ALASKA TELEMEDICINE LAW
Unlike most other states, Alaska’s Medicaid program covers many different types of telemedicine – including live video, store-and-forward, remote patient monitoring, and even traditional over-the-phone! In fact, Alaska Medicaid earned the highest ranking in the American Telemedicine Association (ATA)’s recent report.
Although Alaska doesn’t have a telemedicine parity law in place yet (parity laws require private insurers to pay for telemedicine), Alaska Medicaid Telehealth coverage is one of the most expansive programs.
Ready to find out more about Alaska’s telemedicine policy? Check out our state guide below!
Parity Law
Telemedicine parity laws require private payers to pay for telemedicine services the same way they would in-person services. Although Alaska doesn’t have a telemedicine parity law yet, many private payers still cover telemedicine. Stay tuned for updates!
Type of Telemedicine Covered
Alaska’s Medicaid program is one of the most comprehensive! The program covers live video, store-and-forward, remote patient monitoring, and phone.
Covered Health Services
The following basic health services are covered for telemedicine:
Initial or one follow-up office visit
Consultation made to confirm diagnosis
A diagnostic, therapeutic or interpretive service
Psychiatric or substance abuse assessments
Individual psychotherapy or pharmacological management services
For more details and list of exclusions, check your Alaska Medicaid manual.
Billing Codes
Not sure how to bill telemedicine? Don’t worry – we have the eligible CPT codes right here for you:
consultations (99241-99275)
office or other outpatient visits (99201-99215)
individual psychotherapy (90804-90809)
Pharmacologic management (90862)
Use the GT modifier with the right CPT code when you’re billing for live telemedicine (videochat). And use the GQ modifier when you’re billing for store-and-forward telemedicine.
Want more details? Check out the Alaska Medicaid Handbook.
Eligible Healthcare Providers
Alaska’s Medicaid program says you can practice telemedicine if you are a:
physician
physician assistant
nurse practitioner
clinical nurse specialist
nurse midwife
mental health professional
Online Prescriptions
A physical examination is not necessary to prescribe drugs if:
The prescription drug is not a controlled substance or a controlled substance is prescribed by a physician when an appropriate licensed health care provider is present
The physician is located within the state and a physician or provider is available for follow up care
The person consents to sending a copy of all records
Interstate Telemedicine Licensing
Alaska doesn’t allow any interstate medical licensing yet. Healthcare providers consulting patients in Alaska via telemedicine must have an Alaska medical license.