market health plan member, those policies require slightly different modifiers or place of service indicators for a telehealth claim to be reimbursed,” the company said. “These policy changes will allow you to simply bill for telehealth services performed while the patient is at home.”
Cost sharing will also be waived for in-network telehealth services for COVID-19- and non-COVID-19 related visits, the company added. According to plan benefits, out-of-network providers may also qualify for telehealth; member benefit and cost sharing will apply, if applicable.
The announcement came as welcome news to the industry at large. The National Alliance of Medical Auditing Specialists (NAMAS) sent out an update to its membership, saying that they “continue to look for specific guidance on this issue from CMS.”
To review UHC’s announcement in its entirety, go online to https://www.uhcprovider.com/en/resource-library/news/Novel-Coronavirus-COVID-19/covid19-telehealth-services/covid19-telehealth-services-telehealth.html.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping diagnostic medicine. From radiology and dermatology to primary care and mental health, AI systems – particularly those powered by
Normally, I write about substantive law, but today I’m going to focus more on psychology. The idea was triggered by the subject line in an
Please log in to your account to comment on this article.
Only ICD10monitor delivers what you need: updates on must-know changes associated with the FY26 IPPS, including new ICD-10-CM/PCS codes, CCs/MCCs, and MS-DRGs, plus insights, analysis and answers to your questions from two of the country’s most respected subject matter experts.
This third session in our 2026 IPPS Masterclass will feature a review of FY26 changes to the MS-DRG methodology and new technology add-on payments (NTAPs), presented by nationally recognized ICD-10 coding expert Christine Geiger, MA, RHIA, CCS, CRC, with bonus insights and analysis from Dr. James Kennedy.
This second session in our 2026 IPPS Masterclass will feature a review the FY26 changes to ICD-10-PCS codes. This information will be presented by nationally recognized ICD-10 coding expert Christine Geiger, MA, RHIA, CCS, CRC, with bonus insights and analysis from Dr. James Kennedy.
This first session in our 2026 IPPS Masterclass will feature an in-depth explanation of FY26 changes to ICD-10-CM codes and guidelines, CCs/MCCs, and revisions to the MCE, presented by presented by nationally recognized ICD-10 coding expert Christine Geiger, MA, RHIA, CCS, CRC, with bonus insights and analysis from Dr. James Kennedy.
RACmonitor is proud to welcome back Dr. Ronald Hirsch, one of his most requested webcasts. In this highly anticipated session, Dr. Hirsch will break down the complex Two Midnight Rule Medicare regulations, translating them into clear, actionable guidance. He’ll walk you through the basics of the rule, offer expert interpretation, and apply the rule to real-world clinical scenarios—so you leave with greater clarity, confidence, and the tools to ensure compliance.
Bring your questions and join the conversation during this open forum series, live every Wednesday at 10 a.m. EST from June 11–July 30. Hosted by Chuck Buck, these fast-paced 30-minute sessions connect you directly with top healthcare experts tackling today’s most urgent compliance and policy issues.
Fraud convictions don’t just punish a few bad claims; they can wipe out years of reimbursements. Don’t wait for an audit to learn the rules. Join Frank Cohen, MPA, for a live Q&A on spotting red flags, avoiding liability, and protecting your practice. Register now and bring your questions!
Substance abuse is everywhere. It’s a complicated diagnosis with wide-ranging implications well beyond acute care. The face of addiction continues to change so it’s important to remember not just the addict but the spectrum of extended victims and the other social determinants and legal ramifications. Join John K. Hall, MD, JD, MBA, FCLM, FRCPC, for a critical Q&A on navigating substance abuse in 2025. Register today and be a part of the conversation!
Copyright © 2025 RACmonitor. Powered by MedLearn Media.
Happy National Doctor’s Day! Learn how to get a complimentary webcast on ‘Decoding Social Admissions’ as a token of our heartfelt appreciation! Click here to learn more →
CYBER WEEK IS HERE! Don’t miss your chance to get 20% off now until Dec. 2 with code CYBER24
