Issue link: https://beckershealthcare.uberflip.com/i/1260323
46 GASTROENTEROLOGY Coding & billing for telehealth in GI: 8 things to know By Angie Stewart R emote communication is enabling gastroenterology groups to continue practicing during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Gastroenterology & Endoscopy News. Glenn Littenberg, MD, a coding adviser for the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and chair of the society's reim- bursement committee, told Gastroenterology & Endoscopy News eight things to know about billing for telehealth visits in gastro- enterology: 1. To bill Medicare for a telehealth visit scheduled in lieu of an office visit, use office visit codes 99201-99205, 99212-99215, office place of service 11, and modifier 95. Audio and video are required under the definition of telehealth. 2. Under CMS' March 31 interim rule, HIPAA requirements are suspended in case providers are unable to use secure encrypted methods during elective procedure shut- downs. 3. CMS drastically expanded coverage for telehealth services, retroactive to March 1. Emergency department services, inpatient admission and follow-up care, and most evaluation and management services per- formed by qualified providers are covered. 4. CMS will pay for telephone services provided to Medicare beneficiaries at the same rate as office visit codes 99212, 99213 and 99214. Telephone services can be billed under CPT codes 99441-99443, as well as under CPT codes 98966-98968 for qualified nonphysician providers. 5. Medicare reimbursement for telephone services can range from $14 to $41, depend- ing on geographic location. 6. Patients who haven't received face-to-face E/M services for three years are consid- ered new patients. Telehealth services for these patients should be closely tracked, as they are reimbursed at higher rates than telehealth services for patients seen more recently. 7. Virtual visits where the patient contacts the provider via telephone, email or online portal for a five- to 10-minute interaction are eligible for reimbursement. CMS will also reimburse e-visits that last a similar amount of time and include services such as diagnostic test setup and lab test procure- ment. 8. Private payers' policies on reimbursement for telephone services "vary widely" and aren't necessarily aligned with Medicare, Dr. Littenberg said. n AbbVie completes $63B Allergan merger By Eric Oliver A bbVie completed its $63 billion acquisition of Allergan May 8, adding around $30 billion in full-year 2020 rev- enues. What you should know: 1. After closing the acquisition, AbbVie believes its combined full-year 2020 revenues will come in at around $50 billion. 2. As a result of the merger, AbbVie's board added former Ab- bott Executive Vice President Thomas Freyman to its board. Mr. Freyman previously served on Allergan's board. 3. AbbVie made the transaction to diversify its revenue base, complement its portfolio in the immunologic and hematologic oncology fields, and create new opportunities in the neurosci- ence and global aesthetics segments. AbbVie Chair and CEO Richard Gonzalez said, "The new AbbVie will be a well-diversified leader in many important therapeutic categories, with both on-market and pipeline assets, and our financial strength will allow us to continue to invest in innovative science and continue to serve unmet medical needs of patients that rely upon us." n Motus GI gains new patent for flagship colonoscopy prep system — 3 quick points By Eric Oliver M otus GI secured a U.S. patent for its Pure-Vu System's sensing technology and suction control features. Three quick points: 1. Motus GI's flagship Pure-Vu System can be integrated with standard and slim colonoscopes, a capability protected under the new patent. 2. The newly patented features are designed to help endoscopists safely and quickly clean debris from a colon for better visualization. 3. Clear visualization "may facilitate a quality colonoscopy upon first attempt," Motus GI CEO Tim Moran said in a May 5 press release. n