A
major step was recently taken to incorporate peer specialists as integral parts
of the healthcare industry.
The
National Uniform Coding Committee (NUCC) approved coding of peer specialist
services on March 18. This coding, specific to peer specialists, will enable
state and federal agencies to bill peer support services more effectively and
facilitate better tracking of such services. The NUCC is made up of major
health care providers and insurance industry members including the Center for
Medicare and Medicaid services, and other public health organizations.
The
coding is especially important for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the
largest single employer of peer specialists, as it will allow that department
to more efficiently bill and track peer specialists’ work. There are other benefits,
according to Dan O’Brien-Mazza, Director of Peer Support Services for the
department.
“This
classification puts peer specialists on par with other mental health
professionals,” he says. “It is a measure of respect and recognition of the
important and valuable services peer specialists provide. It better allows peer
specialists to work alongside other mental health professionals. No one can say
peer specialist is not a legitimate health care profession.”
Approval
of the classification is an indicator of a maturing profession delivering on
outcomes of strength-based recovery and whole health, according to Larry
Fricks, Director of the Appalachian Consulting Group.
“When
a new workforce emerges (peer specialists) it moves forward in increments. We
are on a critical path,” Fricks says. “With this classification and key
milestones like the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services proclaiming peer
support services as evidence-based in 2007 and providing states with billing
guidelines, our role is increasingly valued. We may still have challenges, but
this is another significant step in the right direction.”
O’Brien-Mazza
says the classification is likely to have additional importance as the
Department of Veterans Affairs strives to expand peer specialists into larger,
whole health roles.
The
NUCC defines the classification as follows: Peer Specialists—Individuals
certified to perform peer support services through a training process defined
by a government agency such as the Department of Veterans Affairs, or a state
mental health department/certification/licensing authority.
The
new code will be included in a July 1 release of changes to the code set and
will be effective Oct. 1, 2014. Although many states have other codes to use to
bill Medicaid, this new classification is likely to be adopted by states in
order to simplify billing and keep more accurately account for peer support
activities and services.
“Dan deserves much credit for this accomplishment,”
says Steve Harrington, Executive Director of the International Association of
Peer Supporters. “It was his leadership that resulted in this important step.
This is yet another way the Department of Veterans Affairs has been leading the
development of peer support in the U.S.”
