220-158: Telemedicine for Behavioral Health: State Reimbursement Policies, Procedures and Outcomes

Publication Date: 9/1/2012

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Description:

The Florida Legislature is currently embarking on a third effort at passing legislative language with respect to the reimbursement by Medicaid of behavioral health services rendered through telemedicine. In preparation for the eventual passage of legislative language, the state Medicaid program, the Agency on Healthcare Administration (AHCA) contracted with the Florida Mental Health Institute to produce a report that addresses a series of issues that arise when implementing telemedicine technology within the field of behavioral health. That report, the present one, provides information and recommendations concerning best practices for Medicaid behavioral health practitioners when providing services via telemedicine, and the technical, professional and security standards that guide this approach this form of service delivery. Project methodologies included literature reviews and reviews of existing telemedicine policies and procedures utilized by states as well as policies and procedures of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid. Reviews were supplemented by interviews in Florida and other states with 60 representatives from programs reimbursing for services provided through telemedicine technologies (e.g., state Medicaid agencies, the Department of Veterans Affairs and other health insurers), 27 providers who utilize telemedicine technologies in their provision of services, 21 staff from professional associations and from telemedicine resource centers, and 10 vendors of telemedicine devices and software.