DC Medicaid Adjust Regulations for Telemedicine

Being a physician in the District in the 21st century means being on the front line of the most pressing public health issues in the world. In our small geographic boundaries, physicians help address issue found in every state all in one area. The issues are too lengthy to list on one webpage but physicians are on the front lines of addressing health issues for all District residents.

News, Statements, and Testimony on Health Equity Issues

25th Council session information coming soon.

DC Medicaid Adjust Regulations for Telemedicine

Mar 14, 2020, 10:04 AM by MSDC Staff

On Friday DC Health Care Finance adjusted telemedicine regulations to allow easier treatment and reimbursement remotely.

In response to the public health emergency in the District, the Department of Health Care Finance announced emergency regulations modifying reimbursement of health services provided to a beneficiary in their home via telemedicine.

The emergency rule authorizes Medicaid to reimburse providers for health services delivered to a beneficiary in their home via telemedicine and clarifies that site providers are responsible for ensuring that distant site providers are responsible for ensuring that technology in use meets appropriate standards of care.

The emergency rule clarifies that appropriate telemedicine services will be reimbursed in the same manner and rate as in-person consultations.

The technology used in delivering services must be a two-way, real-time interactive audio-video communication for the purposes of evaluation or treatment. The program does not reimburse for email/fax services. The participants must be physically present at an originating site at the time the service is rendered.

Read more about the rule and qualifications here.

MSDC applauds DHCF for its proactive approach to public health and allowing physicians to treat Medicaid patients in the most appropriate locations for their health.

Sample of Health Equity Legislation MSDC Tracked

Student Access to Treatment Amendment Act (B23-467)

What does it say? The bill allows for the administration of medicinal marijuana in schools as well as allows students to bring sunscreen to schools and apply it without a prescription.

MSDC position: MSDC supports the language permitting sunscreen application in schools

Current status: A win for DC physicians and public health! The legislation passed the Council in February and was signed by the Mayor. Previous temporary and emergency legislation permitted students to use sunscreen at schools this school year already.

Electronic Medical Order for Scope of Treatment Registry Amendment Act (B23-261)

What does it say? The bill requires DC Health to establish an electronic Medical Order for Scope of Treatment registry (eMOST).

MSDC position: MSDC supports this legislation to more easily allow patients to make their treatment orders known.

Current status: A win for the physician community and our patients! The Council passed the bill in December and the Mayor signed it into law on January 16, 2020.

Healthy Beverage Choices Amendment Act (B23-495)

What does it say? The bill would implement a 1.5 cent per ounce tax on the distribution of "sugary" beverages. The money collected from the tax would establish a Healthy People, Healthy Places Open Spaces Grant Program.

MSDC position: MSDC sent a letter to Council Chair Mendelson asking for a hearing to discuss all of the issues around a beverage tax.

Current status: The bill was introduced October 8, 2019 and referred to the Committee on Business and Economic Development and the Committee of the Whole.