Insights into using AI from a Mental Health Therapist and Documentation Expert In an era where technology permeates every aspect of our lives, it's no surprise that artificial intelligence (AI) is finding a home in mental health care. One area where AI is gaining greater use is in the creation of … [Read more...] about Challenges with AI in Progress Notes
Question & Answer: Intake Summary
Question & Answer: How do I write an Intake Summary without violating client confidentiality? QUESTION I'm struggling with how to effectively document in a manner that satisfies "medical necessity" requirements while also protecting the privacy of my clients. I understand how to keep … [Read more...] about Question & Answer: Intake Summary
How to Opt-Out of Medicare and Still Get Paid
Your Guide to Opting Out of Medicare as a Mental Health Provider: and How Medicare Clients Can Get Reimbursed Yes, it is possible to see a Medicare client, get your full fee, and for the client to not have to pay for your service. The process isn’t even that difficult. Unlike most things … [Read more...] about How to Opt-Out of Medicare and Still Get Paid
The Ethics of Other People Writing Your Treatment Plan
The Ethics of Other People Writing Your Treatment Plan QUESTION Is it ethical for one therapist to write a Treatment Plan for another therapist to use? At my group practice, I’m often asked as a licensed therapist to do an Intake and write the Treatment Plan to hand off to a master’s … [Read more...] about The Ethics of Other People Writing Your Treatment Plan
Can You Combine the Intake Summary and the Diagnostic Session Note?
QUESTION: Can You Combine the Intake Summary and the Diagnostic Session Note? My EHR combines the Intake Summary and the Diagnostic Session Note and calls it the Intake Session Note. What do you think of combining them? ANSWER I prefer the documents to be separated, but there is no … [Read more...] about Can You Combine the Intake Summary and the Diagnostic Session Note?
Should I Document Medications on Progress Notes?
QUESTION: Should I Document Medications on Progress Notes? I have heard from others, who consider themselves Medicare documentation experts, that it is unnecessary to document anything about psychiatric medication compliance and effectiveness. They advise against it as it is the prescriber's job, … [Read more...] about Should I Document Medications on Progress Notes?
Mental Health Documentation for Workman’s Compensation
Mental Health Documentation for Workman’s Compensation A therapist recently asked me how to document for a Workman’s Compensation claim. Some companies will accept a summary of treatment. Most will want the client’s full record. That will include the Diagnostic Assessment, … [Read more...] about Mental Health Documentation for Workman’s Compensation
5 Types of Insurance Reviews
If you’ve ever gotten a letter from a health insurance company and felt your blood pressure spike while you open it, you’re not alone. The fear of being audited can cause as much anxiety as having a suicidal client. But just like a range in client risk, there is more or less risk involved with … [Read more...] about 5 Types of Insurance Reviews
Winning an Insurance Audit Appeal!
I WON an Overpayment Recoupment for mental health services from Blue Cross Blue Shield! And I’m sharing what I did in case you find yourself dealing with the same thing. I got the dreaded insurance recoupment letter from BCBS saying they overpaid me (over $1700) and demanded their money back. … [Read more...] about Winning an Insurance Audit Appeal!