Session Description:

More clients have insurance than ever before and want to use their coverage for therapy.  But therapists get little reliable information to help make the important decision of whether to join a provider network.  Then we are left to navigate the insurance maze alone, which can lead to costly mistakes that hurt us — and our clients. 

This 2-hour webinar may be one of the most useful courses you have ever attended, even if you never join an insurance plan.  It will give you the essential overview about insurance and documentation, two topics that likely were never addressed in your graduate training. We will even address what out-of-network providers should know (ex: did you know that just giving a client a superbill can open the door for a review of your records?).   

Plus, you’ll be shown how to create brief session notes you can feel confident about, and that will please insurance plans, ethics codes, and licensing boards. 

Topics will include: 

• The myths and realities of working with insurance
• How to join plans, and what you are getting into 
• How to keep new clients — even when you aren’t on their plan 
• Avoiding the most common mistakes therapists make 
• Understanding what plans look for when reviewing your care: “Medical Necessity” 
• What insurance plans expect in your notes 
• The proper use of common billing codes — and where to find them 
• Common mistakes when billing for video and phone sessions 

You’ll also get two helpful handouts you can download and use immediately: 

• A “Checking Coverage: 13 Essential Questions” Worksheet 
• A “Progress Note Template” designed to please the toughest insurance plans 

The webinar is applicable nationwide, aimed at pre-licensed and licensed therapists, insurance “newbies” as well as veterans, plus billing staff. 

Learning objectives:  

After attending this course, the attendee will be able to: 

1. Summarize therapist choices regarding involvement with health plans, the pros and cons of each, and how to join insurance panels 
2. Identify the most common therapist mistake that leads to treatment/claim denials 
3. Summarize how "medical necessity" is used by health plans, enabling therapists to advocate on behalf of clients for continuing care 
4. Identify 3 required ingredients for sessions notes as required by insurance plans, ethics codes, and licensing boards