Home Health Telehealth Distinction: A Smart Move for the Future

As healthcare continues to evolve, telehealth is no longer just a "nice-to-have" — it's quickly becoming a critical piece of the home health care model. Gaining a Telehealth Distinction for your agency isn't just about technology — it's about gaining a competitive edge, improving patient outcomes, and positioning yourself for future success.

At HealthBridge, we help home health agencies add this important distinction to their services, boosting both compliance and competitiveness. Here's why it matters:

1. Competitive Edge for Medicare Advantage and Private Payor Contracts

Medicare Advantage (MA) plans and commercial insurers are actively seeking providers with proven remote care capabilities. A Telehealth Distinction demonstrates that your agency has the infrastructure, training, and protocols in place to deliver high-quality virtual care.

Result: You're more attractive for value-based contracts that can offer bonuses, higher per-visit rates, and longer-term partnerships.

2. Improved Patient Retention and Outcomes (Supports HHVBP Success)

Telehealth can significantly improve patient engagement, reduce avoidable hospitalizations, and enhance medication compliance. These improvements are key to achieving better results under the Home Health Value-Based Purchasing (HHVBP) Model.
Result: Higher HHVBP scores could lead to bonus payments and higher reimbursement rates from Medicare.

3. Use in Supplemental Billing (Where Allowed)

While Medicare does not yet reimburse home health telehealth visits directly (as of 2025), documenting telehealth activities can still be valuable. It can:

• Demonstrate resource utilization if audited.

• Justify higher levels of care based on patient needs.
  Additionally, some private payors, Medicaid programs, and state waivers do reimburse for virtual services such as RN check-ins and remote monitoring, especially in hospice care.
  Result: You can capture revenue opportunities where available and strengthen your agency’s documentation for audits.

4. Meets Conditions of Participation (CoPs) for Emergency Preparedness & Continuity

A Telehealth Distinction proves that your agency has a remote care protocol — a critical element for emergency preparedness planning under Medicare's Conditions of Participation (CoPs).
Result: It positions you for government partnerships, grant funding opportunities, and waiver program eligibility.

5. Future-Proof Your Agency for New Reimbursement Models

CMS has shown growing interest in expanding telehealth flexibility following the COVID-19 public health emergency. Agencies that invest in telehealth infrastructure now will be the first in line when new reimbursement models open up.

Result: You’ll be ready to take advantage of new billing opportunities as Medicare and private insurers adapt.

Ready to Add the Telehealth Distinction to Your Services?

Don't wait until it's required — stand out today and future-proof your agency for tomorrow.

Contact us today to learn how we can help you implement telehealth protocols, achieve the distinction, and position your agency for success in a rapidly changing healthcare landscape.

Contact us for a Free Consultation

HealthBridge has extensive experience with telehealth implementation and CMS regulations, helping agencies successfully integrate telehealth services while staying fully compliant. We understand what it takes to meet today's standards and position your agency for future growth. Contact us today for a free evaluation and see how we can help you add telehealth services to your agency.