Billing guides, CPT codes, and insurance resources for therapists.
F33.0, F33.1, F33.2, and F33.9 explained — how recurrent MDD (F33) differs from a single episode (F32), severity specifiers, and which CPT codes to pair with it.
2026-03-28 · 5 min read
Social phobia unspecified (F40.10) vs generalized (F40.11) — clinical distinctions, performance-only specifier, CBT documentation, and CPT code pairing.
2026-03-28 · 5 min read
F42.2, F42.3, F42.4, and F42.9 explained — OCD subcode selection, ERP treatment implications, hoarding disorder billing distinctions, and CPT code pairings.
2026-03-28 · 5 min read
Anorexia (F50.01/F50.02), bulimia (F50.2), ARFID (F50.82), and binge eating (F50.81) — code selection, insurance coverage challenges, and medical monitoring documentation.
2026-03-28 · 6 min read
How to bill F60.3 (BPD) — DBT treatment billing, high-frequency session documentation, CPT code pairing with 90837 and 90847, and insurance prior auth realities.
2026-03-28 · 5 min read
F34.1 (persistent depressive disorder / dysthymia) — how it differs from F32 and F33, long-term treatment billing implications, and documentation requirements.
2026-03-28 · 4 min read
ASD (F84.0) billing — when to use ABA CPT codes (97151–97158) vs psychotherapy codes, co-occurring diagnoses, and coverage differences by payer.
2026-03-28 · 6 min read
F94.1 (reactive attachment disorder) and F94.2 (disinhibited social engagement disorder) — child therapy billing context, family session CPT codes, and documentation.
2026-03-28 · 5 min read
Step-by-step guide to submitting an OON therapy superbill to Humana — MyHumana portal, required fields, 30–40 day timeline, mail option, and tips for faster reimbursement.
2026-03-28 · 5 min read
Kaiser Permanente is an HMO with very limited out-of-network benefits. This guide explains when OON coverage applies, how to handle Kaiser clients in private practice, and what to do when benefits are denied.
2026-03-28 · 5 min read
TRICARE West (HealthNet) and East (Humana Military) OON claim process — humana-military.com portal, military ID requirements, 30-day processing, and billing as a non-PAR provider.
2026-03-28 · 5 min read
Traditional Medicare does not work like commercial insurance — learn the difference between participating, non-participating, and opted-out providers, and what your clients can actually submit.
2026-03-28 · 6 min read
Ambetter is a state-based Marketplace insurer (Centene subsidiary). This guide covers how to submit an OON therapy superbill through the Ambetter member portal, state-by-state portal variations, and 30–45 day timelines.
2026-03-28 · 5 min read
Molina Healthcare primarily serves Medicaid and Marketplace members with limited OON benefits. This guide explains who has OON coverage, how to submit through the Molina member portal, and what to expect from a 45–60 day timeline.
2026-03-28 · 5 min read
Centene is the parent company of WellCare and Ambetter. This guide covers how OON benefits work across Centene plans, how to find the right portal, and typical 45-day processing timelines.
2026-03-28 · 5 min read
CareFirst BCBS covers Maryland, DC, and Northern Virginia with strong OON mental health benefits. Learn the carefirst.com portal submission process, 30–45 day timeline, and regional coverage tips.
2026-03-28 · 5 min read
Highmark BlueCross BlueShield serves Western Pennsylvania, Delaware, and West Virginia with strong mental health parity enforcement. Step-by-step portal guide, 30–45 day timeline, and Highmark-specific tips.
2026-03-28 · 5 min read
Independence Blue Cross (IBX) serves the Philadelphia region with strong OON mental health benefits. Learn the ibx.com portal process, 21–35 day timeline, and IBX-specific requirements.
2026-03-28 · 5 min read
Health Net (now part of Centene) serves California, Oregon, and Washington. Guide to OON therapy superbill submission through healthnet.com, 30–45 day timeline, and CA-specific mental health parity rules.
2026-03-28 · 5 min read
EmblemHealth (GHI + HIP plans) covers the New York metro area. This guide explains OON benefits by plan type, how to submit through emblemhealth.com, and the 30–45 day processing timeline.
2026-03-28 · 5 min read
Tufts Health Plan (now Point32Health alongside Harvard Pilgrim) covers New England with strong mental health coverage. Step-by-step portal guide, 30–40 day timeline, and tips for Massachusetts and Rhode Island therapists.
2026-03-28 · 5 min read
Harvard Pilgrim (now Point32Health with Tufts) covers New England with strong OON mental health benefits. Learn how to submit through harvardpilgrim.org, the 21–35 day fast processing timeline, and Point32Health merger implications.
2026-03-28 · 5 min read
Oscar Health is a tech-forward insurer with a mobile-first OON claim process. Guide to submitting through hioscar.com or the Oscar app, fast 20–30 day processing, and tips for millennial-focused practices.
2026-03-28 · 4 min read
Ohio-specific guide for LPCCs, LISWs, and IMFTs — Anthem BCBS Ohio, Medical Mutual, telehealth parity rules, and OON reimbursement rates by metro.
2026-03-28 · 6 min read
Michigan-specific guide for LPCs, LMSWs, and LMFTs — BCBS Michigan dominance, Priority Health, 5-year lookback rules, and OON rates by metro.
2026-03-28 · 6 min read
NC-specific guide for LCSWs, LPCs, and LMFTs — Blue Cross NC dominance, Triangle market growth, and OON reimbursement rates from Charlotte to Raleigh.
2026-03-28 · 6 min read
VA-specific guide for LPCs, LCSWs, and LMFTs — CareFirst BCBS, Anthem HealthKeepers, Northern Virginia high-rate markets, and telehealth parity rules.
2026-03-28 · 6 min read
NJ-specific guide for LCSWs, LPCs, and LMFTs — Horizon BCBS NJ dominance, NYC proximity premium rates, Bergen County market, and OON billing tips.
2026-03-28 · 6 min read
MN-specific guide for LPCCs, LICSWs, and LMFTs — BCBS MN, HealthPartners, Medica, strong telehealth reimbursement, and Twin Cities OON rate landscape.
2026-03-28 · 6 min read
AZ-specific guide for LPCs, LCSWs, and LMFTs — Banner|Aetna joint venture, BCBS AZ, Phoenix/Scottsdale high-rate market, and rapid growth OON opportunities.
2026-03-28 · 6 min read
Step-by-step guide to insurance credentialing: CAQH ProView setup, paneling applications, required documents, typical 90–180 day timeline, and re-attestation.
2026-03-28 · 8 min read
CAQH ProView is the universal credentialing database used by 90% of insurers. Learn how to create a profile, what to include, and how to stay current with re-attestation.
2026-03-28 · 6 min read
Complete guide to Medicare Part B psychotherapy billing: PAR vs non-PAR vs opt-out enrollment, 2026 fee schedule rates for 90837/90834/90832/90791, MACs, and Medicare Advantage.
2026-03-28 · 9 min read
How Medicaid works for therapists: MCO credentialing, state variation, why Medicaid clients cannot use OON superbills, ABA carve-outs, and FQHC billing rates.
2026-03-28 · 7 min read
How billing works in a group practice: Type 1 vs Type 2 NPI, group EIN vs individual SSN, rendering vs billing provider, 1099 contractors, and revenue splitting.
2026-03-28 · 7 min read
CPT 90833 is billed alongside E/M codes when a prescriber provides medication management plus 16+ minutes of psychotherapy. Learn who can bill it, documentation requirements, and typical reimbursement.
2026-03-28 · 5 min read
CPT 90836 is the extended psychotherapy add-on code (38+ min) used alongside E/M codes in psychiatric settings. Learn documentation requirements, reimbursement, and how it differs from 90833.
2026-03-28 · 4 min read
What matters when choosing therapy billing software: superbill generation, OON tracking, client portal, insurance verification, telehealth integration, and pricing. How general EHRs compare to dedicated billing tools.
2026-03-28 · 7 min read
Patient guide to telehealth insurance coverage: state parity laws, video vs phone sessions, COVID telehealth policy status in 2026, and how to submit a superbill for online therapy sessions.
2026-03-28 · 6 min read
Can therapists charge for no-shows? Insurance will not reimburse no-show fees. Learn how to set a policy, what to include in intake paperwork, typical $75–$150 fee ranges, and credit card on file systems.
2026-03-28 · 5 min read
When prior authorization is required, how to obtain it, which CPT codes trigger PA, why OON therapists generally skip PA, PA for ABA and psychological testing, and how to appeal a denial.
2026-03-28 · 7 min read
Detailed walkthrough of Aetna's out-of-network claim process — member portal steps, what to include, timelines, and tips for faster reimbursement.
2026-03-25 · 5 min read
BCBS is a federation of 33 state affiliates — learn how to identify your plan, find the right portal, and submit your OON therapy claim correctly.
2026-03-25 · 5 min read
UnitedHealthcare and Optum OON claim process — how to submit through myUHC, what fields are required, typical timeline, and common pitfalls to avoid.
2026-03-25 · 5 min read
Step-by-step guide to submitting an OON therapy superbill through the myCigna portal — Cigna/Evernorth process, required fields, timeline, and tips.
2026-03-25 · 4 min read
Anthem (a BCBS affiliate operating in 14 states) OON claim process — Sydney Health app, anthem.com portal, Empire BlueCross in NY, and regional variations.
2026-03-25 · 4 min read
Which CPT codes to use for Dialectical Behavior Therapy — individual sessions, skills groups, and family components — plus ICD-10 pairings and insurance coverage tips.
2026-03-25 · 6 min read
Play therapy has no dedicated CPT code. Learn which standard psychotherapy codes to use, how to document play-based sessions for insurance, and how to get OON reimbursement.
2026-03-25 · 5 min read
A complete guide to ABA-specific CPT codes 97151–97158, modifier requirements, insurance coverage mandates, and how superbills work for out-of-network ABA services.
2026-03-25 · 7 min read
CPT 90847 (with patient) vs 90846 (without), why insurance usually does not cover couples therapy, and when coverage is possible — explained clearly.
2026-03-25 · 5 min read
CPT codes for substance abuse therapy including 90837, 90853 group sessions, ICD-10 F10–F19 code breakdown, and how mental health parity law applies.
2026-03-25 · 6 min read
CPT 90901 for biofeedback and neurofeedback, the 90912/90913 perineal codes, highly variable insurance coverage policies, and documentation that supports medical necessity.
2026-03-25 · 5 min read
Art therapy uses standard psychotherapy codes. Learn credential requirements for billing, state licensing variations, documentation tips, and OON reimbursement options.
2026-03-25 · 5 min read
Full breakdown of the psychological and neuropsychological testing code hierarchy — 96130, 96131, 96132, 96133, 96136–96139, and 96146 — with billing examples.
2026-03-25 · 8 min read
Download a free, insurance-compliant superbill template. See exactly what fields are required and how to fill them out for out-of-network therapy reimbursement.
2026-03-25 · 7 min read
A step-by-step walkthrough for therapists on creating insurance-compliant superbills — from gathering provider details to delivering the PDF to your client.
2026-03-25 · 8 min read
A fully filled-out superbill example with every field explained — so therapists and clients know exactly what correct looks like.
2026-03-25 · 6 min read
Understand the difference between a CMS-1500 and a superbill, when each is used, and which one out-of-network therapists actually need.
2026-03-25 · 5 min read
A practical, step-by-step guide for therapists to verify a client's OON mental health benefits before the first session — including the exact questions to ask.
2026-03-25 · 6 min read
A plain receipt is not enough for insurance reimbursement. Learn the difference between a therapy receipt and a superbill, and when each is appropriate.
2026-03-25 · 4 min read
Therapy fee ranges by credential level, location, and modality — plus strategies for making sessions affordable when you have no coverage.
2026-03-25 · 7 min read
How insurance covers therapy, what mental health parity means for your plan, how in-network and OON benefits differ, and how to check your specific coverage.
2026-03-25 · 7 min read
Everything therapists need to know about billing insurance — in-network credentialing, OON superbill workflows, CPT codes, and choosing the right path for your practice.
2026-03-25 · 9 min read
What Place of Service codes 02, 10, and 11 mean for therapy billing, when to use each one, and why using the wrong code triggers claim denials.
2026-03-25 · 5 min read
Florida-specific guide for LCSW, LMFT, and LMHC therapists — Florida Blue, Aetna, telehealth parity rules, and OON reimbursement rates by metro.
2026-03-25 · 6 min read
IL-specific guide covering IDFPR licensing, the dominant role of BCBS Illinois, Chicago market rates, and OON billing tips for Illinois therapists.
2026-03-25 · 5 min read
PA-specific guide covering LCSW and LPC licensing, Highmark vs Independence Blue Cross, and Philadelphia vs Pittsburgh market dynamics for OON therapists.
2026-03-25 · 5 min read
Colorado-specific guide covering DORA licensing, Kaiser Permanente HMO limitations, Anthem BCBS CO, and OON reimbursement rates across the Front Range.
2026-03-25 · 5 min read
MA-specific guide covering LICSW vs LCSW billing distinctions, Blue Cross MA dominance, Massachusetts parity law, and Boston-area OON fee ranges.
2026-03-25 · 5 min read
WA-specific guide covering DOH licensing, Premera and Regence market dominance, Seattle tech-employer plans, and OON reimbursement rates statewide.
2026-03-25 · 5 min read
Georgia-specific guide for LPC, LCSW, and LMFT therapists — Anthem BCBS dominance, Atlanta market dynamics, telehealth rules, and OON reimbursement rates.
2026-03-25 · 5 min read
Why therapy claims get denied, how to appeal step-by-step, what documentation to gather, and what to do when the appeal is denied again.
2026-03-25 · 7 min read
Why many great therapists are OON, how to verify your benefits first, where to search, what to ask during a consultation, and how to estimate your real cost.
2026-03-25 · 6 min read
How Aetna OON benefits work for mental health — PPO vs HMO, how reimbursement is calculated, how to submit a claim, and what to expect from Aetna Behavioral Health.
2026-03-25 · 6 min read
What the No Surprises Act requires for therapy clients, who qualifies for a Good Faith Estimate, how to request one, and what to do if your bill exceeds the estimate.
2026-03-25 · 7 min read
A plain-language guide for therapy clients on what a superbill is, what it contains, how to use it for reimbursement, and how much you'll actually get back.
2026-03-25 · 5 min read
FSA and HSA rules for couples therapy — when it's eligible, why the diagnosis code matters, how to submit a claim, and what to do if it's denied.
2026-03-25 · 5 min read
The medical expense deduction explained — the 7.5% AGI threshold, what therapy expenses qualify, how to calculate your deduction, and why HSA/FSA often beats it.
2026-03-25 · 6 min read
How BCBS OON benefits work for mental health — plan types, the local affiliate system, how reimbursement is calculated, and how to submit a superbill.
2026-03-25 · 6 min read
What to look for in a health plan when you see a therapist — OON benefits, deductibles, parity law, HSA compatibility, and questions to ask during open enrollment.
2026-03-25 · 7 min read
UCR rates explained — how insurers use them to cap OON reimbursement, how to look up your area's rates, and what to do when the allowed amount seems too low.
2026-03-25 · 6 min read
Learn what a superbill is, what information it must contain, and how to use it to get reimbursed by your insurance for out-of-network therapy.
2026-03-22 · 7 min read
Everything therapists need to know about CPT code 90837 — when to use it, reimbursement rates, and how to document it correctly on a superbill.
2026-03-22 · 5 min read
Step-by-step guide: request a superbill from your therapist, submit to insurance, and maximize your out-of-network benefits.
2026-03-22 · 8 min read
A regular invoice and a superbill look similar but serve different purposes. Understand the key differences and when you need each.
2026-03-22 · 4 min read
Insurance companies will reject superbills missing key fields. Here is exactly what your superbill must include — with examples.
2026-03-22 · 6 min read
When to use CPT 90832, how it differs from 90834 and 90837, the add-on code 90833, typical fees, and documentation requirements.
2026-03-15 · 4 min read
CPT 90834 covers the 45-minute therapy session. Learn when to use it, typical reimbursement rates, and how it bridges the gap between 90832 and 90837.
2026-03-14 · 4 min read
CPT 90791 is the initial intake assessment code. Learn when to use it versus 90792, typical fees of $150–$300, and the documentation it requires.
2026-03-13 · 5 min read
CPT 90847 covers family therapy sessions where the identified patient attends. Learn when to use it versus 90846 and how to include it on a superbill.
2026-03-12 · 4 min read
A clear comparison of in-network vs out-of-network therapy — how OON deductibles work, why therapists go OON, and how to use HSA/FSA for sessions.
2026-03-11 · 6 min read
Decode your EOB: understand allowed amounts, deductibles, plan paid vs member responsibility, and what to do when denial codes appear.
2026-03-10 · 5 min read
Both HSA and FSA accounts cover OON therapy. Learn the key differences, how to submit a reimbursement claim with a superbill, and FSA deadline planning.
2026-03-09 · 4 min read
The MHPAEA requires insurers to cover mental health at parity with medical benefits. Know your rights, what parity violations look like, and how to complain.
2026-03-08 · 5 min read
F41.1 is the most commonly billed mental health diagnosis code. Learn when to use it, how it differs from F41.0 and F41.9, and documentation requirements.
2026-03-07 · 4 min read
A complete reference for F32 subcodes: F32.0 through F32.9, when to use F33 (recurrent), and why severity specificity matters for insurance processing.
2026-03-06 · 4 min read
F43.10, F43.11, and F43.12 explained — how PTSD codes differ from adjustment disorder codes, CPT pairings, and prior auth considerations.
2026-03-05 · 4 min read
How to bill telehealth therapy correctly: Place of Service 10, the GT modifier, audio-only considerations, and how to note telehealth on a superbill.
2026-03-04 · 6 min read
CPT 90853 is billed per participant in group therapy. Learn how group billing works, typical fees, OON reimbursement challenges, and documentation.
2026-03-03 · 5 min read
Step-by-step guide to appealing denied therapy claims — from decoding denial codes CO-4 and CO-50 to writing an appeal letter and requesting peer-to-peer review.
2026-03-02 · 6 min read
A frank comparison of private pay, in-network paneling, and OON practice — with a break-even fee calculator and tax implications for each model.
2026-03-01 · 7 min read
Calculate your real hourly rate, research market rates, structure a fair sliding scale, and have the fee conversation with confidence.
2026-02-28 · 5 min read
EMDR has no unique CPT code — learn which codes to use, how to document EMDR phases, prior auth for PTSD treatment, and intensive EMDR billing.
2026-02-27 · 5 min read
A complete walkthrough for therapy clients: get the superbill, call member services, choose a submission method, track your EOB, and appeal if needed.
2026-02-26 · 5 min read
What HIPAA requires of solo therapists: PHI definition, physical/admin/technical safeguards, BAA requirements, breach notification, and common violations.
2026-02-25 · 6 min read
A complete intake checklist: client legal name, member ID, group number, provider NPI, taxonomy code, and how to verify insurance before the first session.
2026-02-24 · 4 min read
A California-specific guide covering LCSW, MFT, LPCC, and Psychologist billing, state parity law, telehealth rules, and major CA payers.
2026-02-23 · 5 min read
NY-specific guide covering LCSW vs LCSW-R billing implications, state parity law, NYC fee ranges, and major NY payers.
2026-02-22 · 5 min read
Texas-specific guide for LPC, LCSW, and LMFT therapists — parity law, OON fee ranges, major TX payers, and telehealth billing.
2026-02-21 · 5 min read
What prior authorization means for mental health, when it is required, how to request it, and how it affects out-of-network superbill billing.
2026-02-20 · 5 min read
What a single case agreement is, when to request one, how to negotiate with the insurer, and what to do if it is denied.
2026-02-19 · 4 min read
Deep dive on CPT 90853 — billing rules, documentation requirements, typical fees, and how to format a superbill for group therapy clients.
2026-02-18 · 4 min read
F90.0 through F90.9 explained — which ADHD code to use, CPT codes for therapy and testing, and insurance coverage for ADHD evaluations.
2026-02-17 · 4 min read
Bipolar I (F31.x), Bipolar II (F31.81), cyclothymia (F34.0) — which codes to use, why specificity matters, and CPT codes for bipolar clients.
2026-02-16 · 4 min read
Step-by-step guide to going OON — NPI, taxonomy code, fee setting, superbill workflow, intake disclosure, and referral sources.
2026-02-15 · 6 min read
How to optimize your Psychology Today profile to attract OON clients — photo, headline, finances section, specialty keywords, and telehealth settings.
2026-02-14 · 5 min read
Taxonomy codes identify your provider specialty on insurance claims. Learn the mental health codes, how to register yours with your NPI, and why it matters.
2026-02-13 · 3 min read
NPI is a required 10-digit identifier on every superbill. Learn the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 NPIs, how to get one, and how to look one up.
2026-02-12 · 3 min read
What sliding scale means, different fee models, how many slots to hold, how to talk about it at intake, and how superbills work for sliding scale clients.
2026-02-11 · 5 min read
35 essential billing terms defined — from superbill and CPT code to UCR, parity, assignment of benefits, and out-of-pocket maximum.
2026-02-10 · 6 min read
Typical timeline from superbill submission to payment check — what happens at each step, what slows things down, and when to follow up.
2026-02-09 · 4 min read
Clear explanation of deductibles, coinsurance, copays, and OON out-of-pocket maximums — with a real example showing how therapy costs add up over a year.
2026-02-08 · 4 min read
CBT is billed under standard psychotherapy CPT codes. Learn which codes to use, documentation best practices, and when health behavior codes apply.
2026-02-07 · 5 min read
POS codes, GT and 95 modifiers, audio-only billing, and documentation requirements that differ between telehealth and in-person superbills.
2026-02-06 · 4 min read
The allowed amount, UCR rates, and why OON reimbursement is often less than expected — plus how to look up UCR rates and challenge low determinations.
2026-02-05 · 5 min read
EHR vs standalone superbill tools — when each makes sense, what features to require (HIPAA BAA, PDF export), and what to avoid.
2026-02-04 · 5 min read
