(1) The medicaid agency covers the delivery of home health services through telemedicine for clients who have been diagnosed with an unstable condition who may be at risk for hospitalization or a more costly level of care. The client must have a diagnosis or diagnoses where there is a high risk of sudden change in clinical status which could compromise health outcomes.
(2) The medicaid agency pays for one telemedicine interaction, per eligible client, per day, based on the ordering physician's home health plan of care.
(3) To receive payment for the delivery of home health services through telemedicine, the services must involve:
(a) An assessment, problem identification, and evaluation which includes:
(i) Assessment and monitoring of clinical data including, but not limited to, vital signs, pain levels and other biometric measures specified in the plan of care. Also includes assessment of response to previous changes in the plan of care; and
(ii) Detection of condition changes based on the telemedicine encounter that may indicate the need for a change in the plan of care; and
(b) Implementation of a management plan through one or more of the following:
(i) Teaching regarding medication management as appropriate based on the telemedicine findings for that encounter;
(ii) Teaching regarding other interventions as appropriate to both the patient and the caregiver;
(iii) Management and evaluation of the plan of care including changes in visit frequency or addition of other skilled services;
(iv) Coordination of care with the ordering physician regarding telemedicine findings;
(v) Coordination and referral to other medical providers as needed; and
(vi) Referral to the emergency room as needed.
(4) The medicaid agency does not require prior authorization for the delivery of home health services through telemedicine.
(5) The medicaid agency does not pay for the purchase, rental, or repair of telemedicine equipment.
[Statutory Authority: RCW
41.05.021,
41.05.160 and 42 C.F.R. Section 440.70. WSR 18-24-023, § 182-551-2125, filed 11/27/18, effective 1/1/19. Statutory Authority: RCW
41.05.021,
41.05.160. WSR 16-03-035, § 182-551-2125, filed 1/12/16, effective 2/12/16. WSR 11-14-075, recodified as § 182-551-2125, filed 6/30/11, effective 7/1/11. Statutory Authority: RCW
74.08.090, chapter
74.09 RCW, and 2009 c 326. WSR 10-10-087, § 388-551-2125, filed 5/3/10, effective 6/3/10.]