13. UNDERSTANDING PUBLIC POLICY AND GOVERNMENT ADVOCACY

Audio-only visits CMS issued a waiver to allow the use of audioonly equipment to furnish services described by the codes for audio-only telephone E/M services, behavioral health counseling, and educational services. Effective January 1, 2021, CMS established payment on an interim final basis for a new HCPCS code G2252 describing 11-20 minutes of medical discussion to determine the necessity of an in-person visit. See the full list of telehealth services (https://www. cms.gov/Medicare/Medicare-General-Information/ Telehealth/Telehealth-Codes) eligible to be furnished via audio-only technology, including the telephone E/M codes.

Type of Service What is the Service? HCPCS/CPT Code

Medicare Telehealth Visits A visit with a provider that uses telecommunication systems between a provider and a patient.

Virtual CheckIn

A brief (5-10 minutes) check in with a patient’s practitioner via telephone or other telecommunications device to decide whether an office visit or other service is needed. A remote evaluation of recorded video and/or images submitted by an established patient. E-Visits A communication between a patient and their provider through an online patient portal. Common telehealth services include: • 99202-99215 (Office or other outpatient visits) • G0425-G0427 (Telehealth consultations, emergency department or initial inpatient) • G0406-G0408 (Followup inpatient telehealth consultations furnished to beneficiaries in hospitals or SNFs) • HCPCS code G2012 • HCPCS code G2010

• 99421 • 99422 • 99423 • G2061 • G2062 • G2063 Patient Relationship with Provider

For new* or established patients *To the extent the 1135 waiver requires an established relationship. HHS will not conduct audits to ensure that such a prior relationship existed for claims submitted during this public health emergency

For established patients

For established patients

12.5 Resources

There are a number of excellent resources available to help you remain current with the practice of urology. AUAUniversity (www.AUAnet.org/university) offers year-round access to a growing repository of valuable information through live and online educational opportunities. Other resources include: • AUA Oral Board Review Course auau.auanet.org/courses • AUA Clinical Guidelines www.AUAnet.org/guidelines • NCCN Guidelines www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/default. aspx • AUA Coding and Reimbursement Resources

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www.AUAnet.org/practice-resources/coding-andreimbursement/coding-resources-and-information • Patient Education from the Urology Care

Foundation www.urologycarefoundation.org/order If you have any questions, you may contact the AUA Coding Hotline at 1-866-746-4282 (Option 3) or via email at codinghotline@AUAnet.org.

The AUA is a leading advocate for the specialty of urology and maintains a consistent presence in Washington, D.C. working with lawmakers and regulators to promote and preserve the interests of urologists. The AUA has a long history of promoting