When people hear “billing codes,” they usually think it’s an insurance thing. If you’re cash pay, it’s easy to assume it doesn’t apply to you.
But proper billing codes aren’t just for insurance-based practitioners.
Why Codes Still Matter in a Cash Pay Practice
As a cash pay practice, I want to empower my clients to pursue reimbursement from the insurance plans they pay for, if they choose. And I want them to get the maximum benefits possible.
That includes correctly coding my sessions, and including language in my notes to support those codes.
My clients are paying for insurance every month. If they have out-of-network benefits, I want them to be able to use them. Getting the codes right on their superbill is one simple way I can support them in that.
Where I Draw the Line
I do my best to stay out of the insurance stuff.
My clients are aware that I don’t guarantee reimbursement, or that my notes will be audit proof, because I don’t work with or for the interests of insurance. I’m not in a contract with them, and that’s part of what lets me practice the way I want to and provide most helpful support to my clients.
But behind the scenes, I do what I can to support my clients’ reimbursements. To me, that’s just part of caring for the people I work with.
It’s a balance. I can support my clients without taking on insurance’s agenda. That’s one of the things I love about designing a practice that works for me.
If You Accept Insurance, This Matters Even More
For those who accept insurance, knowing what codes to bill and how to support them with your documentation can be challenging.
Pick the wrong code, or miss an add-on, and you might not get paid fully for the work you did. And let’s be honest, nobody really teaches us this stuff in grad school. Most of us figure it out as we go, second-guessing ourselves along the way.
A Tool That Makes It Easier for Both
This is where Berries comes in.
Berries just released Billing Code Suggestions. For each session, it suggests a primary billing code, plus relevant add-on codes when they apply, based on the session.
The goal is to make coding easier and help you feel more confident that the services you provide are being accurately reflected, so you get paid fully for your work. Or, if you’re cash pay like me, so your clients can get the most from their benefits.
And the part I appreciate most: you always stay in control. Berries makes suggestions, and you review them and decide what’s right for each session. You’re the clinician. You know what happened in that room.
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re cash pay, insurance based, or a mix of both, getting your codes right matters. It’s how you get paid fully for your work, and how you support your clients in getting the benefits they’re already paying for.
It doesn’t have to be this hard. The right tools can take one more thing off your plate, so you have more time and energy for your clients, your family, and yourself.
As someone who’s been using Berries for half a year now, if you want to know my take on what it does for me and my private practice, let me know by email or contact me. I’d be glad to share with you how it personally helped me.
Affiliate disclosure: I’m a Berries affiliate, which means I may receive compensation if you sign up through my referral link. I’m sharing it because it’s a tool I personally use and find valuable in my practice.