Newsletters

MICHIGAN ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL PSYCHOLOGISTS

JANUARY 2016 NEWSLETTER

LPC BILLING PRIVILEDGES              

Some of our LLPs also have a LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) license.  Recently, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan has announced that they will give billing privileges to LPCs starting in January, 2016.  There is an application process.  The billing privilege is primarily based on that fact that LPCs have independent practice.  (Hopefully, LLPs will get independent practice this year!)

MAPP has been interested in following the application process, especially for those who hold both licenses, LPC and LLP.   Here is some of the feedback we are hearing from those applying:

1. If someone holds both licenses, LPC and LLP, that person may have to abdicate their LLP billing (under supervision) in order to bill as an LPC.  In other words, it appears that a person can only bill under one license.

2. The LPC reimbursement is 80% of the Master Level reimbursement.  Those applying for the LPC may want to “run the numbers” to see if the net amount they get for the 80% is more or less than they receive from their billing under supervision with the LLP.

3. It appears that BCBS is qualifying LPCs for some BCBS policies and not others, but we don’t yet know how many policies will allow LPC billing.  It will be interesting to see if the number of policies covered for LPCs are less than the number of policies covered by LLPs billing under supervision.

4. It is not yet entirely clear what “scope of practice” will be covered for LPCs for billing reimbursement.

MAPP feels it is important for LLPs to be aware of the pros and cons of giving up their LLP to use their LPC for BCBS billing privileges.  We will continue to monitor this process.  If you have additional information, please contact the MAPP office.  

NEW MEMBERSHIP AND MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS

Current and former members are receiving their renewals for 2016.  We look forward to hearing back from all of you to voice your support of MAPP in our efforts for independent practice and advertising freedom!  

Think about making a copy of the membership form (or downloading it from the website), and encouraging a colleague to join.  THIS IS THE MOST EFFECTIVE METHOD OF INCREASING MAPP  MEMBERSHIP.  If you print and sign your name and date on the new member’s form who joins (full membership), take $30 off your membership dues for 2016!!  

CHRONIC PAIN BEHAVIORAL HEALTH MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE

MAPP wishes to report that the Oct. 26 conference, cosponsored between MAPP and St. John Providence Health Systems, was a GREAT SUCCESS!!  We had over 100 people attend, and the evaluations were overall positive.  People thought the presentations were substantive and it also allowed for some useful networking.   Thanks to all who attended.  

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Are you interested, or do you know someone who is interested, in being involved in being the voice for LLPs?  Join the MAPP Board of Directors!  If you have been a paid member for 2 years, contact the MAPP office and let us know of your interest.   The Board of Directors meets 1/month on a Friday afternoon at our office in Wixom.  (Out of area folks are on conference call.)  

Join us, bring your knowledge and experience, and be a part of the action!  

LOOKING AHEAD

MAPP is planning a conference in October, 2016, “Current Clinical Challenges”, in Petoskey, MI.  

More details to follow!!

WISHING ALL OF YOU A HEALTHY AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

MAPP BOARD OF DIRECTORS