Medicare Expands Coverage for Digital Therapeutics in Mental Health Care
Healthcare Brew
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Contributed by: Kate Gamble
Summary
Digital therapeutics (DTx) will be covered by Medicare starting January 1, 2025, which could improve the integration of technology in mental health care. These digital mental health treatments (DMHTs) provide evidence-based interventions for various conditions but have faced challenges in market adoption due to insufficient payer support. The introduction of new HCPCS codes by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) aims to enhance acceptance among providers and patients. However, experts warn that successful uptake hinges on willingness from both clinicians and patients, and the complexities of a "buy-and-bill" reimbursement model may create additional hurdles for providers.
