CMS fee schedule places more value on wellness

New Medicare codes to pay for non-face-to-face visits for patients could go into effect in 2015.

A proposal recently released by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) details two G-codes for primary care physicians for wellness and preventive care services and an expansion of telehealth services.

One code would allow primary care physicians to bill Medicare for regular physician development and revision of plan care, communication with other health professionals, and medical management over 90-day periods for patients with two or more chronic conditions.

Another code would expand billable telehealth services to include designated rural areas near urban areas with a shortage of physicians.