SHARS Services Provided Through Telemedicine or Telehealth
Last updated on 3/25/2021
If a school that participates in SHARS provides instruction to a Medicaid-eligible student during this time, the school may seek Medicaid reimbursement for SHARS services delivered through telemedicine or telehealth, assuming all other SHARS program requirements are met. These flexibilities have been extended through April 30, 2021.
HHSC will allow reimbursement for the following SHARS services to be delivered via telemedicine or telehealth when school districts have moved to virtual learning or any other educational model outside of the traditional school-based location:
- Audiology services
- Counseling services (psychologist or Master’s level clinician delivered)
- Occupational therapy
- Physician services
- Physical therapy
- Speech therapy
HHSC does not require the IEP to be amended for remote delivery of SHARS services. However, districts are advised to follow all TEA guidance regarding IEP requirements.
Distant site telemedicine and telehealth providers must obtain informed consent to treatment from the patient, patient’s parent, or the patient’s legal guardian prior to rendering a telemedicine or telehealth service. Consent may be written or verbal and must be documented in the student’s medical records.
Providers can refer to the Texas Medicaid Provider Procedures Manual, Telecommunication Services Handbook for additional information about Texas Medicaid telemedicine and telehealth services.
For more information, please contact your ONWARD SHARS Medicaid expert at toll free 1-844-843-1596 or contact us by email at support@onwardlearning.com. To speak with TMHP call the Contact Center at 800-925-9126.