CommercialBilling CodesHigh impact
Updated: Temporary Telemedicine/Telehealth and Telephone Services During the COVID-19 Crisis Policy
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island·RI·Provider Update
Effective date
Oct 1, 2020
We identified it
Jun 19, 2026
Summary
BCBSRI now requires modifier 95 for all telemedicine services with audio/video effective October 1, 2020. Place modifier 95 in first position and CR modifier in second position, continuing to use place of service 02. Telephone-only services should omit modifier 95 but still use place of service 02 and CR modifier.
Action Required
Immediately: Billing team must update all telemedicine claims with audio/video to include modifier 95 in first modifier position and CR modifier in second position (unless base service requires specific modifier like 26, then 95 goes in second position). Continue using place of service 02. For telephone-only telemedicine, continue filing with place of service 02 and CR modifier but do NOT add modifier 95.