Understanding the 2025 telehealth CPT® codes for video and audio-only visits

Editor's note: Medicare will continue to pay for telehealth services through March 31, 2025. MGMA members should watch the weekly Washington Connection newsletter for updates on potential extension. MGMA members also can access MGMA’s Status of Medicare Telehealth Waivers resource. 

Telehealth services continue to evolve in 2025, with updated CPT® codes for synchronous (real-time) audio-visual and audio-only consultations.    

Practice leaders need to ensure their team members involved in coding and billing stay informed about these updates to properly document services, differentiate synchronous (real-time) care from asynchronous (store-and-forward) modalities, and ensure alignment with technology capabilities, privacy requirements, and patient needs. 

Table. Telehealth CPT® Codes for 2025

• Add-on code 99417 for prolonged services may be added when total time, with or without direct patient contact, is documented and must meet or exceed 15 minutes in addition to the E/M codes above.  

Other key points on telehealth:   

• Telehealth follow E/M documentation guidelines based on MDM or total time spent.  
• Place of service (POS) codes will continue to have two site designations:  
  • 02 Patient not in their home when telehealth services delivered  
  • 10 Patient in their home when telehealth services delivered and will remain at the non-facility rate.  
• Teaching physicians may maintain virtual presence in all teaching settings only for Medicare telehealth services through Dec. 31, 2025.  
• Direct supervision through real-time audio and visual interactive telecommunications (not audio-only) will continue to be allowed on qualifying services. 
• As of Jan. 1, 2025, selected behavioral and mental health services will be offered permanently under telehealth for Medicare patients. 
  • See MGMA’s analysis of the 2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule for more details on behavioral and mental health service updates. 
• Providers are permitted to list their practice address rather than their home address when performing telehealth services from their personal home.  

 As healthcare communication evolves, new CPT® codes allow providers to deliver and capture efficient care while ensuring proper reimbursement for their time and expertise. 

Additional resources 

• Read the recent insight article, “Creating a competitive advantage with digital transformation in medical practices.”