Congress is beginning to focus on telehealth post-Covid19 with a sense of urgency. Recently, a hearing entitled, Telehealth: Lessons from the Covid-19 Pandemic, examined which changes in regulations should be maintained, modified or reversed. Dr. Karen Rheuban, External Affairs Director…
President-Elect Joe Biden is expected to unwind many of the Trump administration’s healthcare regulations concerning the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid. These changes are expected to make mental health care more readily available. Biden is expected to open healthcare.gov for…
The National Association of Social Workers–NJ offers the following suggestions if you are seeing patients in your office. 1. Have a dialogue with your clients about not coming to an in-person session if they are feeling unwell or if they…
A Message From Mona Ruback, CSS CEO/Associated Billing Center, LLC-Your Mental Health Billing Specialist Web: mentalhealthbillers.com Yes, you can help to nourish your patient’s mental hygiene while also concentrating on your practice’s financial health. The two are not mutually…
I frequently have conversations with new clients about what I consider to be some of the key components in managing a successful mental health practice. In formulating my response, I reflect on my experience managing individual and group practices prior…
The First Lady of the United States says that she is no exception to the rule. Michelle Obama says she too is experiencing what more than one in three Americans reported in a recent pulse survey by the Census Bureau-they…
A recent Kaiser Family Foundation poll reports that four in ten adults say that stress related to covid-19 is having a negative impact on their mental health. The Well Being Trust reports that the pandemic could cause 75,000 deaths of…
The Census Bureau recently released data from an emergency weekly survey conducted to measure the pandemic’s effects on employment, housing, finances, education and health. The Washington Post reports that New York, which had the worst outbreak in the country, actually…
One of five adults in America experiences a mental illness. Nearly one in twenty five adults in America lives with a serious mental illness (SMI). With the coronavirus permeating across this nation those numbers are growing. Nearly half of Americans…
May is Mental Health Month and every year the goal is to fight stigma, provide support, educate the public, and advocate for policies that support people with mental illness and their families. Mental Health Month has been observed since 1949….
Most of us have experienced this phenomenon. You put a protective mask on when going in public and then it begins. You look for the defroster button you would use on your windshield to clear the fog-but it is not…
Q. If a patient cancels an appointment outside of the permissible window can I bill insurance for the missed session? A. No. While payers will not reimburse for no-shows, the provider can charge either a negotiated amount (in network) and…
A new study claims that labeling food with the amount of exercise needed to burn off its calorie content could cut about 200 calories from a person’s average daily intake. The study from Loughborough University found that people ate…
The most popular dream jobs kids want when they grow up according to a survey conducted by OnePoll: for male respondents becoming an athlete led the way while girls want to become teachers. Both sexes expressed high interest in becoming…
In the UK and elsewhere the number of digital conversations has overtaken the intimacy of two people actually speaking face to face or on the phone. Texts and emails have affected relationships in many ways. LifeSearch reports that the number…
Science Alert reports that loudly yelling at your dog can produce a long term negative effect. Research indicates that pups criticized repetitively including leash jerking were found to be more stressed with increased levels of cortisol in their saliva. Treating…
Mental Health Providers Need to Know The new Medicare ID system went into effect on New Years Day. A beneficiary’s social security number will no longer be accepted by Medicare. Avoid delays in processing Medicare claims. The annual deductible for…
January is known as “divorce month” in legal circles. It is the time of year when couples contemplating divorce decide that post holidays would be the best time to do it. Social media confirms the activity. According to Google Trends,…
BUMPER STICKERS › I just got lost in thought. It was unfamiliar territory. › Everyone has a photographic memory. Some don’t have film. › When the chips are down, the buffalo is empty. › Seen it all,…
The National Alliance on Mental Illness in coordination with prominent mental health and addiction organizations recently launched Mental Health for US, a nonpartisan educational coalition aimed at elevating mental health issues on the 2020 campaign trail. The coalition is dedicated…
Timely Filing Getting patient information to us in a timely manner, as well as day sheets, is an important component of being paid for services rendered. Many insurance companies enforce strict guidelines for timely filing (there are exceptions). Providers: If…
Christmas Carols for the Mentally Challenged 1. Schizophrenia — Do You Hear What I Hear? 2. Amnesia — I Don’t Know if I’ll be Home for Christmas 3. Narcissistic — Hark the Herald Angels Sing About Me 4. Manic —…
It can happen as often as 300 times per year-Americans waking up on the wrong side of the bed and feeling grumpy. This according to a recent survey by OnePoll. The survey of 2,000 Americans found respondents wake up from…
–Watching holiday movies on Hallmark just might be good for your mental health. Pamela Rutledge is the Director of the Media Psychology Research Center and Media Psychology faculty at Fielding Graduate University. Rutledge says that Hallmark movies take you on…
-A young woman takes her troubles to a mental health therapist. “You must help me,” she pleaded, “Its gotten so that every time I date a nice guy I end up in bed with him. And then afterward, I feel…
With unemployment numbers at historic lows companies continue to create perks to attract labor in a tightening market. One that is gaining in popularity is the four-day work week. According to a report from the Society for Human Resource Management,…
I just attended the American Medical Billing Association conference in Las Vegas. It was a productive conference, some of which was spent with a breakout section on mental health billing. Featured presentations included: ▪ The Liles Report concerning legal compliance…
Is chivalry dead? Not according to many women. Recent surveys have shown that several still expect their male date to pick up the check at the end of a meal as a matter of proper etiquette and decorum. Writing an…
A man goes to a therapist and says, “I got a real problem, I can’t stop thinking about sex.” The therapist says, “Well let’s see what we can find out”, and pulls out his ink blots. “What is this a…
An impeachment inquiry concerning President Trump is ongoing at the time of publication of this Blog. As a nation, the great divide between Conservatives and Progressives and the Left and the Right is colossal. The tentacles of such divisiveness have…
The Bathtub Test During a visit to the mental asylum, a visitor asked the Director what the criterion was which defined whether or not a patient should be institutionalized. “Well,” said the Director, “we fill up a bathtub, then we…
Strip Club “Hot Car” We have all read stories about kids being locked in a car when a parent is shopping or working. But, Ripley may have a difficult time believing this one. A Florida mom was busted this week…
In our June 2019 Newsletter we discussed our sizable investment in technology upgrades that were scheduled to take place in the 3rd quarter of this year. Well, here we are in the third quarter of this year and we are…
Mental Health Hospital Interview ›The head therapist at a local mental hospital is examining patients to see if they’re cured and ready to re-enter society. “So, Mr. Clark, I see by your chart that you’ve been recommended for dismissal. Do…
Costco Goes Brick & Mortar in the Far East √ Buying bulk in China is the new rage. The country’s first Costco store is so popular that it had to shut down early on its first day of operation…
Providers often ask Associated Billing Center, LLC how they can improve their revenue cycle management and grow their practice. Our years of providing service exclusively to mental health providers have proven that the following suggestions are helpful: √ Offer after…
Cognitive Restructuring A little boy was overheard talking to himself as he strutted through the backyard, wearing his baseball cap and toting a ball and bat. “I’m the greatest hitter in the world,” he announced. Then, he tossed the ball…
Living Apart Together It all comes down to this. Many elderly couples embrace the idea of companionship. In fact, they are big fans of falling in love and enjoying each other’s company. But there is a caveat. They want the…
In our most recent monthly Newsletter Education Box (available on our website) we address the topic of outsourcing your mental health billing overseas. Associated Billing Center, LLC has recently contracted with an influx of mental health providers who had previously…
Senior Memories: Two elderly couples were enjoying friendly conversation when one of the men asked the other, “Fred, how was the memory clinic you went to last month? “Outstanding,” Fred replied. “They taught us all the latest psychological techniques -visualization,…
A Michigan couple has taken their support for Donald Trump and his Make America Great Again slogan to an extreme personal level. Jeff and Audra Johnson got married in Kalamazoo, Michigan recently. Their wedding theme? Yes, Make America Great Again….
Your kid is bullying someone. Should you be held responsible for that behavior if he or she is under 18 years old? Yes, according to the Wisconsin Rapids’ Legislative Committee. The legislative body recently voted unanimously supporting an ordinance that…
A successful mental health billing service truly needs to be operating at a high efficiency level in many areas to meet the demands of its clients. Team members must be knowledgeable in all facets of mental health billing, protocols must…
Imagine that you are a server in a casual restaurant and the tip left for you is $424,000 in the form of a cashier’s check. A waiter at a New York City pizzeria was stiffed on his table’s bill but…
A behavioral science professor at a London University says that marriage is not for everybody and in particular women. Professor Paul Dolan says that when it comes to men they seem to benefit more from the institution because marriage makes…
Therapist to Patient: What’s your problem? Patient to Therapist: I think I’m a chicken. Therapist to patient: How long has this been going on? Patient: Ever since I was an egg. A patient goes to a therapist and says…
BFF-Best Friends Forever. What a terrific feeling knowing that you have a close friend who is there for you in a moment of need and is a great companion just to hang out with and have fun. Finding a new…
Since 1949, the month of May has been observed as Mental Health Month in the United States and many national organizations such as NAMI, Mental Health America and other affiliates spotlight Mental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance…
A.A.A.D.D. Age Activated Attention Deficit Disorder This is how it goes: I decide to wash the car; I start toward the garage and notice the mail on the table. OK, I’m going to wash the car. But first I’m going…
Some studies recommend that you go ahead and do it. Recent research suggests that swearing can help reduce pain and lower stress levels. Keele University psychologist Dr. Richard Stephens says that, “Swearing triggers a well-known stress-induced analgesia. Adrenaline is released,…
It truly is an historic occasion. Time Magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people is almost half women for the first time ever. Females have gained three slots from the previous year. When the magazine published its first list…
● Patient to Therapist: “No one believes a word I say.” Therapist to Patient: “Tell me the truth now, what’s your real problem?” ● Patient to Therapist: “People keep telling me I’m ugly.” Therapist to Patient: “Lay on the couch…
The Stigma surrounding adults afflicted with mental health challenges can sometimes prevent individuals from seeking therapy. Now, research indicates that the same holds true for school aged children. Schools across the country are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of…
You might want to make sure you are in the most comfortable position at your desk before reading any further. According to a recent study of more than 50 sit-stand desks the benefits of using such a work station are…
−We think a mental health therapist offered this advice to a patient who was apprehensive about attending company meetings. ▪ Never arrive on time, or you will be stamped a beginner. ▪ Don’t say anything until the meeting is half…
When the Red Planet hosts its first human visitor that person could be a woman. NASA head, Jim Bridenstine, maintains that this could be the reality. He said that women are at the forefront of the agency’s future plans. In…
According to a recent report published in JAMA Pediatrics half of children with a mental health condition in the United States go without treatment. Researchers studied data from the 2016 National Survey of Children’s Health. The Finding: Of the 46.6…
● When is it okay for a mental health therapist to be judgemental? Only to criticize everyone else for being judgemental. Source: BigCulpMaster ● A husband and wife who worked for the circus went to an adoption agency. The social…
An ever growing number of mental health therapists are in agreement with a recent survey that shows 45-percent of Americans think their sex life is stuck in a rut. And, there is more. Seven in ten admitted that they could…
I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the many providers who recommended Associated Billing Center, LLC to their colleagues searching for a mental health billing company in 2018. I believe this is a tribute to our team members and…
◊ (This joke contains adult content) A therapist was conducting a group session with four young mothers and their small children. “You all have obsessions,” he observed. To the first mother he said, “You are obsessed with eating. You even…
√ All is not as it appears. You find yourself admitted to a not for profit hospital. Undoubtedly, they will provide you with a packet of information that includes instructions on how to make a donation to that facility. But,…
Representatives of NAMI recently visited newly sworn-in members of the 116th Congress to express some of their objectives in the New Year ahead. Its goals include: Improve Care NAMI believes improving mental health care is critical to achieve better outcomes….
Upskirting is expected to be criminalized in England and Wales. We were just as shocked as you to learn that the practice of filming up a female’s skirt without her permission (how many women do you know that would grant…
Several studies have recently shown that obesity in the workplace could affect the perception your employer and co-workers have about you. Employees with expanded BMI’s can be stereotyped as lazy, unmotivated, unintelligent, sloppy and lacking willpower. It is a stigma…
Donna Reed, June Cleaver, Marion Cunningham, Lucy Ricardo, Edith Bunker—OK, you get it- women who did not work outside of the home but were responsible for laundry, housework, making the kids lunch and cooking. Guess what. Women by a large…
◊After twelve years of counseling, my therapist said something that brought tears to my eyes. She said, “No Hablo Ingles.” ◊A man walks into his therapist’s office and claims he suffers from CDO. The therapist looks puzzled and asks what…
√ The descent of the Swarovski laden ball on New Years Eve in Time Square signifies more than just the beginning of the New Year. Since 2009, the federal minimum wage has stalled at $7.25 an hour, but that is…
I was out to dinner with a close friend of mine and the topic of gratitude arose. Ellen faced medical, mental health and financial problems in the past year and I asked her how she was coping. Her short answer:…
◊ A young woman takes her troubles to a therapist. “You must help me,” she pleaded. “Its gotten to that every time I date a nice guy, I end up in bed with him. And then afterward, I feel guilty…
A Kaiser Family Foundation/Economist three-country survey recently found that one in five Americans report always or often feeling lonely or socially isolated. These feelings are accompanied frequently with physical and financial consequences. An interesting finding in the report is that…
This is shocking. Instead of trading a washer and dryer for what you hope will be a brand new car-one set of parents offered to trade embryos based on its sex. A mother was so anxious to give birth to…
It all depends. Some employers frown on the very idea even going so far as to include the topic in their employee handbooks. Employees counter that this is an infringement on their first amendment rights to free speech. The analogy…
The Food and Drug Administration has been verbalizing for quite sometime its desire to curb smoking and vaping among youth. Recently, the FDA announced plans to ban menthol cigarettes, many flavored small cigars and to move forward with restrictions on…
I recently returned from my 4th annual convention with the American Medical Billing Association in Las Vegas. There was a breakout section for Mental Health Billing companies of which I am an active, contributing participant. Every year we exchange ideas…
√ Canada legalized recreational marijuana this month and, while business is brisk, dispensaries are already finding it challenging to keep pace with demand. One young entrepreneur discovered another benefit of long lines to purchase weed. Elina Childs, age 9, stood…
A U.S. study published in the journal Preventive Medicine Reports maintains that after just one hour of screen time, children and adolescents may exhibit less curiosity, lower self-control and reduced emotional stability. Nursery school children who used screens frequently were…
Associated Billing Center, LLC is a supporter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). The following is their message concerning this upcoming election: “For decades mental health advocates have shaped laws, increased funding and promoted research to address the…
A man is strolling past the mental hospital and suddenly remembers an important meeting. Unfortunately, his watch has stopped, and he cannot tell if he is late or not. Then, he notices a patient similarly strolling about within the hospital fence. Calling out to the…
It is a fact: Men around the world cry significantly less than women and when they do cry it is for shorter periods. The primary contributing factors are both social and biological. Ad Vingerhoets, a psychologist at Tilburg University in…
