February 18, 2025
CMS Provides Billing Instructions for Opioid Treatment Programs (OTP) Telecommunications Add-On Codes
In the 2025 Final Physician Fee Schedule, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) finalized important updates for Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs) aligning with regulations previously adopted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). These changes aim to enhance access to care for individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) by expanding telehealth options.
Key Updates include:
- Periodic assessments may now be conducted via audio-only technology on a permanent basis if live video is unavailable, as long as they meet all applicable SAMHSA and DEA requirements.
- The OTPs intake add-on code (G2076) can now be billed when using live video for the initiation of methadone treatment.
As a result of these changes, CMS has updated its Opioid Treatment Program (OTP) webpage to reflect proper billing practices. OTPs should use the following HCPCS add-on codes when treating eligible patients:
- G2076 – Used to initiate buprenorphine or methadone treatment via two-way interactive audio-video or audio-only technology when video is unavailable.
- G2077 – covers periodic patient assessments via audio-only technology when video is unavailable.
- G2080 – Applies to additional counseling or therapy provided via audio-only technology when video is unavailable.
For more details on the finalized policy, review the 2025 Final Physician Fee Schedule.
To learn more about billing and G-codes for OTPs, visit the CMS Opioid Treatment Program webpage.
Click Here to go to 2025 Final Physician Fee Schedule
Click Here to go to CMS Opioid Treatment Program webpage.