As of March 15, 2025, several key updates have emerged regarding telehealth waivers and healthcare provisional changes. Here’s what you need to know:
Telehealth Flexibilities Extended
The March 2025 Continuing Resolution (CR) has extended several critical telehealth flexibilities through September 30, 20251,2. These extensions include:
- Medicare Telehealth Flexibilities: The expanded definition of originating sites, allowing patients to receive telehealth services from their homes or other non-traditional locations2.
- Expanded Practitioner Eligibility: A broader range of healthcare professionals can provide telehealth service2.
- Support for Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and Rural Health Clinics (RHCs): These facilities can continue offering telehealth services, which is crucial for underserved and rural communities2.
Mental Health Services
Several provisions specifically address telehealth for mental health services:
- Delay of In-Person Requirements: The requirement for an in-person visit before telehealth mental health services can be provided has been postponed2.
- Flexibilities for RHCs and FQHCs: These facilities can continue providing mental health services via telehealth2.
Audio-Only Telehealth Services
The authorization for audio-only telehealth services has been extended until September 30, 20252. This is particularly important for elderly patients who may struggle with video technology.
Challenges and Advocacy
Despite the extensions, some key flexibilities have not been included in the current CR draft, such as first-dollar coverage for High Deductible Health Plan-Health Savings Accounts (HDHP-HSA) and expanded in-home cardiopulmonary rehabilitation service3. Stakeholders, including the American Telemedicine Association, are actively advocating for the continuation of these flexibilities1.
Cuts to Provider Pay
Unfortunately, the 2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule includes a 2.83% cut to physician payments3. This marks the fifth consecutive year of such cuts, which continue to strain the financial viability of medical practices3. Despite advocacy efforts, Congress has not yet taken action to prevent these reductions3. The American Medical Association (AMA) and other healthcare groups are pushing for reforms to stabilize physician payment rates and ensure continued access to care for Medicare beneficiaries3. Medical practices can offset these cuts by renegotiating their payor contracts to ensure financial stability4. The team at BlueStone Services Medical Business Advisory is here to help you secure the best contracts possible. Feel free to reach out to one of our team members to get a free initial consultation to discuss our payor negotiation services https://www.bluestonesvc.com/contact-us/.
In Summary
The extension of telehealth flexibilities through September 30, 2025, provides a temporary reprieve for healthcare providers and patients who rely on these services. However, continued advocacy is essential to ensure the long-term availability and expansion of telehealth services. Your BlueStone Services Medical Business Advisory Team is committed to empowering your healthcare organization with the latest updates and unwavering support. As we navigate these evolving changes together, we are here to ensure a seamless transition and help you thrive. Trust us to be your partner in adapting to the future of healthcare. Reach out today to discover how we can make a difference for you!
1 Ivanova, J. (2025, March 16). Telehealth Policy Update: What the March 2025 Continuing Resolution Means for Clinicians. Telehealth.org. Retrieved from https://telehealth.org/blog/telehealth-policy-update-what-the-march-2025-continuing-resolution-means-for-clinicians/.Telehealth.org
2 Medicare Telehealth Reprieve: Congress Includes Virtual Care Lifeline Through Fall 2025 in CR. (2025, March 15). Retrieved from CTeL.org
3 Telehealth Policy Updates. (2025, March 15). Retrieved from HHS.gov
4 Strategic Payor Contracting Services – BlueStone. (2025). Retrieved from BlueStone Services
