Sec. 10.09.49.09. Limitations

A. A service provided through telehealth is subject to the same program restrictions, preauthorizations, limitations, and coverage that exist for the service when provided in person.

B. A telehealth service does not include:

(1) An audio-only telephone conversation between a health care provider and a patient;

(2) An electronic mail message between a health care provider and a patient;

(3) A facsimile transmission between a health care provider and a patient; or

(4) A telephone conversation, electronic mail message, or facsimile transmission between the originating and distant site providers without interaction between the distant site provider and the patient.

C. Store and forward technology does not meet the Maryland Medical Assistance Program’s definition of telehealth. The Maryland Medical Assistance Program covers services such as dermatology, ophthalmology, and radiology according to COMAR 10.09.02.07.

D. Telehealth-delivered services may not bill to the Maryland Medical Assistance Program or to the ASO when technical difficulties preclude the delivery of part or all of the telehealth session.

E. The Department may not reimburse a provider for the following:

(1) Services that occur during an ambulance transport;

(2) Communications between providers where the participant is not physically present at the originating site;

(3) Telehealth services delivered where the originating site is not a permitted originating site provider as set forth in Regulation .06 of this chapter; or

(4) Mental health and substance use disorder services that did not receive prior authorization from the Department or its ASO.

F. The Department may not reimburse for services that:

(1) Require in-person evaluation; or

(2) Cannot be reasonably delivered via telehealth.

G. The Department may not reimburse distant site providers for a facility fee.

H. The Department may not reimburse for home health monitoring services.