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Helping each other and the profession
March 27, 2020
Welcome to the psychology practice information hub. We created this site to be THE source of fact-checked information about the profession in real-time during this COVID-19 crisis.
Previous Articles
HHS extends COVID-19 national public health emergency declaration an additional 90 days
July 19, 2021
Because many coverage policies are tied to the national emergency declaration, this will impact claims, particularly for telehealth treatment.
Medicare Fee-for-Service claims: 2% payment adjustment suspended through 2021
April 16, 2021
Newly passed legislation continues payment reduction suspension for Medicare providers.
Biden administration signals likely extension of Public Health Emergency through the end of 2021
February 1, 2021
Extending the public health emergency will allow the Medicare telehealth waivers to continue throughout the year.
January 14, 2021
Proposed reductions to reimbursement have been decreased and the public health emergency has been extended.
CMS addresses telehealth and supervision of testing in 2021 fee schedule final rule
December 22, 2020
Rule addresses the ending of the COVID-19 public health emergency and whether certain nonphysician providers can supervise testing services
December 11, 2020
APA is working with states to advocate that psychologists who provide in-person services remain among the high-priority health care providers to receive the covid-19 vaccine during its initial release.
CMS adopts deep Medicare fee schedule cuts for 2021
December 4, 2020
Newly announced Final Rule includes a 10.2% cut in the conversion factor used to calculate provider payments.
October 29, 2020
All behavioral health professionals are eligible for the third phase of pandemic assistance for health care providers—deadline to apply is November 6, 2020.
HHS extends COVID-19 national public health emergency declaration through January 21, 2021
October 16, 2020
Because many coverage policies are tied to the national emergency declaration, this will impact claims, particularly for telehealth treatment.
HHS extends COVID-19 national public health emergency declaration through October 23, 2020
July 27, 2020
The extension will impact coverage for many providers.
Relief for clinicians participating in the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS)
June 26, 2020
Psychologists significantly impacted by the public health emergency may apply to reweight MIPS performance categories for 2020.
APA ensures psychologists have access to personal protective equipment through Amazon
June 19, 2020
Following talks between APA and Amazon leadership, Amazon quickly made resources available to all licensed psychologists.
New, shorter application form now available for Paycheck Protection Program loan forgiveness
June 17, 2020
Psychologists wishing to apply for PPP loan forgiveness may now be able to do so using fewer calculations and less documentation.
June 10, 2020
Psychologists participating in state Medicaid and CHIP programs—that have not received payment under the general distribution to Medicare providers made earlier this year—may be eligible to receive relief funds.
Sample informed consent form for resuming in-person services
May 7, 2020
Psychologists transitioning back to face-to-face services may wish to protect their practice through informed consent.
Billing for psychological services provided during the COVID-19 public health emergency
May 6, 2020
Sample CMS-1500 forms with case examples for Medicare beneficiaries.
Phone only telehealth services for Medicare during COVID-19
May 1, 2020
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services expands telehealth coverage to allow most psychology services to be provided by telephone without video.
Additional funding available through Medicare provider relief fund
April 29, 2020
Eligible psychologists and practices can receive further payment under the CARES Act
Updated telehealth guidance by state in response to COVID-19
April 22, 2020
Easily locate state emergency orders and other important information regarding telehealth policies during the public health crisis.
Telecommunications funding program accepting applicants
April 13, 2020
Psychologists working in certain health care settings can now apply for funding to cover telecommunications services and devices under the CARES Act.
April 10, 2020
Eligible psychologists and practices to begin receiving payment under the CARES Act.
Neuropsychological and psychological testing during COVID-19
April 8, 2020
Billing and other guidance for psychologists who provide psychological and neuropsychological testing services.
Medicare telehealth billing update
April 6, 2020
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services offers new instructions on place of service billing for telehealth.
April 3, 2020
The Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services grants access to new codes for psychologists to use for services delivered via telephones without video.
Small business loan assistance possible
April 3, 2020
Psychologists may qualify for SBA loan assistance under CARES act.
Further expansion of telehealth coverage for Medicare recipients
March 31, 2020
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' revised billing rules reflect many of APA’s recommendations.
New Practice Update in your inbox
March 27, 2020
Here’s the lineup for the new edition of Practice Update.
March 27, 2020
Answers to recent COVID-19-inspired questions.
Billing and Regulatory Issues
- State-based commercial insurers’ COVID-19 telehealth policies
- Telehealth guidance by state during COVID-19
- APA supports permanent expansion of Medicare coverage of mental health services furnished via telehealth
- Temporary changes to federal Medicare telehealth policies
- APA calls for comprehensive telehealth coverage
Professional Practice Issues
- How APA is helping COVID’s overlooked populations
- How APA Services is working for you during the COVID-19 crisis
- Provider well-being in a pandemic (PDF, 493KB)
- COVID-19: When is it OK to provide more in-person services?
- Answers to practicing psychologists’ latest questions about providing telehealth services
- COVID-19 and psychology services: How to protect your patients and your practice
- Four pieces of ethical advice for practitioners during COVID-19
- Self-care advice for health-care providers during COVID-19
COVID-19 Information and Resources from APA
- Are crisis lines meeting new mental health needs?
- Supporting K-12 students in response to COVID-19
- June 2020 Monitor on Psychology: Special report on the COVID-19 pandemic
- As COVID-19 cases increase, so does trauma among health providers
- Treating anxiety and stress in front-line workers: A step-by-step CBT guide
- How psychologists are helping America cope with the new normal
- Supporting employee mental health when reopening the workplace
- Treating front-line workers: A step-by-step guide
- How psychologists can combat the racial inequities of the COVID-19 crisis
- COVID-19 heightens the need to end health disparities
- Psychologists rush to help health-care professionals