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MLN006398 - Information for Rural Health Clinics

This revised product comprises Subregulatory Guidance for Rural Health Clinics (RHC), and its content is based on publically available content at
https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Manuals/Downloads/bp102c13.pdf,
https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Manuals/Downloads/clm104c09.pdf, and
https://www.congress.gov/117/bills/hr2617/BILLS-117hr2617enr.pdf#page=1440

CMS policy or operation subject matter experts also reviewed/cleared this product. This product educates RHCs about the role of RCH providers, patient services including Virtual Communication Services, RHC certification requirements, payments, cost reports, telehealth, mental health visits, and annual reconciliation.

Revisions for this product include the following content updates:
• We extended some telehealth flexibilities through September 30, 2025, for:
o Originating site requirements and using audio-only for non-behavioral and non-mental telehealth services (page 12)
o Rural health clinics as distant site providers for non-behavioral and non-mental telehealth services (page 13)
o In-person visit requirements for behavioral and mental health services (page 14)
• We added coding information for mental telehealth visits (page 14)

The previous version of this Product is currently posted on CMS website at
https://www.cms.gov/Outreach-and-Education/Medicare-Learning-Network-MLN/MLNProducts/Downloads/RuralHlthClinfctsht.pdf.

Download the Guidance Document

Issued by: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Issue Date: May 07, 2025

DISCLAIMER: The contents of this database lack the force and effect of law, except as authorized by law (including Medicare Advantage Rate Announcements and Advance Notices) or as specifically incorporated into a contract. The Department may not cite, use, or rely on any guidance that is not posted on the guidance repository, except to establish historical facts.