MFT and LPC can't bill Medicare/Medicaid but . . .

[deleted861354]

. . . how much does this matter? I'm interested only in private clinical practice, and MFT and LPC programs interest me more than MSW programs - but I'm wondering if I'm going to make my life financially very difficult to start by not being able to get Medicare/Medicaid clients. Does anyone have any thoughts or advice about this?

Thanks so much for your time.

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[Dahresto]

The field of social work has been around for a very long time, so we've been able to advocate for our profession. It comes as no surprise that MFT and LPC (newer) are having issues in regards to billing. It would not surprise me if they are able to bill Medicare/Medicate within the next 10-20 years. If you want to start your own practice immediately, it will be an issue if you bill Medicare/Medicaid. It's a separate story however if you are paid directly from your clients, in which case MFT/LPC is feasible but again, you are gonna have to be savvy in self-advertising

 

[deleted861354]

The field of social work has been around for a very long time, so we've been able to advocate for our profession. It comes as no surprise that MFT and LPC (newer) are having issues in regards to billing. It would not surprise me if they are able to bill Medicare/Medicate within the next 10-20 years. If you want to start your own practice immediately, it will be an issue if you bill Medicare/Medicaid. It's a separate story however if you are paid directly from your clients, in which case MFT/LPC is feasible but again, you are gonna have to be savvy in self-advertising

Hi Salvador,

Thanks so much for your thoughts on this. I'd likely be starting my practice in the next 5-7 years, so I'll need to consider whether the risk is worth it.

 

[jtpesek]

Depends on your state and if they allow reimbursement for services provided by Medicaid/Medicare. In Alabama - a LPC and an ALC can both see Medicaid - but not Medicare.