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Alaska MedicaidMedicaid · Billing Codes · Telehealth · AKMedium impact

Policy Clarification: Medicaid Telehealth Coverage

Effective date
Mar 1, 2022
Identified
Jun 21, 2026

Summary

Alaska Medicaid recognizes live interactive (synchronous), store and forward (asynchronous), and self-monitoring or testing as telehealth methods, and a telephone call alone does not meet the definition of live interactive. Effective for dates of service on or after 3/1/2022, modifier FQ is used for audio only services billed with CPT codes 98966 through 98968 and 99441 through 99443, and claims without FQ for those dates of service will result in denial of payment for audio only services. Telephone and online digital check-ins are covered only for established patients, with up to 1 telephone check-in per day per member and up to 1 online digital check-in unit per 7-day period per member.

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What to do

Action · 8 steps
01Already effective 3/1/2022: Billing team: For dates of service on or after 3/1/2022, add modifier FQ when billing CPT 98966 through 98968 and 99441 through 99443 for audio only services, because claims without FQ will result in denial of payment for audio only services.
02Do not use telehealth modifiers when billing CPT 98970 through 98972 and 99421 through 99423.
03For dates of service Previously due 3/1/2022 (date passed; verify current applicability), do not use a telehealth modifier for CPT 98966 through 98968, 98970 through 98972, 99421 through 99423, and 99441 through 99443.
04Indicate telehealth on the claim with place of service 02 or 10, and use GT or 95 for live interactive, GQ for store and forward, or FQ for audio only.
05Telehealth documentation must include the method and connection used, where the patient and provider are located, a statement that the member gave informed consent for the technology used, and documentation that supports the full definition of the procedure code billed, with time documented for time based services.
06Check that the business is listed on the Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing Telehealth Business Registry.
07Audio only behavioral health services by psychologists and LCSWs at an FQHC are covered under CPT 98966, 98967, and 98968 only when all other modes, including audio/video, are not available, and the record must clearly state the reason for audio only.
08Check the current applicability of these rules before billing, because the source is dated March 1, 2022 and refers to the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Codes mentioned

98966989679896898970989729922199223993049930699421994239944199443

Original notice

Policy Clarification: Medicaid Telehealth Coverage
extranet-sp.dhss.alaska.gov · Always check the source before changing claims.
View original ↗

Related changes

See all Alaska Medicaid changes →
Coverage and Reimbursement of Telehealth FAQs - RevisedMediumEffective Sep 1, 2023 · TelehealthTemporary Expansion of Medicaid Telehealth CoverageHighEffective Mar 1, 2022 · TelehealthJanuary Town Hall FAQMediumEffective Jan 21, 2026 · Program UpdateUpdated COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Telehealth FAQsMediumEffective Mar 1, 2022 · TelehealthBrowse every Alaska Medicaid change in the policy list

Related policy hubs

Alaska Medicaid policiesAK policy changesCode 98966Code 98967Code 98968Code 98970Code 98972Code 99221Code 99223Code 99304Code 99306Code 99421Code 99423Code 99441Code 99443

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