On November 1, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services published the final version. rule It aims to expand access to behavioral health services in rural and underserved areas where care is difficult to find.
Under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, a Licensed Professional Counselor or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist may be charged for services performed as an adjunct to billing physician or non-physician services under their direct supervision. will be paid only assistance and instruction. The final rule amends this requirement to allow these services to be provided under more general supervision. By removing the requirement for direct supervision of ancillary staff, more patients will be able to receive care.
The rule cites analysis from the Federal Office of Health Resources Services that predicts shortages of a variety of behavioral health workers, including psychiatrists, mental health and substance use social workers, school counselors, and marriage and family therapists.Arkansas Review Board for Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy list 2,239 licensed professional counselors and 242 licensed marriage and family therapists have valid licenses in the state.
The rule reduces access issues in Arkansas and provides supervisory flexibility to help create team-based primary care capabilities by tapping into a wider range of behavioral health professionals. . in Arkansas, 57 Medical Professional Shortage Areas for Mental Health Care—Federal designation based primarily on population-to-professional ratio, low-income percentage, and travel time to the nearest health facility. The Department of Health Resources and Services Administration reports that only 34% of mental health care needs are met in underrepresented areas of Arkansas.
Details about other parts of the final rule. 4.5% Physician pay cuts are summarized by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. news releaseThe final rule will take effect January 1st.
