Calling all psychologists to comment on critical Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services physician reimbursement proposal

On July 29, the CMS published its annual Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) proposed rule, which outlines a number of proposals affecting coverage and reimbursement for behavioral health services. Because Medicare policy has a strong influence over how mental and behavioral health services are covered and reimbursed in other programs, this rule not only affects Medicare-enrolled patients and providers, but the broader health care environment as well.

In response, APA Services launched a grassroots campaign and action center through which members and allies can submit comments on the issues in this year’s rule that have the greatest impact on mental and behavioral health treatment. These include:

• Coverage of behavioral management training services based in psychological science;
• Access to telehealth services beyond the COVID-19 public health emergency;
• Participation in treatment teams through evidence-based models of integrated care; and
• Reimbursement for behavioral health services provided through digital therapeutics devices and software.

In addition to the grassroots campaign, APA will also submit its own comments on behalf of the organization. All comments are due on September 6, 2022.

For more information, contact Andrew Strickland.