Telehealth Audio Only Reimbursable at 100 percent in response to Hurricane Helene

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) is closely monitoring and re-evaluating our policies in response to the recent destruction from Hurricane Helene to best serve our customers and communities.

Due to power outages, flooding, compromised communications and the displacement of residents from Hurricane Helene, Blue Cross NC will allow audio-only Telehealth visits to be reimbursed at 100 percent (100%) of the allowed amount as opposed to the current allowed amount of 75 percent (75%).

Telehealth claims billed with Modifier FQ/93 indicating audio-only starting with date of service (DOS) September 27, 2024, through October 10, 2024, will automatically reimburse at 100 percent without any additional action required from our provider community.

We will continue to monitor the situation closely and evaluate if a policy extension is needed in the coming weeks.

This communication applies to State Health Plan (SHP), Administrative Services Only (ASO), Fully Insured,  and Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association InterPlan Program (IPP) Host Member claims.

Medicare Advantage and Healthy Blue members are already reimbursed according to CMS guidelines at 100 percent (100%) for audio only and are not affected by this communication.