In addition to being licensed as a Professional Counselor, I am also a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist so it should not surprise you to know that I was reading Belleruth Naparstek’s blog, Health Journeys today and stumbled across an excellent post she wrote (back in August) on getting reimbursement from insurance companies for the use of mind-body tools.  Here is what I took away from her post . . . .

Don’t make things harder than they need to be. It reminds me of what my first partner, a scrub tech, used to tell me . . . . A surgeon can call a mass “a mass” or  “a cyst” or “cancer.”  And, for some masses more than one of those words may be accurate.  However, the rate of reimbursement was / is contingent upon what s/he chooses to call it.  The same is true for your services.  Sometimes you have choices . . . and it benefits both you and your client to make both accurate and informed choices when it comes to the services you provide.

Persuasion is simply “applied empathy.” It is a skill that you have either developed or you have not.  Don’t psych yourself out when talking with managed care.  If you have the ability to apply your empathy to your client, you also have that same ability to apply your empathy to those who work in managed care.  Put yourself in their seats so that you can speak to their unique concerns – those of balancing health care and restricting costs.  And, if you are unable to apply your empathy there, then check yourself.  That may be a skill that needs polishing . . . as it would benefit both you and your client.

Language matters. I know I’ve written about this before.  Belleruth’s references to both managed care and the military are excellent examples of why this is so important.  Different cultures speak different languages.  If you are choosing to work within the culture of managed care, learn the language.

You need a Supporting Data File. Belleruth refers to this as “robust research data.”  Whatever you call it . . . for whatever you do . . . keep your research data file current and easily accessible.  It may be what gives you the upper hand in securing a contract to provide your services.  (And, if a portion of what you offer falls under Complimentary / Alternative Medicine, then you need to double your efforts here.)

Doing your homework on each insurance company goes hand in hand with strategic networking. You’ll need both in order to find and persuade those with the influence necessary to approve of your mind-body services.

If you have additional tips that have helped you secure reimbursement for your services, I hope you’ll take a moment to share them below with our readers.