Page 31 State Telehealth Laws and Reimbursement Policies A Comprehensive Scan of the 50 States and District of Columbia

Center for Connected Health Policy

Colorado

Medicaid Program: Colorado Medicaid

Program Administrator: Colorado Dept. of Health Care Policy and Financing

Regional Telehealth Resource Center:
Southwest Telehealth Resource Center
PO Box 245105
Tucson, AZ 85724
(520) 626-4498
www.southwesttrc.org

STATE LAW/REGULATIONS MEDICAID PROGRAM

Definition of telemedicine/telehealth
“Telemedicine means the delivery of medical services No reference found.
and any diagnosis, consultation, or treatment using
interactive audio, interactive video, or interactive data
communication.”

Source: CO Revised Statutes 12-36-102.5 (2012).

Workers’ Compensation
Telehealth is often used to encompass a broader
definition of remote health care that does not always
involve clinical services. Videoconferencing,
transmission of still images, e-health including patient
portals, remote monitoring of vital signs and continuing
medical education are all considered part of
telemedicine and telehealth.

Source: 7 CO Regs. Rule 18.

Live Video Reimbursement
Health plans for patients in counties with 150,000 or Colorado Medicaid will reimburse for medical and
fewer residents cannot require face-to-face contact mental health services. Services shall be subject to
between a provider and a patient for services that could reimbursement policies developed by the medical
be appropriately provided through telemedicine, subject assistance program.
to the terms and conditions of the health benefit plan.
Reimbursement must be the same as in-person
Source: CO Revised Statutes 10-16-123 (2012). services.

(also see Medicaid column & “Private Payers” section) Source: CO Revised Statutes 25.5-5-320 (2012).
Colorado Medicaid does not pay for provider or patient
education when education is the only service provided
via telemedicine.
• No enrolled managed care organization may require
face-to-face contact between a provider and a client
for services appropriately provided through
telemedicine if: The client resides in a county with a
population of 150,000 or fewer residents and
• The county has the technology necessary to provide
telemedicine services.

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