Telehealth is a game-changer for anesthesiology, streamlining pre-op evaluations, post-op follow-ups, and chronic pain management. But state-specific billing rules can be tricky, and errors can lead to costly denials. Here’s a concise guide to get it right, with careful attention to accurate claims.

State Telehealth Policy Resources

Stay informed with these trusted sources:

• PHI’s Telehealth Policy Finder: A national hub with state-by-state Medicaid rules, legislation, and trends.
• State Medicaid/Health Department Sites: Check provider manuals for allowed CPT/HCPCS codes, telehealth modalities, and consent requirements.
• State Legislative Trackers: For example, South Carolina details telemedicine licensure flexibility, while Michigan and DC issue policy bulletins for virtual care.

Place of Service (POS) Codes

Correct POS coding ensures proper reimbursement:

• POS 10 (Home): Use when patients are at home, like for post-op pain checks or chronic pain consults via video.
• POS 02 (Telehealth, Non-Home): Applies when patients are at a rural clinic or hospital. Pair with Modifier 95 for real-time audio-video calls. Some payers may accept older modifiers like GT—verify with payer guidelines.

Documentation for Anesthesiology Services

Thorough documentation is critical, especially for multiple procedures:

• Locations: Note where the patient and provider are during the encounter.
• Modality & Timing: Specify audio-video (or audio-only, if allowed) and include timestamps for time-based codes (e.g., prolonged consults).
• Service Details: For codes like 01996 (epidural management) or 99251–99255 (consults), document the order, evaluation, consent, and recommendations.
• Consent: Record patient consent for telehealth, including limitations and follow-up plans.
• Cross-State Care: If practicing across state lines, confirm licensure (e.g., via Interstate Medical Licensure Compact) and note it in records.

Regional Billing Snapshot

Key Takeaways

• Use resources like PHI’s Telehealth Policy Finder to stay updated on state rules.
• Choose POS 10 or 02 based on patient location and pair with Modifier 95 (or GT, if required).
• Document meticulously—locations, modality, consent, and service details—to support complex billing.
• Audit telehealth workflows regularly to ensure compliance and minimize denials.

By staying proactive and precise, anesthesiology practices can use telehealth effectively while avoiding billing pitfalls in 2025.