The continuing resolution signed into law in December provides an extension of some key telehealth services related to home health and hospice stays.
 
The American Relief Act 2025 extended the waiver “removing geographic requirements and expanding originating sites for telehealth services.” This waiver allows for the use of telehealth for a face-to-face encounter when qualifying a patient for home health services.
The law also includes an extension of the use of telehealth for the face-to-face encounter prior to recertification of hospice eligibility.
 
Both will be extended through March 31, 2025.
 
Medicare Administrative Contractors have stressed in messages to providers that documentation of telehealth encounters for home health certification purposes must:
  • Show that both audio and video portions were conducted
  • Show that there was real-time interactive communication between the patient and physician or practitioner