Being a Successful Medicare Provider in 2024

Medicare providers work with older adults and people receiving disability benefits of all ages, offering a wide range of psychotherapeutic and assessment services in various settings. Federal law requires all healthcare providers who work with Medicare beneficiaries either enroll in or opt out of Medicare. However, often mental health providers are reluctant to enroll because they are unaware of the regulations and/or have been misinformed about them. Thus, the overarching goal of this course is to present timely, accurate and thorough information so that eligible mental health professionals can make an informed decision about enrolling in or opting out of being a Medicare provider. In 2024 the types of licensed mental health professionals who can enroll in Medicare expanded to include MFTs and LPCs (with at least a master’s degree).

This introductory class explains facts related to Medicare insurance, including (1) an overview of the structure, (2) the legal regulations, (3) an understanding of “Medical necessity” and how it applies to mental health services, (4) rules specific to mental health services via telehealth, including those that were changed, both temporarily and permanently, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and (5) detailed, current information about enrollment, HIPAA-compliant documentation, billing, and reimbursement. This course includes financial information, both the costs to Medicare beneficiaries and reimbursement to Medicare providers. Furthermore, the complex issues related to Medicare Part C, the Medicare Advantage plans, will be addressed. Clinical examples will be used to illustrate key aspects of being a Medicare provider, including ethical issues. Extensive written materials and resources will be provided.

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe the Medicare criteria of “Medical Necessity” and its importance in ethical clinical work,
2. Identify the differences between “Traditional Medicare” and “Medicare Advantage” plans and
3. Incorporate the elements required in HIPAA-compliant documentation of Medicare services

Instructor: Amy Rosett, Ph.D. has been teaching classes and providing consultation about Medicare issues since 2013. She is a clinical geropsychologist, working in her private practice in Encino and in long term care settings, since 1996. She was on the Board of Directors of Psychologists in Long Term Care and is a Past President of the Los Angeles County Psychological Association. In 2024, Dr. Rosett was the principal author of the Medicare Primer for Mental Health Professionals for GeroCentral.org.

Dr. Rosett has no financial or non-financial conflicts to disclose.

Cost: $90

Space is limited and will be held only with payment.
Advance registration is recommended.
Cancellation requests must be received in writing by September 15th. There will be a $30 processing fee.

Questions: Contact Dr. Rosett at info@dramyrosett.com or (818) 705-1870.