01/30/2015

New report tracks the behavioral health of America

The federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has released the “2014 National Behavioral Health Barometer” (Barometer). This publication provides state and national data about key aspects of behavioral health care issues affecting American communities.

01/30/2015

Medicare payment for chronic care management in 2015

Medicare beneficiaries with multiple chronic conditions account for a significant portion of total program expenditures, but effectively managing these patients has proved challenging for clinicians and policymakers alike. To address this problem, effective January 1, 2015, Medicare began to reimburse physicians and certain other healthcare practitioners for furnishing “chronic care management” services to beneficiaries with multiple chronic conditions.

01/29/2015

ALL prescribers MUST register (and possibly re-register) with Ohio Medicaid

IMPORTANT: Due to a requirement of the Affordable Care Act requirement ALL prescribers serving Medicaid patients MUST register as a provider, even though you might work for a community mental health center and/or you might think you're already enrolled. WITHIN THE NEXT MONTH, THE OHIO DEPARTMENT OF MEDICAID WILL BEGIN TO DENY CLAIMS FOR PRESCRIPTIONS WRITTEN BY PRESCRIBERS NOT ACTIVELY ENROLLED WITH OHIO MEDICAID. Read the MITS BITS to see if this applies to you!

01/09/2015

SAMHSA issues guidance on use of injectable naltrexone

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has issued new guidance on the clinical use of extended-release injectable naltrexone for treatment of opioid use disorder.

12/29/2014

APA poster explains 10 key elements of MH parity law

The American Psychiatric Association (APA) has created a poster explaining the 10 key elements of the mental health parity law and the steps to take when a violation is suspected. The poster appeared in the December 5 issue of Psychiatric News and is available for downloading here. You can display the poster in your waiting room or office, share it with community leaders and employers, and provide handouts to patients.