Expanded telehealth coverage, Stark Law waivers, and 1135 waivers are key flexibilities that have helped healthcare organizations maintain quality of care and increase capacity, according to Jody Erdfarb, a partner in Wiggin and Dana’s Healthcare Department.
However, as the end of the PHE looms, providers must prepare for post-pandemic compliance.
The PHE is currently set to expire on October 15, 2022, but another 90-day extension is expected as HHS has not yet given providers a 60-day notice. Many waivers and flexibilities will expire with the PHE, leading to significant practice management changes for healthcare providers.
Providers can get ahead of these changes by preparing for a post-PHE world as soon as possible.
“Every indication from every agency is [to] start getting ready now,” Erdfarb told RevCycleIntelligence in a recent interview. “And even though it’s difficult to add something else to your plate for these providers who are still dealing with COVID-19 and its aftermath in the financial and operational effects, they don’t have a choice. You need to start preparing now.”
Providers must prepare for reduced telehealth coverage, as most of the telehealth flexibilities will end with the PHE.
During the PHE, CMS allowed patients to receive telehealth services from any provider who is eligible to bill for Medicare Part B services.
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