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Is United Healthcare Replacing Therapists With Coaches? 7 Reasons We Should ALL Be Concerned
Health plans are increasingly steering members with milder mental health concerns toward behavioral health coaches and digital wellness tools instead of licensed therapists. Insurers frame these coaching programs as providing faster access to care and “early...
The Dangers of Unspecified and “Other Specified” Diagnoses — And 5 Tips When Using Them
Do you bill for “unspecified” and “other specified” diagnoses? Well, you aren’t alone. These diagnoses are those favorite “catch all” diagnoses that many of us lean on heavily. Some of us, too heavily. And why not? Our clients are complex, and rarely fit neatly...
How to Earn More Without Seeing More Clients: 10 Ways to Diversify Your Income — And Save Your Sanity
Being a psychotherapist often feels like riding a financial rollercoaster, with its unpredictable ups and downs. One month you’re booked solid; the next, your schedule is a sea of empty slots and cancellations. And if you take a vacation or are ill? That’s just...
Are Other Therapists Making More Money? And Would I Make More Money if I Quit Insurance?
In this modern age, telehealth is king. So whether you’re huddled in front of a computer in the corner of your bedroom or have an office suite with bottled water, let’s get real: your only human interaction may be with the Amazon delivery person. And if you...
Running Overtime: How to End Sessions on Time Without Feeling Like a Monster
Think you have to work harder or longer to make more money in private practice? Fortunately, that isn't the case. Your calendar does not need to become a hostage to your good intentions. Instead, it may be helpful to look at how your practice could be quietly...
Medicare FAQs: Your One-Stop General Information Page
Last updated Sept 15, 2026 I've written a lot of articles over the years about Medicare. So I thought it would be helpful to put together this page to answer some of your questions about Medicare. I'll try to update it regularly, posting the most up-to-date...
Are You Using Your Social Security Number on Claims and Superbills? 6 Reasons to Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Are you using your Social Security number on claims, superbills, and other practice documents? You might want to rethink this. Using your Social Security Number on practice forms carries a risk of identity theft. There is also the risk of financial fraud...
Most Medicaid Clients Unaware of Upcoming Work Requirements
Do you work with Medicaid clients? Over 80% of Medicaid clients don’t know they’ll need to report work, education or volunteer hours starting in 2027 to maintain coverage, according to a survey from the Health Management Academy. The new requirements The...
Z-Codes: Why They Matter More Than Ever
While I have always emphasized the importance of putting all your client’s diagnoses on a claim – even the Z codes – this may be more important than you realize. Although found in the DSM-5-TR, Z codes are typically not billable as primary or standalone diagnoses,...
Wait! Why You Should Complete Your Session Note Before Submitting Your Claim or Superbill
= Updated July 23, 2026 I recently traveled to Washington state to meet Susan Frager from PsychBillingCoach.com. I have turned to Susan for years, whenever I don’t know an answer (I know, you thought I had all the answers, but I don’t). But I had never met her in...