Policy

Federal Telehealth Policy (Medicare Only)

Federal telehealth policy primarily affects Medicare payments for telehealth. The policy was originally put into law in 1997, then modified significantly in 2001. These policies are written into section 1834m of the US code of federal regulations, and include several specific restrictions regarding when and where Medicare will reimburse for telehealth services.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, many of these restrictions were temporarily suspended to provide the greatest flexibility in the deployment and use of telehealth to meet critical emergency needs. New providers were made eligible to bill for telehealth services and restrictions on patient and provider locations were suspended.

Congress extended the waivers multiple times since the end of the federal emergency, and has also made some permanent changes to some parts of the law. In addition, CMS used its regulatory authority to change some parts of how it interpreted and enforced the laws. If or when the waivers expire, policies will revert to what is in place in federal law and current CMS regulations.

Resources available on federal telehealth policy

2026 Physician Fee Schedule

Fact sheet from CCHP on the 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule

Webinar on 2026 PFS Proposed Rule

Webinar by Richelle Marting at HTRC summarizing telehealth implications of proposed 2026 PFS

CCHP Announcement and Originating Site Information

CCHP explains an issue with FQHCs/RHCs as originating sites