I have done some research but am seeking real-life Coding experience about Psychotherapy services using horses for a small Florida Non-profit provider hit hard by Covid-19 and a large chunk of their self-pay clients had to drop their services due either from loss of income or due to exposure of their immune-compromised patients. They are now panel providers for United Healthcare and Tricare coverages but generally this type of Therapy is considered experimental so not widely covered or reimbursed. Possible procedure codes suggested in policies were HCPCS #S8940 (Equestrian/Hippotherapy, per session), CPT #97139 (Unlisted therapeutic procedure) or just regular CPT#90847 (Family Psychotherapy, with patient present, 50 mins). Any real-life info about Equine-assisted Psychotherapy and/or Tricare or United insurance policies is greatly appreciated.
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Wiki Equine-assisted Psychotherapy help
- Thread starter Acctcoder
- Start date
SharonCollachi
Guest
Have you looked at the webpage of the American Hippotherapy Association, specifically the RESOURCES area?
When insurances do not accept an S-code (and many do not), then you need to look at the regular codes. You said "psychotherapy" in your title - is this for mental health? Is there talk therapy involved? Is the horse a means of distraction to get the child to open up? Where I'm going with this is that play therapy is a valid tool to get a child to open up without just sitting there talking to a therapist.
If it is not psychotherapy, is it occupational or physical therapy (see info on AHA website)? Is it therapeutic exercise?
When insurances do not accept an S-code (and many do not), then you need to look at the regular codes. You said "psychotherapy" in your title - is this for mental health? Is there talk therapy involved? Is the horse a means of distraction to get the child to open up? Where I'm going with this is that play therapy is a valid tool to get a child to open up without just sitting there talking to a therapist.
If it is not psychotherapy, is it occupational or physical therapy (see info on AHA website)? Is it therapeutic exercise?
The services provided involved Psychotherapy (Talking not PT/OT) using the horses. the horses allow the patient to open up and relax to assist the Psychologist with the therapy. Because this therapy doesn’t have a separate CPT, the reimbursement (when it is covered) is the same whether a patient comes into an office and sits in a chair or if they receive therapy in a barn or field with the horse & therapist.
SharonCollachi
Guest
As long as there is psychotherapy happening, I would use the regular psychotherapy codes, since they are not restricted on place of service.