General Clinical
This page is intended to be a resource for our provider network to find answers to critical questions during the COVID-19 crisis. As we receive more information, Community Care will be updating the site, so check back frequently for the most up-to-date information. As new questions are added, they will appear at the top of the list.
Can group therapy be provided to some face-to-face and others via telehealth during the same session?
Yes. Providers may provide group therapy to members in person and via telehealth during the same session. Providers must be sure to bill appropriately (i.e. for members receiving the service via telehealth, the claim must include the POS ‘02’).
Are Opioid Centers of Excellence (COEs) able to utilize telehealth services during the COVID-19 disaster emergency declaration period?
Yes, COEs may provide case management services to COE clients through telemedicine or telephonic contact and these contacts will qualify for the per-member per-month (PMPM) payments, effective with the March 2020 PMPM, as if the encounter had taken place in person.
Can group therapy (including IOP) be provided by telehealth?
Yes. Group therapy services may be provided through telehealth during the disaster emergency declaration period per COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Supplement 1 OMHSAS-FAQ-Supplement 1 (pa.gov). Please also refer to OMHSAS bulletin OMHSAS-20-02 “Guidelines for the Use of Telehealth Technology in the Delivery of Behavioral Health Services” effective February 20, 2020 and OMHSAS Memorandum, dated March 15, 2020 entitled, “Telehealth Guidelines Related to COVID-19”. Providers must submit Telehealth Attestation forms to OMHSAS and Community Care, clearly documenting the services offered and other details about telehealth services being offered.
Are we permitted to use Telehealth on an inpatient psychiatric unit?
Community Care supports the use of Telehealth for inpatient psychiatric services. However, it is our expectation that the physician speaks, and ideally sees via video-link, each member.
A member discharge was supposed to be today and had a review scheduled, but this is being changed due to the unit being on quarantine. What do we need to do?
Please contact your care manager with any issues related to continued stay reviews
Is there any additional guidance regarding lab requirements for patients being prescribed Clozaril during the COVID-19 crisis?
Yes, prescribers are being urged to use their best medical judgement in weighing risks and benefits for patients during this crisis. Please see the complete FDA release regarding this topic.
Can Telehealth be utilized for drug and alcohol services?
Yes. Outpatient drug and alcohol services and Certified Recovery Support may be delivered via Telehealth. Providers should refer to the OMHSAS Telehealth Bulletin of Feb. 2020 and OMHSAS Telehealth Memo of March 15, 2020 for guidance. For more detailed information about providing telehealth for substance use disorder treatment, please review Providing SUD Treatment.
Does Telehealth have to be delivered from the office?
No. It can be delivered from the office, home or any other confidential area.
We are using this for BCM in addition to outpatient (all service codes). Does it also include psych rehab if we are engaging with someone?
Yes, Telehealth may be used for BCM and psych rehab services.
Can we open cases by reviewing intake paperwork via phone or Telehealth?
Yes. Clearly document the intake services rendered, including member review and verbal agreement/consent to receive recommended service(s).
Does there need to be a written order for Telehealth?
No. Although providers should clearly document their assessment of the member to determine whether emergency or face-to-face services are needed, as well as member capacity to receive and benefit from Telehealth services. Member verbal consent to receive Telehealth should be clearly documented in the record.