telehealth services
(8) Enhancing telehealth services for Federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics (A) In general During the emergency period described in section 1320b–5(g)(1)(B) of this title and, in the case that such emergency period ends before December 31, 2024 , during the period beginning on the first day after the end of such emergency period and ending on December 31, 2024 — (i) the Secretary shall pay for telehealth services that are furnished via a telecommunications system by a Federally qualified health center or a rural health clinic to an eligible telehealth individual enrolled under this part notwithstanding that the Federally qualified health center or rural clinic providing the telehealth service is not at the same location as the beneficiary; (ii) the amount of payment to a Federally qualified health center or rural health clinic that serves as a distant site for such a telehealth service shall be determined under subparagraph (B); and (iii) for purposes of this subsection— (I) the term “distant site” includes a Federally qualified health center or rural health clinic that furnishes a telehealth service to an eligible telehealth individual; and (II) the term “telehealth services” includes a rural health clinic service or Federally qualified health center service that is furnished using telehealth to the extent that payment codes corresponding to services identified by the Secretary under clause (i) or (ii) of paragraph (4)(F) are listed on the corresponding claim for such rural health clinic service or Federally qualified health center service. (B) Special payment rule (i) In general The Secretary shall develop and implement payment methods that apply under this subsection to a Federally qualified health center or rural health clinic that serves as a distant site that furnishes a telehealth service to an eligible telehealth individual during the periods for which subparagraph (A) applies. Such payment methods shall be based on payment rates that are similar to the national average payment rates for comparable telehealth services under the physician fee schedule under section 1395w–4 of this title . Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary may implement such payment methods through program instruction or otherwise. (ii) Exclusion from FQHC PPS calculation and RHC air calculation Costs associated with telehealth services shall not be used to determine the amount of payment for Federally qualified health center services under the prospective payment system under subsection (o) or for rural health clinic services under the methodology for all-inclusive rates (established by the Secretary) under section 1395l(a)(3) of this title .