National Council Magazine - Winter 2009 - 13

Improving the health status of p those we ser ve requires all of us to o come to the table and work within m i existing ﬁnancing structures to ﬁnd i solutions rather than use ﬁnancing as a way to delay discussions. a the Health and Behavior Assessment/Intervention (96150-96155). The Health and Behavior Assessment/Intervention codes can be used to bill a behavioral health service ancillary to a primary care diagnosis. This would include providing services regarding chronic care management such as diabetes care, cardiac support, and consulting and assistance with COPD management. SBIRT can be billed in the primary care setting for screening for substance use/abuse. In Wisconsin, case/care management services are billable for primary settings working with individuals with a serious mental illness. In Michigan the Primary Care Association has negotiated a memorandum of understanding that allows for FQHCs to bill two services in one day (www.mpca.net). In states where two services rendered on one day by one provider are not billable, programs have found innovative ways to collaborate that allow both partners to bill, using two provider numbers to provide the services. They key here is creative, collaborative thinking that maximizes the current ﬁnancing options. Improving the health status of those we serve requires all of us to come to the table and work within existing ﬁnancing structures to ﬁnd solutions rather than use ﬁnancing as way to delay discussions. In states where capitation is used, it often provides the ﬂexibility for local decision-making regarding services and funding. Don’t be afraid to expand thinking about creative ways to secure better outcomes by integrating staff into primary care setting to provide mental health services. Often, it requires no new approvals for mental health centers to provide community based services. In fee for service states, review the regulations and ﬁnd any way you can to bill for services at a primary care site. You’ll generate better health outcomes and support your organization’s bottom line. Kathleen Reynolds, MSW, ACSW is a nationally recognized expert in primary care and behavioral health collaboration. Ms. Reynolds is the former Executive Director of the Washtenaw Community Health Organization and an Adjunct Clinical Instructor in the University of Michigan Department of Psychiatry. The WCHO is an integrated health system that includes a community mental health services program, a substance abuse coordinating agency, and primary healthcare capitation dollars for Medicaid and indigent consumers. For the past seven years Reynolds’ primary emphasis has been developing integrated health care models for Medicaid and indigent consumers. Reynolds has presented at numerous conferences and conventions on the innovative programming in Washtenaw County and is the author/ co-author of several articles and has co-authored Raising the Bar: Moving Toward the Integration of Health Care, A Manual for Providers, a National Council publication. NATIONAL COUNCIL MAGAZINE • WINTER 2009/ 13

National Council Magazine - Winter 2009

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of National Council Magazine - Winter 2009