Telecommunications Technology

80.10 - Telecommunications Technology (Rev. 10438, Issued: 11-06-20, Effective: 03-01-20, Implementation: 01- 11-21) Telecommunications technology (other than audio-only telephone calls) can include: remote patient monitoring, defined as the collection of physiologic data (for example, ECG, blood pressure, glucose monitoring) digitally stored and/or transmitted by the patient or caregiver or both to the home health agency; teletypewriter (TTY) technology; and 2-way audio-video telecommunications technology that allows for real-time interaction between the patient and clinician. Telecommunications technology can be ordered as part of a home health plan of care but such services cannot be reported as a visit without the provision of another skilled service. If telecommunications technologies are used by the home health agency, the costs of any equipment, set-up, and service related to the technology are allowable only as administrative costs. Visits to a beneficiary's home for the sole purpose of supplying, connecting, or training the patient on the technology, without the provision of a skilled service, are not separately billable. However, HHAs may include the costs of telecommunications technology as an allowable administrative cost (that is, operating expense), if the technology is used by the HHA to augment the care planning process.