CPT code changes were intended to more accurately reflect the work psychiatrists do and improve patient access to care, but instead have been used as an excuse by some payors to discriminate against psychiatric patients and their psychiatrists in violation of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (2008).  The issues differ from state to state and from carrier to carrier. The APA Board of Trustees has committed significant APA resources, both financial and staff, to understand the situation and use all reasonable means, including litigation, to correct the abuses taking place. MPS is coordinating with APA to understand the situation in Michigan.

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APA staff and attorneys have already begun implementation of a solid plan of action to combat this abuse.  However, you, the psychiatrists who contract with the payors, have the specific information we need to cause a change. The situation cannot be improved unless every one of you helps.