Home health telehealth update

"As you know, home health services have been approved for coverage via telehealth since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on the usage and success of home health telehealth, UPMC Health Plan has expanded the option as a permanent telehealth service when appropriate. Effective April 1, 2022, UPMC Health Plan updated the Telehealth – MP.148 policy to include home health services as a telehealth option for members as indicated in the policy. This update is a result of a collaboration between many UPMC Health Plan departments. Services covered by the policy include observation, training or education in skilled nursing, medical social work, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and home health aid. A telehealth visit must include audio and video components.

Home health telehealth has successfully assisted home health agencies with current staff shortages and allows members to conveniently access services in the comfort of their home in a timely and effective manner."