Clinical Social Work Practice Tools: Billing

Re: CMS – 1751-P Medicare Program; CY 2022 Payment Policies Under the Physician Fee Schedule and Other Changes to Part B Payment Policies; Medicare Shared Savings Program Requirements; Provider Enrollment Regulation Updates; Provider and Supplier Prepayment and Post-Payment Medical Review RequirementsFee Schedule and Other Changes to Part B Payment Policies; Medicare Shared Savings Program Requirements; Provider Enrollment Regulation Updates; Provider and Supplier Prepayment and Post-Payment Medical Review Requirements

In July 2021, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released a proposed rule that announced proposed policy and practice changes for Medicare Part B payments beginning January 1, 2022.

On Dec. 1, 2020, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the final rule for the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule. The rule is effective Jan. 1, 2021, and applies to Medicare providers including clinical social workers.

NASW’s Task Force for Private Practice Guidelines is seeking public comments for the document, Clinical Social Workers in Private Practice: A Reference Manual. This manual provides a useful set of guidelines for clinical social workers starting a private practice and for seasoned clinical social workers seeking specific information related to the practice and business side of a private practice. Your comments are important to us and will determine how the task force moves forward. The public comment period begins December 4, 2020, and ends January 4, 2021.

With the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has temporarily expanded its telehealth policies on an emergency basis under the 1135 waiver authority and the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced on April 3, 2020, revisions for telehealth place of service (POS) and modifier codes. The revisions will allow clinical social workers (CSWs) to be reimbursed at the samerate as an in-person service.