September 2, 1999

 

 

MEMORANDUM FOR DISTRICT OFFICE STAFF AND

CENTRAL PAYING UNIT

 

FROM:  Sally Howard, Deputy Director

 

SUBJECT:  Authorization and Payment for Psychological and Psychiatric

Services

 

In May 1995 a memo was issued to District Supervisors regarding procedures for

authorizing and paying for psychological and psychiatric services. At that time staff was

instructed to authorize therapy by psychologists at the rate of $60 per hour and

psychiatrists at UCR.

 

Since that time our fees have changed so authorizations are incorrect if the $60 rate is

used. We have also experienced problems when paying for psychotherapy with a similar

benefit involved if we have authorized a set rate (some therapists want the $60 regardless

of what the similar benefit has paid). In order to eliminate these problems, please authorize

therapy by both psychologists and psychiatrists at UCR.   As in the past, psychiatrists

will be paid based on the CPT code submitted on the invoice and psychologists will be

paid at our current established rate (the current rate for psychologists is $65.40 per hour).

Staff may need to inform vendors to invoice at their "usual, customary fee" instead of the

rate authorized for any authorizations that have already been issued to psychologists

using an incorrect cost per hour. It will not be necessary to cancel and reissue

authorizations unless district staff prefers to handle in this manner.

 

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