Frequently Asked Questions About Telemental Health

Telemental Health Laws by state – excellent summary of the legal protections for telehealth services: https://www.foley.com/-/media/files/insights/publications/2021/02/21mc30431-50state-telemed-reportmaster-02082021.pdf

The areas covered include state laws about coverage for telehealth and audio-only treatment; reimbursement requirements; how long coverage will last; the actual language of the laws in each state; and more.

Even if you think you know your state’s laws about telemental health, this is a good review and offers ways to improve telemental health laws based on what other states have done.

You can find the answer here: https://www.telementalhealthtraining.com/states-rules-and-regulations

CPT Code Reimbursement Changes

• 90785 Interactive Complexity -10.2%
• 90791 Psychiatric diagnostic evaluation +15.7%
• 90832 Psychotherapy, 30 minutes with patient +3.0%
• 90834 Psychotherapy, 45 minutes with patient +1.5%
• 90837 Psychotherapy, 60 minutes with patient -0.1%
• 90839 Psychotherapy for crisis; first 60 minutes -8.7%
• 90840 Psychotherapy for crisis; each additional 30 mins -8.4%
• 90845 Psychoanalysis -9.2%
• 90846 Family psychotherapy (no patient present), 50 minutes -11.1%
• 90847 Family psychotherapy (w/ patient present), 50 minutes -11.1%
• 90849 Multiple-family group psychotherapy -10.2%
• *90853 Group psychotherapy -9.0%

*Group Psychotherapy, 90853, has been added to the permanent list of telemental health services.