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HIPAA Allows New Way to Engage Patients, but Documentation Is Key

Electronic Health Reporter covers Medical Advisor Dr. Neil Baum on telemedicine use during COVID-19 emergency

The HIPAA waiver issued for telemedicine during COVID-19 is a game-changer for physicians now that CMS says virtual visits are reimbursable. “Telemedicine is a great opportunity to engage patients in a way we never have before. We’re able to practice good medicine without having to be face to face or touching a patient,” he says.

For healthcare professionals, this news means that CMS now allows providers to be reimbursed for the vast majority of virtual visits using telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Only a small number qualified for reimbursements as recently as March 14, 2020.)

See a chart of the popular apps approved for telemedicine during COVID-19.

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