clinical social work association

September 20, 2019

I have received several messages from you about the new CMS proposed rule to lower the Medicare reimbursement for psychologist services.

It appears from the proposal (found in the Federal Register at https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2019-08-14/pdf/2019-16041.pdf) that the deduction for psychologists is a higher deduction than for clinical social workers , i.e., 7% vs. 6%. In one area, E/M services, we are now included, and have a small increase of 1%compared to psychologists who have a small decrease of 1%. This is one of the first times that there have been separate recommendations for psychologists and LCSWs, small though they may be.

The proposed rule also asks for recommendations for measures that could be used to include LCSWs in MIPS, the new PQRS, in 2022.

We are in contact with NASW and hoping to submit joint comments on this proposed rule.

CSWA will be responding to all of these proposals shortly and asking members to do so as well. You can start reviewing the extensive rule now. Comments must be in by September 27, 2019.

CSWA will have our comments by early next week for your consideration.

Let me know if you have any questions.

- Laura Groshong, LICSW, CSWA Director of Policy and Practice, Government Relations Chair