Cigna is making an exception during the COVID-19 emergency to allow providers to bill a standard face-to-face visit for all virtual care, i.e., telehealth services, including those provided by telephone-only. This policy applies to new and established patients (Cigna has released separate interim telehealth guidance for behavioral health services). KMA has produced a one-page guide for physicians, available here, for utilizing telehealth with Cigna patients. This document is available to members as an informational resource. KMA expresses no opinion as

Humana is encouraging the use of telehealth services to ease the systemic burdens from COVID-19. Therefore, effective March 23, 2020, Humana is temporarily updating its telehealth policy during the emergency period to allow for telephone-only services in addition to telehealth services via video + audio. KMA has produced a one-page guide for physicians, available here, for utilizing telehealth with Humana patients. This document is available to members as an informational resource. KMA expresses no opinion as to the feasibility, applicability, or

KMA and the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky partnered to release three thirty-second public service announcements today designed to reinforce critical public health messages that will help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. “Prepare, protect and disinfect” is the theme of the messages, which also encourage Kentuckians to follow prevention guidelines, to take steps to manage mental health and anxiety, and to be prepared for changes within the health care system during this time. The PSAs are being distributed

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contacts: Bonnie J. Hackbarth Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky 877-326-2583 (o), 502-552-3770 (m) Emily Schott Kentucky Medical Association 502-814-1388 COVID-19 Public Service Announcements Urge Kentuckians to Prepare, Protect, Disinfect (LOUISVILLE, KY – March 25, 2020) “Prepare, protect, disinfect” is the theme of a public service announcement campaign released today by the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky and the Kentucky Medical Association in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The three, 30-second PSAs are available free of charge,

Anthem is temporarily expanding telehealth coverage during the COVID-19 emergency to allow for telephone-only services in addition to telehealth services via video and audio. This includes covered visits for medical and behavioral health services from in-network providers for Anthem fully insured employer plans, individual plans, Medicare plans, and Medicaid plans. KMA has produced a one-page guide for physicians, available here, for utilizing telehealth with Anthem patients. This document is available to members as an informational resource. KMA expresses no opinion

KMA has signed on to a letter to Congressional leadership from the American Medical Association (AMA) regarding inclusion of support for physician practices in any economic stimulus package. The letter, which can be viewed here, also calls for Congress take all possible actions to ensure that every physician and health care worker has access to critically needed PPE. It also includes signatures from the American Academy of Family Physicians, American College of Physicians, American College of Surgeons, and Medical Group

  The Kentucky telehealth law requires Medicaid and managed care organizations (MCOs) to cover medical services provided via telehealth to the same extent they cover medical services provided in-person. Medicaid recipients in all areas of the state and in all settings, including the recipient’s home, may receive telehealth treatment. This includes new and established patients. In response to the COVID-19 emergency, Medicaid is relaxing its rules on telecommunications and is encouraging the use of telehealth for delivery of all appropriate

For the duration of the COVID-19 emergency, Medicare is expanding telehealth coverage. KMA has created an informational resource guide for members. KMA expresses no opinion as to the feasibility, applicability, or impact to your particular practice. The guidance outlined applies to traditional Medicare only. Download the Medicare Rules for Telehealth Services guide here. For the latest updates regarding the COVID-19 outbreak, sign up for KMA text alerts. Text “KMA” to 50457.  

Posted March 19, 2020 Kentucky Public Health Commissioner Dr. Steven Stack delivers a message for providers clarifying guidance on providing patient care amid COVID-19.  

KMA asked members what they are doing in their practices during the coronavirus emergency.  This document contains some of the information provided by members in a one-page, easy to read format. We are making this document available to members as an informational resource.  KMA expresses no opinion as to the feasibility, applicability, or impact to your particular practice.  The American Academy of Family Physicians put out information, as have other specialty societies, for those in a practice setting.  Receive COVID-19