The year 2026 is going to be a landmark year for telehealth and digital health billing. Therefore, the future of healthcare delivery is undoubtedly unfolding rapidly. CMS is sending a clear message with the release of the CY 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) proposed rule that telehealth is no longer a temporary solution, but a mainstream mode of care.
For dentists, dentists, and several other providers, the updates coming in 2026 aren’t just technical tweaks, but they could reshape reimbursement, compliance, and patient care models for the upcoming year. In this blog we will unveil what’s changing, why it matters, and how you can prepare your practice to collect every dollar of the revenue.
The CY 2026 Physician Fee Schedule at a Glance
The roadmap for how Medicare will reimburse physicians and certain other providers is the CY 2026 Physician Fee Schedule. While CMS has constantly adjusted telehealth policies since the pandemic, 2026 represents is surely a turning point:
- CMS is heading toward a long-term integration of telehealth into routine clinical workflows.
- Several temporary telehealth flexibilities first introduced during the COVID-19 public health emergency are now being made permanent.
- The agency has introduced streamlined code reviews, permanent virtual supervision rules, and new coverage expansions that signal stability for practices investing in telehealth.
Key Telehealth & Digital Health Updates
Here are the most important changes in the 2026 PFS that directly impact physicians, dentists, and other providers:
1. Streamlined Telehealth Code Review Process
Instead of prolonged temporary status, CMS is moving to a faster and more transparent process for evaluating new telehealth codes. This means innovative digital services — like new therapeutic apps or AI-driven health monitoring tools — could get approved for reimbursement more quickly than before.
2. No More Visit Frequency Caps
Previously, certain telehealth services had strict frequency limits (for example, nursing facility visits). In 2026, CMS is lifting many of these restrictions, allowing providers to see patients virtually as often as clinically necessary. This flexibility supports chronic disease management, follow-ups, and high-need patients without the worry of hitting arbitrary caps.
3. Virtual “Direct Supervision” Goes Permanent
One of the most impactful changes: CMS is making virtual direct supervision permanent. This means supervising physicians can oversee services provided by other clinicians in real-time via telehealth, rather than being physically present.
For practices with mid-level providers, this expands the scope of services you can bill for — without requiring a physician to be on-site. Think of it as increased efficiency without compromising compliance.
4. Extended Telehealth Billing for FQHCs & RHCs
Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) will continue to bill for telehealth services under extended codes. For providers serving rural or underserved communities, this ensures telehealth remains a financially viable option.
5. More Flexibility for RPM & RTM Billing
Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) and Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) are gaining more flexibility. In 2026, CMS is clarifying supervision rules and making it easier to bill for chronic disease management through digital devices and apps. This creates an opportunity for providers to expand into preventive and continuous care models that generate steady revenue.
6. Expanded Digital Therapeutics & Mental Health Coverage
CMS is broadening coverage for digital therapeutics, particularly for behavioral health and chronic conditions. This includes reimbursement for app-based treatments and structured digital programs. With mental health services in high demand, this update opens doors for practices to offer innovative care options while ensuring they’re reimbursed fairly.
7. Virtual Diabetes Prevention Programs Extended
CMS is extending coverage for Virtual Diabetes Prevention Programs (DPPs) through 2026 and beyond. This recognizes the critical role of lifestyle and preventive health programs, and it means more opportunities for primary care and specialty practices to participate in value-based digital care initiatives.
Why Do These Changes Matter for Physicians & Dentists?
For many providers, telehealth has been a lifeline — but also a source of confusion around billing, compliance, and sustainability. These 2026 updates matter because they:
- Secure long-term reimbursement → Practices can now invest in telehealth infrastructure with confidence.
- Expand scope of care → No frequency caps and permanent virtual supervision mean providers can deliver more services without logistical barriers.
- Support practice growth → RPM, RTM, and digital therapeutics open new revenue streams while enhancing patient engagement.
- Address patient demand → Patients expect virtual options, and these changes align Medicare coverage with real-world care needs.
For dentists, expanded telehealth coverage for preventive and chronic conditions offers new ways to integrate oral health into broader patient care journeys — especially for patients with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or cancer histories.
5-Step Action Plan to Get Ready for 2026
These changes are exciting, but practices that prepare early will be the ones to benefit most. Here’s a five-step action plan:
- Audit Your Current Telehealth Billing Identify which telehealth services you already bill for and how often claims are being denied. This will highlight gaps and opportunities under the new rules.
- Expand Your RPM/RTM Capabilities With more flexibility coming, now is the time to invest in RPM platforms, staff training, and patient enrollment strategies. Consider partnerships with technology vendors.
- Update Supervision Policies Work with compliance teams to integrate virtual direct supervision into your practice protocols. This can expand capacity without increasing overhead.
- Train Your Billing Team Ensure your billing staff or RCM partner (like Med Karma) is well-versed in the 2026 updates. Mistakes in coding or claim submission could mean lost revenue.
- Communicate With Patients Market your telehealth offerings! Patients should know that you can now see them more often virtually, offer new digital programs, and provide expanded preventive services.
Conclusion
The 2026 telehealth billing changes are not just regulatory updates — they’re an invitation to rethink how care is delivered and reimbursed. With expanded coverage, permanent flexibilities, and a stronger digital health framework, practices can finally move beyond survival mode and into growth mode.
The key is preparation. Whether you’re a physician managing chronic care, a dentist expanding preventive services, or a rural provider serving underserved patients, the practices that align early with these rules will maximize reimbursement and strengthen patient trust.
At Med Karma, we specialize in helping providers like you navigate telehealth billing with accuracy, compliance, and speed. Because when the rules change, your revenue strategy should too.