Language contained in the last two federal budgets represents major breakthroughs in recognizing psychology as a full-fledged partner in the treatment of hospitalized patients for the first time. The key to winning that recognition is contained in both the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 and the $500 billion budget deal enacted Oct. 20 to fund […]
A torrent of activity has occurred in 1998 as Medicare expanded its crackdowns on fraud, abuse, and questionable billing procedures in all aspects of mental health services. As a result, federal officials are expelling 80 mental health centers, and the principal Deputy Inspector General has recommended that all Medicare claims from partial hospitalization programs be […]
Columbus, OH–Combining a 25-year career in the insurance business with a successful five-year psychotherapy experience, an attorney has gone to bat for Ohio psychologists, winning a $400,000 settlement for them and other health care professionals. Glenn Karr, who spent most of his legal career in the insurance industry, including Blue Cross and health maintenance organizations, […]
Public opinion about managed care has turned around radically from once-tolerant, hopeful attitudes in the early 1990s to the current disappointment, anger and a “crisis of confidence,” declared Russ Newman, Ph.D., J.D., speaking to 350 psychologists at a Practice Directorate event during the APA convention in San Francisco in mid-August. Citing surveys, polls and studies […]
With more than 200 of the 435 House members signed on as cosponsors of H.R. 1415, legislation to fix ERISA, psychologists and other mental health professionals have recently directed streams of supportive letters and encouragement to Rep. Charles Norwood (R-Ga), the principal sponsor. They rejoice in the prospect that, finally, 24 years after enactment […]
