Rural Health News That Impacts You
Medicare Telehealth Billing is Changing
Starting October 1, 2026, RHCs will bill the individual HCPCS codes that describe the telehealth services furnished to Medicare beneficiaries, instead of G2025 for every service provided. RHCs, will be required to report telehealth modifiers of 93 for audio-only services, 95 for audio-visual services.
For more information review the MLN Matters article 14468.
CMS Announces Plans for RHC Self-Attestation
CMS has announced plans to implement a program where RHCs would be required to complete a self-attestation form every 6 years, in place of periodic on-site surveys. Please note this has not been finalized and RHCs should continue to be prepared and survey ready.
The intent is to reduce administrative burdens that have been placed on RHCs. We know that surveys can be stressful, but they are way to help maintain program compliance and ensure that RHCs are providing top quality care.
EmpowerRural encourages RHCs to still keep quality, safety, and compliance a high priority. Please stay tuned for more information. Read the proposal HERE
Changes to the CMS-855B Enrollment Application
CMS has made updates to the paper CMS-855B Enrollment Application effective August 3, 2026. The current form can be used through August 2, 2026.
Form Updates:
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Adds ability for groups to establish, terminate, or change reassignments
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Removes physician assistant employer relationship
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Adds submittal reason: You are solely enrolling in Medicare to participate in Medicaid or another health care program
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Expands practice location types to include telehealth.
EmpowerRural encourages you to use PECOS to enroll and update your information, as it is a faster and more efficient way to update. But if you have to use the paper form, make sure you are using the updated form. To access the new form, click HERE
If you have questions or need further assistance, please reach out to us at info@empowerruralhs.com
CMS Proposes to Pay RHCs for DSMT & MNT in 2027
CMS has released the Proposed 2027 Physician Fee Schedule (PFS). Within the proposal they are proposing to pay Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) for Diabetes Self-Management Training (DSMT) and Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) services.
If finalized, DSMT and MNT services will paid through the RHC's All-Inclusive Rate (AIR) as a stand-alone encounter. These services may be furnished by providers other than an RHC practitioner (such as a registered dietitian) BUT must be furnished under direct supervision of an RHC practitioner (MD, DO, NP, or PA). DSMT and MNT services provided on the same day as another qualified stand-alone service will only yield one AIR payment.
This is a proposed rule and is not finalized. RHCs should not implement these services until finalized and after the effective date given in final rule.
Read the full 2027 Proposed PFS visit
If you have questions or need further assistance, please reach out to us at info@empowerruralhs.com