MLN: Medicare Telehealth Services
Reference to Medicare's telehealth policy: covered services list, originating and distant site rules, technology requirements, and the COVID-era flexibilities and their post-PHE status.
Primary source
MLN Booklet — Telehealth Services →https://www.cms.gov/outreach-and-education/medicare-learning-network-mln/mlnproducts/downloads/telehealthsrvcsfctsht.pdf
Verified May 23, 2026 · This is the authoritative regulator URL. The summary below is a research aid; the linked source controls.
Additional sources
Medicare telehealth coverage rules are set by 42 USC 1395m(m) and implementing regulations. The MLN Telehealth Services booklet and the List of Medicare Telehealth Services are the operational references.
Pre-PHE baseline: covered telehealth services were limited to specific CPT/HCPCS codes; the originating site had to be a qualifying clinical site in a rural HPSA or qualifying county; the patient had to be located at the originating site at the time of service. The COVID-19 PHE waivers (now codified through various extender packages) expanded the originating-site definition to include the beneficiary's home and removed the rural restriction for most services through legislative extensions.
Current statutory/extender state (per the most recent CMS rulemaking and Congressional action): most telehealth flexibilities are extended through specified end dates rather than permanent. Practices should confirm the current PFS final rule and CMS telehealth services list quarterly because extender legislation has repeatedly moved the cutoff date.
Distant-site practitioner eligible types, technology requirements (real-time interactive audio and video unless an audio-only carve-out applies), modifier 95 use for telehealth-eligible codes, and POS 10 (home) vs. 02 (other than home) requirements are the four operational facets that change most frequently.
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Last reviewed May 23, 2026 · Citation verified May 23, 2026
Research aid, not legal advice. This summary is an administrative research aid prepared by D3rx. It does not certify compliance, provide legal advice, replace counsel, or guarantee an audit outcome. For authoritative regulatory text follow the primary source link at the top of this page. The practice remains responsible for reviewing, adopting, and maintaining its compliance program.