Reimbursement Committee of AMTAJodie Deignan, MA, LMHC, MT-BC
Email JodieEmail Call Jodie (508) 317-2486
The goal of the Reimbursement Committee is to increase access to music therapy services by increasing the percentage of music therapy services receiving reimbursement.  My job in part is to assist members in the New England Region better understand how the reimbursement process works and to support them in the process if needed.
 
Reimbursement
Written by Jodie Deignan   
Wednesday, 24 June 2009
Some music therapists receive reimbursement from medical insurance companies in the New England Region.  Direct reimbursement for music therapy primarily happens for people who live in the community (i.e., on their own, with their families or in group homes, but not for medical facilities) and have a medical or behavioral need for music therapy.  Many people are confused by the idea of “medical necessity” in music therapy.  Medical necessity is largely about either medical issues that need to be addressed now, or what can be done now to address and prevent medical issues that will become more problematic and cost medical insurers more money in the future.  If you have a question about reimbursement or are wondering if your client might have a “medically necessary” reason for accessing music therapy, please contact Jodie Deignan through the NER website.
 
Conference Presentation Powerpoint
Written by Jodie Deignan   
Wednesday, 06 May 2009

A PDF copy of the presentation on reimbursement at the recent NER conference is available in the conference resources section of the website. It might be a good place to start if you're thinking about trying to get insurance reimbursement for one of your clients!

 

http://musictherapynewengland.org/cms2008/content/view/306/82/lang,english/

 
About Jodie: I have been the NER representative to the Reimbursement Committee  for the last four years, and have been learning much along the way!  I recently moved to Connecticut from Massachusetts where I am attending graduate school.  I continue to work part-time as a music therapist in private practice, working primarily with children and adults with developmental disabilities and autism spectrum disorders.  In my time serving on this committee, I have learned a great deal about the health insurance industry, and have seen that there are music therapists out there who are receiving reimbursement for their valuable service.