MM14468: Rural Health Clinics & Federally Qualified Health Centers: Billing Distant Site Telehealth Services
Section 6209(c) of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 extended telehealth service flexibilities that allow RHCs and FQHCs to serve as distant site providers of telehealth services until January 1, 2028. Through CY 2027, section 1834(m)(8)(B)(i) of the Social Security Act requires us to make a payment for distant site telehealth services that’s similar to the national average payment rates for comparable telehealth services under the PFS.
In accordance with section 1834(m)(8)(B)(ii) of the Social Security Act, we don’t use costs associated with distant site telehealth services to determine the payment amount under the FQHC Prospective Payment System and under the all-inclusive rate methodology for FQHCs and RHCs, respectively.
RHCs and FQHC practitioners can provide distant site telehealth services:
•
That are within their scope of practice and approved as distant site telehealth services under the PFS
From any location during the time they’re working for the RHC or FQHC
Currently, RHCs and FQHCs bill Medicare Part B for non-behavioral health, distant site telehealth services that are RHC and FQHC services by reporting HCPCS code G2025.
Issued by: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Issue Date: May 28, 2026
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.