BCBSMA has shared important updates to the coverage guidelines related to coronavirus/COVID-19. The attached articles include details on coverage and site of service expansion including telehealth and telephonic visits, billing and coding for services, and other important details. BCBSMA has added coding and coverage information for certain ancillary providers and a subset of behavioral health providers; and provided a list of these specialties. They have also updated modifier information for telehealth services. Please refer to the attached articles and payment policies referenced in the articles.
- Laboratory and Pathology
- Telehealth (Telemedicine) – Medical Services – revised with coding updates
- Telehealth (Telemedicine) – Behavioral Health – revised with coding updates
Please note that BCBSMA is removing all member cost share (copayments, co-insurance, and deductibles) for a telephone (telephonic) call in place of an office visit, and virtual/video appointment (telehealth) services for COVID-19 and non-COVID-19-related services. This is in place for the duration of the state of emergency. Please note that Well Connection, the BCBS telehealth platform powered by American Well (AmWell) has an increased wait time to access their providers. BCBS is encouraging members to contact their local BCBSMA provider to ask if they are able to conduct a telehealth or telephonic consult/visit as an alternative to delivering in person care. Providers are encouraged by BCBS to offer these alternative options to increase access to care.
Lastly, because this situation is fluid and fast-moving, BCBS is encouraging providers to login to Provider Central to review materials regularly. BCBS will continue to publish updates on the Coronavirus Resource Center on Provider Central.