Dear Psychologist colleague,

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has proposed that psychologists who treat Medicare patients lose 7% of their reimbursements in 2021. These cuts would fund higher payments for evaluation and management (E/M) services, the most frequently provided service by physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants.

APA opposes these proposed cuts in the strongest possible terms. We need your help. Psychologists must help CMS understand how Medicare beneficiaries will be harmed if psychologists’ payments are cut in 2021. The rationale is that if psychologists can’t afford to remain in Medicare, then America’s senior and disabled citizens will lose access to the psychotherapy, testing, and health and behavior (H&B) services they so desperately need.

Even if you are not a Medicare provider, it is important to note that private insurance often follows Medicare’s lead when updating payment rates and policies. In other words, this proposal may affect all practicing psychologists. 

The same Proposed Rule from CMS demonstrates that our advocacy efforts can bring positive gains for psychologists. CMS is proposing to adopt APA’s revisions to the H&B codes that will result in higher payment amounts for H&B services in 2020 bringing them in line with the Medicare values for psychotherapy services. We ask that you also write to CMS to support the proposed H&B value increases.

You have until September 27, 2019 to make your voice heard. Below are options for commenting to CMS, which will not take much time at all. You can also view APA’s letter objecting to the proposed cut in 2021, while supporting the 2020 adoption of the revised H&B codes here. 

Submit your Comment on the 2020 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule here by clicking on the “Comment Now!” box at the top right corner of the page.

It is critical for CMS to receive a very large number of psychologists’ comments; in other words, we need every single one of you to participate. It will only take a couple minutes to comment. Please join with us in advocating for your patients and for the important services psychologists work hard to provide!

Cordially,

 
Jared L. Skillings, PhD, ABPP
Chief of Professional Practice


Stephen R. Gillaspy, PhD
Senior Director of Health Care Financing