Wiki Telehealth

[MCogdill]

Is it OK to use just texting if there is a tech failure during a telehealth visit? The video only worked one way so the doctor and patient reverted to just texting.

 

[csperoni]

For telehealth, you must have realtime audio and video. It sounds like this service had neither.
There has been advice that if the bulk of the visit occurred with video, and then failed, it is OK to use telehealth, but if the video failed and was mostly a telephone call, then use 99441-99443. https://www.cms.gov/files/document/medicare-telehealth-frequently-asked-questions-faqs-31720.pdf (page 73 Question 26)
So I will say it's NOT telehealth, and not telephone (99441-99443).
I am not sure if texting meets the requirements, but I would look at 99444
99444 Online assessment and evaluation by a physician to an established patient, guardian, or health care provider not originating from a related E/M service provided within the previous seven days, using the Internet or similar electronic communication network.
or 99421-99423 for online digital E/M, for an established patient, for up to 7 days, cumulative time during the 7 days