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
BCBS Rhode Island now requires modifier 95 in the first modifier position for all telemedicine services provided via audio/video starting October 1, 2020. Telephone-only services should continue using place of service 02 and CR modifier without modifier 95.
Action Required
By October 1, 2020: Billing team must update all telemedicine claims for audio/video services to include modifier 95 in the first modifier position (or second position if a required service modifier like 26 is needed). Continue using place of service 02 and CR modifier in second position. For telephone-only services, use place of service 02 and CR modifier without modifier 95. Update billing software rules and staff training immediately.