Mental Health Billing: Do Sessions Need to be Pre-Authorized?
So, what about pre-authorization?
Earlier, we discussed if insurances pay mental health providers well and how long it would take to get reimbursed.
If you are a mental health/behavioral health professional, working in private or group practice, you will have your work cut out for you. If you’re like many, you have your plate full. Finding time for the clients, in addition to handling all of the administrative tasks, can become quite stressful.
Additionally, perhaps you are wondering if sessions need to be pre-authorized?
We talked to the Senior Medical Biller at Thriveworks, Alicia Potts, and she gladly shared her knowledge with us.
Do sessions need to be pre-authorized?
“Typically, with most insurance companies, a basic office visit, therapy session, even the initial session, do not need authorization” says Alicia. “But it is always best to check to make sure.”
Generally, for the basic stuff, you do not need authorization, but always check.
Quick Tip
When in doubt, check it out. Tufts insurance almost always requires authorization for a claim. If it is psychiatry testing, you always need to obtain an authorization.
One More Tip
Some insurance companies like BCBS of Mass only allow up to 12 visits and then you are required to get an authorization.
For more information:
UPDATE 09/2014: To focus on providing excellent medical billing to Thriveworks franchises, we are no longer providing billing services to non-Thriveworks practices.
Learn more about the exciting benefits of opening a Thriveworks Counseling center in your area, here: Counseling Franchise.
Sincerely,
Your Friends at Thriveworks
[schema type=”organization” orgtype=”LocalBusiness” url=”www.thriveworks.com” name=”Thriveworks” street=”872 Massachusetts Ave ” city=”Cambridge” state=”MA” phone=”1-855-664-5154” ]
Let’s keep in touch! Sign up to receive our newsletter:
Anthony Centore
