What Is It Like To Be a Medicare Therapist? An interview with Gabrielle Juliano-Villani, LCSW
Curt and Katie interview Gabrielle Juliano-Villani, LCSW, about what it looks like to take Medicare. We talk about common myths and what the actual experience is like. We also explore the business case for taking Medicare and why (and how) therapists can grow their practice by opting in as a Medicare provider.
Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com!
In this podcast episode, we talk about taking Medicare as a therapist
Curt and Katie asked Gabrielle Juliano-Villani, LCSW to come in to talk about what it is like to take Medicare as a therapist.
 What is involved in being a Medicare provider?
·       Clientele on Medicare include elderly and disabled
·       There is a huge need to clinicians to take Medicare
·       You will get a lot of referrals – Gabrielle filled up her caseload and made 6 figures in her first year in private practice
What types of clinical expertise is necessary for therapists who take Medicare?
·       Loss of independence and aging issues
·       Grief and loss
·       Chronic health conditions and illnesses
·       Loss of mobility
·       Dementia and cognitive issues
·       Family dynamics and estrangement
·       Understanding later in life logistics
·       Caregiver concerns
What are the business or day-to-day elements of taking Medicare?
·       Referral sources are medical doctors, care managers, and other therapists
·       Website content designed with caregiver or family member in mind (who would be searching for the services)
·       Sorting through Medicare and Medicare Advantage (i.e., commercial insurance Medicare replacement) plans – clients don’t know the difference between Medicare and Medicare Advantage
·       Ask to see all of their insurance cards to identify what coverage they have:
o  Bill Medicare directly for patients with Medicare – you are a Part B provider (outpatient) – you will get 80% from Medicare and the other 20% from the patient, a supplemental plan, or Medicaid
o  Bill the commercial insurance plan for Medicare Advantage patients (like regular insurance billing)
·       Audits are not common and are navigable with good notes and ability to make corrections
·       Audits are more likely if you’re doing unusual billing practices
·       The application process is probably the most challenging part of taking Medicare

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Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano https://groomsymusic.com/