PCPA met with representatives from the Office of Medical Assistance Programs (OMAP) and the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) on February 19 regarding "incident to" services. PCPA staff presented concerns regarding policy changes made by HGSAdministrators (HGSA) eliminating the provision of psychotherapy "incident to" the services of a psychiatrist or psychologist.
OMAP and OMHSAS committed to examining this issue to determine its impact in fee for service and HealthChoices areas. However, no decisions have been made at this time. In the interim, immediate action is needed.
Action Needed:
Providers in HealthChoices zones are encouraged to discuss this issue with their managed care organizations (MCOs) and counties as soon as possible. The fiscal impact of this issue must be presented during the MCO's yearly rate negotiation process in order for OMAP and OMHSAS to adequately address the matter.
PCPA will continue to update members as efforts to address recent "incident to" policies are continued. Contact Rebecca May Cole for more information.