Clinical Social Work: Reimbursement

This update is a follow-up to NASW’s Tips and Tools, New Medicare Reimbursement for 2024

On November 2, 2023, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the final rule for the 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) (CMS–1784–P). The PFS is a listing of fees used by Medicare to reimburse Medicare providers. It addresses changes to Medicare Part B payment policies to ensure that payment systems are updated to reflect changes in health care practices.

NASW members recently informed the association of notices of overpayment from the insurer, Optum/United Behavioral Health, and its Optum Recovery Service Team. An overpayment occurs when an insurer pays more than is expected for a health service.

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is participating in a national survey, Clinical Practice Information (CPI), to improve reimbursement rates for clinical social workers.

In July, many NASW members alerted their state chapters to a disturbing and potentially deceptive marketing practice impacting social workers nationwide 

In July 2021, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released a proposed rule that announced proposed policy and practice changes for Medicare Part B payments beginning January 1, 2022.