BCBS rate for one hour session for couples

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Laura Carney

• April 28, 2022 14:01

I see a couple for one hour and put in a claim to BCBS but got paid for 45 minutes. Maybe I put in the wrong code? Does anyone know the CPT for this? Thanks!

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  Holly Blue

  • May 05, 2022 03:38

  90847 for conjoint therapy (family therapy with patient present).

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  Laura Carney

  • May 05, 2022 15:33

  Thanks Holly.  That's the code I used but got paid much less than I do for seeing individuals.  It doesn't really make sense. Do you know if this is the only code? Or are there different codes for 45 minutes vs. 60 minutes - like there is for individual sessions?  Thanks again!!

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  Holly Blue

  • May 05, 2022 23:54

  Hi Laura,

  I don't believe there is a 45 minute code for Family/Conjoint therapy. There are no add-on codes for additional time, either.  Sadly, insurance companies pay considerably less for conjoint and family therapy than they do for individual therapy - despite great outcomes and the additional training required to do it well. They deem it up to 20% LESS valuable to be able to work with multi-bodied systems like a family. I see it as reflective of the pathologizing nature of the medical establishment's view of mental health.

  They used to pay more for it, now they pay less. I think they need to hear from folks about it, otherwise they'll continue to prioritize profits, forcing therapists and clients to organize care around them.

  Barbara Griswold has a great website on how to navigate the insurance maze. Google her and check it out! 

   

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  Laura Carney

  • May 06, 2022 15:26

  Thank you Holly. It is disheartening that working with couples and families is seen as less lucrative as opposed to a focus on improving the health of families. I will definitely check out Barbara Griswold's website as her name has been mentioned to me 3-4 times now.

  Thanks again and have a great weekend!

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