Inside 1st Quarter 2005 Joanne Schouten, Ph.D. Thank You for your Support of MPA 1 Thank You for your Support of MPA Joanne Schouten Ph.D. 3 Business of Practice Robert Plummer, Ph.D. 4 Executive Director’s Report Judith Kovach, Ph.D. 6 What are psychologists “talking” about? Kevin Keenan, Ph.D. 10 Women’s Advocacy Report Gail Berkove, Ph.D., Chair 10 Hot off the Press from MPA Members 12 Michigan Psychologist Marketplace I t probably comes as no surprise that every professional organization is meeting with financial challenges. MPA is no different. In the past, the members of MPA have proven that there is strength in numbers. Now, in 2005, it will take the continued effort of every MPA member to sustain our strength. MPA is faced with a budget shortfall. Compared to most State organizations we are in very good shape. But we need to address this shortfall before it threatens our functioning. We are working in two directions. Pam Steffy, our Managing Director, is working diligently to cut our day-to-day expenses. The MPA Board and the MPA Foundation are working on generating non-dues revenue. Here are the details. The MPA Foundation has initiated a Mental Illness Anti-Stigma campaign. We are looking for programs and grant opportunities to respond to this negative stereotyping. On the revenue generating side, the Foundation has planned two benefits this year. First, the Foundation will be sponsoring a “Run/Walk for Mental Health” in mid-2005. The Walk will remind the public of mental health issues while giving runners and walkers an opportunity to participate in a fun event. We are also planning a dinner on October 20, 2005, which is the first night of our October conference. The dinner will feature live music and a silent auction. We will be able to enjoy each other’s company and make a purchase at the auction. After 2 years of discussion and thought, Mike Willett has found a way to web- broadcast our conferences. We hope to be able to make off-site participation a part of our conference alternatives. Additionally, Mike is also working on CD reproduction of our conferences. MPA is working on several fronts to offer benefits to our members while generating income. We are looking into making available Blue Cross Blue Shield group health insurance coverage to our members. The e-committee is looking into linking our web site with merchants such as Amazon or Staples or Dell in return for a small percentage of MPA member purchases. We all use these vendors; we are hoping MPA will be able to benefit from our member’s combined purchasing power. On the growing side of MPA, MPA has three new task forces. Jean Gust, Ph.D., has agreed to chair a Non-Dues Revenue Generating Taskforce. This taskforce will work with other committees in planning and hosting the Run and the conference dinner. John Porcerelli, Ph.D., has agreed to chair an Academic Research Taskforce. He will work with members of the research community to encourage MPA members and the general public to participate in research studies. This is a great opportunity for MPA to increase the knowledge base of psychology. Robert Plummer, Ph.D., has already organized a Treasurer’s Taskforce to help advise us on our budget. Please contact any of these Chairs if you are at all interested in joining these groups Our student members will continue to be a focus of our activities. Last November, MPA presented a well attended Nuts & Bolts workshop at Madonna University. Everyone who wanted to learn about setting up a private practice was invited. Because of this success, we are planning an Internship/CV workshop at Eastern Michigan University on April 29, 2005. This will give the students an opportunity to discuss strategies on how to successfully secure an internship. On November 11, 2005, Madonna will again host a Nuts & Bolts workshop. This is an ambitious and necessary agenda. With each member’s support, we can make it happen and move this organization forward. On a personal note, I resigned on January 22, 2005, from the MPA Presidency, to concentrate on matters of health, family, and private practice. Over the last eight years, it has been a tremendous pleasure and honor to work with the members of MPA. I want to especially thank Mike Willett for his professionalism and tireless effort in making MPA a vibrant organization. The MPA Board of Directors held a special meeting on February 2, 2005, and voted unanimously to appoint Mike Willett, Ph.D., to the office of President. MPA will be in the very skilled hands of Mike Willett, President and Jack Haynes, President-Elect.
Transcript
Inside
1st Quarter2005
Joanne Schouten, Ph.D.
Thank You for your Supportof MPA
1 Thank You for your Support of MPA
Joanne Schouten Ph.D.
3 Business of PracticeRobert Plummer, Ph.D.
4 Executive Director’s ReportJudith Kovach, Ph.D.
6 What are psychologists “talking” about? Kevin Keenan, Ph.D.
It probably comes as no surprise that everyprofessional organization is meeting withfinancial challenges. MPA is no different. In
the past, the members of MPA have proven thatthere is strength in numbers. Now, in 2005, it willtake the continued effort of every MPA member tosustain our strength. MPA is faced with a budgetshortfall. Compared to most State organizationswe are in very good shape. But we need toaddress this shortfall before it threatens ourfunctioning. We are working in two directions.Pam Steffy, our Managing Director, is workingdiligently to cut our day-to-day expenses. TheMPA Board and the MPA Foundation are workingon generating non-dues revenue. Here are thedetails.
The MPA Foundation has initiated a MentalIllness Anti-Stigma campaign. We are looking forprograms and grant opportunities to respond tothis negative stereotyping. On the revenuegenerating side, the Foundation has planned twobenefits this year. First, the Foundation will besponsoring a “Run/Walk for Mental Health” inmid-2005. The Walk will remind the public ofmental health issues while giving runners andwalkers an opportunity to participate in a funevent. We are also planning a dinner on October20, 2005, which is the first night of our Octoberconference. The dinner will feature live music anda silent auction. We will be able to enjoy eachother’s company and make a purchaseat the auction. After 2 years of discussion andthought, Mike Willett has found a way to web-broadcast our conferences. We hope to be able tomake off-site participation a part of ourconference alternatives. Additionally, Mike is alsoworking on CD reproduction of our conferences.
MPA is working on several fronts to offer benefitsto our members while generating income. We arelooking into making available Blue Cross BlueShield group health insurance coverage to ourmembers. The e-committee is looking into linkingour web site with merchants such as Amazon orStaples or Dell in return for a small percentage ofMPA member purchases. We all use these vendors;we are hoping MPA will be able to benefit fromour member’s combined purchasing power.
On the growing side of MPA, MPA has three newtask forces. Jean Gust, Ph.D., has agreed to chaira Non-Dues Revenue Generating Taskforce. Thistaskforce will work with other committees inplanning and hosting the Run and the conferencedinner. John Porcerelli, Ph.D., has agreed to chairan Academic Research Taskforce. He will workwith members of the research community toencourage MPA members and the general publicto participate in research studies. This is a greatopportunity for MPA to increase the knowledgebase of psychology. Robert Plummer, Ph.D., hasalready organized a Treasurer’s Taskforce to helpadvise us on our budget. Please contact any ofthese Chairs if you are at all interested in joiningthese groups
Our student members will continue to be a focusof our activities. Last November, MPA presenteda well attended Nuts & Bolts workshop atMadonna University. Everyone who wanted tolearn about setting up a private practice wasinvited. Because of this success, we are planningan Internship/CV workshop at Eastern MichiganUniversity on April 29, 2005. This will give thestudents an opportunity to discuss strategies onhow to successfully secure an internship. OnNovember 11, 2005, Madonna will again host aNuts & Bolts workshop. This is an ambitious andnecessary agenda. With each member’s support,we can make it happen and move this organizationforward.
On a personal note, I resigned on January 22,2005, from the MPA Presidency, to concentrateon matters of health, family, and private practice.Over the last eight years, it has been a tremendouspleasure and honor to work with the members ofMPA. I want to especially thank Mike Willett forhis professionalism and tireless effort in makingMPA a vibrant organization.
The MPA Board of Directors held a specialmeeting on February 2, 2005, and votedunanimously to appoint Mike Willett, Ph.D., tothe office of President. MPA will be in the veryskilled hands of Mike Willett, President and JackHaynes, President-Elect.
31st Quarter, 2005 The Michigan Psychologist: www.michpsych.org
Business of Practice
By: Robert Plummer, Ph.D.
TOP TEN WAYS TO PROTECTYOURSELF IN THE OFFICE
By: James Windell, M.A.
This is the first of an upcoming series of articles focusedon the business of practice of psychology. Articles willappear here and on the web site in greater detail and
length. I hope these articles will educate us all. Please feel freeto comment and contribute your own tips and experiences.
There are two basic rules to a financially successful practice:one, do not undercapitalize; two, collect your money first.Violating the first rule sinks most practices, especially startups.Definitions: overhead are those costs you pay to be sitting inyour office waiting for a client to arrive. Examples: rent,furniture, utility bills, license fee, liability insurance, staff, books,testing materials, computer, software, advertising, meals out,conference costs, professional association fees, office supplies,mail box, etc. What is not overhead: taxes, your personal costsfor yourself (also known as drawing), clothes, etc. Managingoverhead costs successfully is like that frugal Yankee adage:make it do or do without. Spending for what you need ratherthen what you might want. Avoiding loans too big for yourincome to cover.
It is important to calculate and monitor overhead expenses.To know the percentage of overhead to total income, divideall overhead costs by total income received (before any taxes).If all taxes paid are around 25% and overhead is around 25%,you are taking home half of every billable hour collected. Byknowing your average billable hour [total income divided bytotal hours billed] you can calculate how many billable hoursyou need each week (or month, or day), to pay overhead: totaloverhead divided by average billable hour divided by weeks(or months, or days) worked. I set my no-show fee by myaverage overhead hourly cost: 150% of: total overhead dividedby total billable hours. The 150% is to adjust for fees notcollected.
Tracking overhead costs is easier with separate bank accountsand separate credit cards for the practice and your personalfinances. Deposit all practice income to the practice bankaccount; pay all practice expenses from the practice bankaccount. Pay yourself from the practice’s account. With aseparate credit card tracking tax deduction expenses,essentially overhead expenses, is also easier.
There is one other important number to track. In carnival termsit’s called ‘the nut.’ It is the number of billable hours per week(or day or month) to pay for all overhead, taxes, and drawingexpenses. Calculate it by dividing the total of all expenses bythe average billable hour, then divide by number of weeks (ordays or month) worked. The nut is the number of billable hoursneeded each week (day or month) to pay all your expenses.Any hours above that is profit.
As a social worker and then a therapist working in avariety of out-patient clinics, a host of offices and in ajuvenile court over a 40-year period, I’ve probably made
every possible mistake in leaving myself vulnerable to violence.
Once, I found myself trapped behind my desk in a second-flooroffice by an assaultive client who was wielding a marble ashtrayhe grabbed from my desk. Another time, a Social SecurityDisability client I was evaluating realized we were alone in thebuilding. “I could slit your throat and no one would ever knowit was me,” he said. And a client, in my office for an intakeappointment told me about conspiracies against him. I asked himif he had a weapon and he meekly handed over a loaded gun –after which I made arrangements for him to be hospitalized.
I was lucky. I was never assaulted or harmed. Yet each year, asmany as 10 percent of mental health workers are victims ofviolence by patients. One of the most recently reported studiesindicated that 61 percent of a cross-section of mental health staff(including psychologists) had been victimized by some violentact. Twenty-nine percent of those respondents said they fearedfor their lives at some point while they worked with clients(Journal of General Psychology, 2003). Given these numbers, itis clear that psychologists are not immune from violence in theoffice.
Following are 10 tips for protecting yourself while at work.
1. Use a careful telephone screen as a first line ofdefense. Robert Plummer, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist inSaginaw, says that he carefully considers who he will treat. Witha careful interview on the telephone, he suggests that you’ll beable to reduce your risk.2. Do not see a client for the first time while alone inyour suite of offices. A client may be able to pass your carefultelephone screening, but that doesn’t mean you’re safe. Makesure during that first interview you aren’t alone.3. Don’t make it obvious you are alone in the suite. Youmay not have a choice about being alone in your suite, but youdon’t have to advertise that fact. “When alone in my suite, Ialways close other office doors,” Valerie Shebroe, Ph.D., apsychologist in East Lansing, says, “so that it appears thatother offices are occupied.” Along the same line, Plummer sayskeeping a radio on in another room may help to make it seem asif others were present.4. Lock the door between your waiting room andconsultation offices. Don’t invite trouble by leaving all thedoors unlocked.5. Configure your office with safety in mind. KennethSalzman, Ph.D., in Lansing, says that your desk should not beplaced in such a manner that you can be trapped behind it. “Thetherapist’s chair,” Salzman says, “should be the one nearest the
The Michigan Psychological Association had alengthy advocacy agenda last year. Highlightsof the MPA legislative and public policy
achievement and efforts during 2004 are below.
Mental Health ParityAlthough Michigan has still not joined the 38 statesthat have passed mental health parity bills, MPA, along with ourcoalition partners, took a leadership role in the continued effortsto end insurance discrimination against individuals with mentaland emotional disorders. Parity bills were before the Michiganlegislature for at least eight years without formal hearings.During the past legislative session, formal hearings on theSenate mental health parity bills were conducted, during whichMPA provided expert testimony on two occasions. MPA wasinvited to provide testimony on mental health parity costs tothe Cost Subcommittee of the House Health Policy Committee.On behalf of MPA, I was also an invited speaker at a MentalHealth Parity Town Meeting in Kalamazoo. There wasunanimous bipartisan support for the Senate bills in the HealthPolicy Committee, although the bills did not reach the Senatefloor. We were unable to impact the movement of the bipartisanbills in the House in the last legislative session, Reps. Kolb (D)and Amos (R) are re-introducing the bills in the House in thecurrent session. All 40 new House members have beencontacted and it appears that there is significant enthusiasmabout passage of the bills.
What can you do? If you live in a district with a new member of the House, pleasecontact your Representative asking him/her to support mentalhealth parity and send a copy of your correspondence to me.Let’s help Michigan catch up with the 38 states that havepassed parity legislation. Assisted Out-patient Treatment(Kevin’s Law) These bills allow courts, under certain limitedconditions, to order persons with severe mental disordersdirectly into treatment, which must minimally include casemanagement services. MPA worked with the sponsors of thebills to assure that there was adequate protection of individualcivil liberties. However, we continue to be concerned about thelack of funding for this law and will monitor implementation.
Medicaid Provider Status for PsychologistsMPA had several meetings and correspondence with theDirector of the Department of Community Health requestingthat psychologists in independent practice be reimburseddirectly by Medicaid, as psychologists are in many other states.To date, DCH has not taken action on this issue. MPA willconsider legislative or legal remedy this year if the request isnot granted.
Continuing Competency
In 2004, Governor Granholm instructed the DCHBureau of Health Services to develop a model set ofcontinuing competency rules for licensed health careproviders. At the request of the Department, MPA hasworked with the Bureau to develop a generic set of
rules for continuing competency. In the coming year, we will offerspecific suggestions for the Board of Psychology, based oninput from the MPA membership. It is expected that continuingcompetency requirements will become effective in 2006.
Supervision of Limited License PsychologistsThe Board of Psychology developed proposed rules to clarifythe supervision requirements for both fully licensedpsychologists providing supervision and for LLPs. MPAprovided recommendations and testimony supporting thischange in the rules.
Mental Health CommissionAs a result of severe criticism of the public mental health systemin Michigan, the Governor created a commission to exploreremediation of the system. MPA was especially successful inhaving the Commission report include recommendations for astronger partnership between the public and private sectors indelivering quality services and improving access to treatment.This recommendation is particularly important because of therelative absence of psychologists in community mental health.We will monitor the implementation of this and otherrecommendations by DCH.
Advance Psychiatric DirectivesMPA actively supported the package of bills that were adoptedthat legally recognizes advance psychiatric directives and therights of individuals with mental and emotional disorders todevelop them.
HMO Co-pays, Co-Insurance and DeductiblesMPA joined with other organizations to stop bills from beingadopted that would allow HMOs to increase enrollees’ out-of-pocket expenses. Similar legislation has been introduced in thecurrent session and MPA will continue to oppose the bills.
The issues described above are only some of the ways in whichMPA has been in the forefront of advocacy for psychology andthe people who utilize mental health services. Beginning shortly,we will provide a “Bill Box” on the MPA website that will containthe bills that MPA is monitoring, supporting and opposing. Ihope that you will check this out regularly and contact me withany recommendations or questions regarding legislation orpolicy at [email protected] or by phone at 248.302.6774.
END OF YEAR UPDATE & 2005PROSPECTIVE
51st Quarter, 2005 The Michigan Psychologist: www.michpsych.org
Michigan Psychological AssociationBALANCE SHEET
As of December 31, 2004ASSETS
Current AssetsChecking/Savings1000 – Primary Checking – MNB 68,334.23
Total Checking/Savings 68,334.24Other Current Assets1200 Investments 139,548.08Total Other Current Assets 139,548.08
exit.” He also recommends that a low table between therapist andclient can serve to delay a pursuit.6. Remove potential weapons from your office. Objectsthat could be used in an assault should not be available forclients. That means that letter openers, heavy bookends, tablelamps (that could be swung like a club), exposed cords andstatues should be out of a clients’ reach.7. Trust your instincts. “If something feels wrong,”Shebroe says, “it probably is.” Salzman says to forget aboutdismissing your instincts in exchange for politeness. If you thinksomething might be wrong, excuse yourself from the office andget help.8. Have a phone available to call 911. Be ready to call911 or have an arrangement to let a secretary or colleague knowyou need help. If you are worried about a client ahead of time,ask someone to be on hand in case you need assistance.9. Discuss safety concerns. Salzman suggests opening adiscussion regarding your own safety issues: “By telling a clientoutright that there is a concern on my part, I can get a good readon the level of threat and then take appropriate action,” heexplains.10. Learn how to use verbal techniques to reduce yourrisk. Developing clinical skills related to being assertive, usingreflective listening and de-escalating anger can also proveextremely useful with the angry client to reduce your threat ofbecoming a victim.
(continued from page 3)
The last three months (November through January) havebeen both busy and interesting on the MPA listserv. More messageswere posted this quarter (monthly mean - 229) relative to thepreceding quarter (monthly mean - 182) and also relative to a year ago(monthly mean -130). During this past quarter 118 MPA membersposted messages to several hundred of their colleagues on the listserv.
The request for feedback on MPA’s position paper onprescription privileges for psychologists (RxP) generated the mostdiscussion; 30 percent of this quarter’s posts were related to RxP.Initially the discussion focused on aspects of the feedback processincluding the desirability and practicality of polling membership anddemocratic representation and leadership in MPA. A prominentopinion evolved that “leadership should lead” i.e. MPA leadership’sresponsibility was to lead membership on issues while membership’sresponsibility was to influence leadership in both public discussions(e.g. the listserv) and private communication (email, phone calls etc.).The RxP discussions then took off in a number of interesting threads:the value of medication in treatment, the “psychiatric declaration ofwar” on psychologists, the nature and extent of MPA resources thatshould be devoted to the RxP initiative, issues in training andsupervision for prescriptive authority, review of the New Mexico andLouisiana laws pertaining to prescription privileges for psychologists,the position of APA and others on prescriptive authority and thepossible impact of RxP on the practice and profession of psychology.
Listserv topics 11/1/04-1/31/05 as a percentageof total listserv posts (n = 687)Prescription privileges (RxP) 30%Referral requests 16%Organizational issues 8%Diagnostic and treatment issues 7%FYI 3%Scope of practice 2%Legislative activity 1%
The next most popular listserv topic has been the perennial requestfor referrals which accounted for 16 percent of listserv traffic duringthis past quarter. Listserv members were reminded to respond backchannel to requests for a referral in an effort to keep the listserv free ofcommercialization and self-promotion. Insurance issues (11 percent)seemed more prevalent this quarter with discussions of participationwith Blue Cross, the CIGNA settlement, MESSA fee changes, newCPT codes, and Medicare’s expansion of coverage to includepsychological testing performed by the supervisees of psychologists.The new Medicare coverage for psychological testing does not havethe being-in-the-room-with requirement for supervision that hasplagued the supervision issue with Blue Cross Blue Shield.Organizational issues (eight percent) on the listserv included theannouncement and discussion of MPA’s election results, programannouncements, listserv issues and news on remote conferencing.Discussion of diagnostic and treatment issues (seven percent) includedADHD, ECT, SPECT scans and the use of antidepressants especiallyin the treatment of children. Listserv subscribers shared FYI-typeposts of information of interest to psychologists from the Web andother major news sources. About two percent of posts were related toscope of practice issues primarily pertaining to physician’s provisionof counseling and psychotherapy. Discussion of recent legislativeactivity (one percent) focused on the recent passage of Kevin’s Law
pertaining to mandatory outpatient treatment. The remainder of recentlistserv posts were topics of lesser frequency that reflect the diversityof interest and opinions of theMPA membership
How about a Home visit?Have you visited MPA’s home page at michpsych.org
recently? The MPA web site has about 14,500 “hits” per week. Onany given week we have about 550 unique visitors. The median visitnow lasts about five minutes; the mean visit is just over nine minutes.Visit length is not normally distributed. Roughly a third of the visitsare less than two minutes (presumably web crawlers or click throughs),another third are more than 15 minutes and the other third aredistributed in between. It seems about two-thirds of our web visitorsare actually reading content on our site. Furthermore, 15 percent of ourconference registrants from the last two conferences registered online.Michpsych.org clearly gives us both a public presence as well as avirtual office to serve the needs of our membership. In coming months we plan to reorganize the homepage tospotlight new additions to the website, highlight important issues andprovide better search and navigation. We also plan to make archivedMichigan Psychologists available to all web site visitors and willpublish board minutes, position papers, the Executive Director’s publicpresentations and a downloadable membership directory.
Please let us know how michpsych.org has been, or could be,useful to you.
Join the MPA listserv by sending your request to Pam Steffy [email protected]. To discuss the listserv or website contact KevinKeenan at [email protected]. To view searchable archives of MPA’slistserv visit http://listserve.apa.org/archives/mpalistserv.html.
Top Ten Ways to Protect
71st Quarter, 2005 The Michigan Psychologist: www.michpsych.org
It is an unfortunate fact that many Americans spend less timeplanning for retirement than planning for vacations. Yetplanning for retirement early is becoming increasingly important, as
the cost of retirement rises. Longer life expectancies, higher health carecosts, less financial support from Social Security, and the eroding effectsof inflation all contribute to the increase. Some of these challenges areexacerbated for Psychologists, many of whom are women. Womentypically live longer (and so need more retirement money), work for ashorter period of time (and so have a diminished social security benefit),and tend to devote more of their resources to the caretaking of othersthan do men.
There are likewise many reasons why people fail to plan for theirretirement. A lack of knowledge, time, or an understanding of the need toplan may all preclude one from doing it.
Consider the following myths:
• Myth #1: I’m too young to worry about retirement. You’re nevertoo young to make plans. The sooner you begin saving for retirement,the less you’ll have to put aside. Starting early can really increaseyour chances of success.
• Myth #2: I won’t need much to live on. Many experts estimatethat on average, to maintain your standard of living in retirement,you’ll need 60 to 80 percent of your pre-retirement income. Andthat income has to continue to grow enough in an attempt to keepup with inflation.
• Myth #3: Social Security will take care of me. Although it’s unwiseto expect Social Security to cover all your costs, you can take stepsto increase your benefits. Work as long as possible. You can startcollecting Social Security at age 62, but your benefits may be reducedby 20 percent. If, on the other hand, you work until age 70 you’llreceive even more.
• Myth #4: I can’t afford to put money away where I can’t touch itfor many years. The truth is you can’t afford not to participate intax-deferred retirement plans. Contributions to qualified retirementplans can reduce your current taxation. Additionally, taxes aredeferred on earnings, so retirement savings have the potential togrow faster than others do.
• Myth #5: If I don’t have a 401(k) available to me, I can’t save forretirement. There are a variety of retirement plans available to non-working spouses and to the self-employed. Small business ownersare lowering their current tax liabilities and contributing to tax-deferred plans such as SEP and SIMPLE IRAs, Safe Harbor 401(k),and owner-only 401(k). Are you utilizing the plan most suited toyour situation?
Planning for retirement can seem like a daunting task, but with the properunderstanding of the facts and the guidance of a professional, you can beon the road to a successful retirement. If you would like to discuss yourretirement plan with one such professional, please call for a freeconsultation.
Michigan Association for Marriage andMichigan Association for Marriage andMichigan Association for Marriage andMichigan Association for Marriage andMichigan Association for Marriage andFamily TherapyFamily TherapyFamily TherapyFamily TherapyFamily Therapy
MAMFTMAMFTMAMFTMAMFTMAMFTAnnual Conference
Friday, April 1, 2005 8:00 AM – 4:00 PMKellogg Center, Lansing
Featuring:
Brent Atkinson, Ph.D.Brent Atkinson, Ph.D.Brent Atkinson, Ph.D.Brent Atkinson, Ph.D.Brent Atkinson, Ph.D.Emotional Intelligence in Couples Therapy:Emotional Intelligence in Couples Therapy:Emotional Intelligence in Couples Therapy:Emotional Intelligence in Couples Therapy:Emotional Intelligence in Couples Therapy:
Advances from Neurobiology and the ScienceAdvances from Neurobiology and the ScienceAdvances from Neurobiology and the ScienceAdvances from Neurobiology and the ScienceAdvances from Neurobiology and the Scienceof Intimate Relationshipsof Intimate Relationshipsof Intimate Relationshipsof Intimate Relationshipsof Intimate Relationships
Dr. Atkinson’s approach helps intimate partnersidentify internal states that perpetuate distress,
“re-wire” these states for more flexibility, and activatealternative states which support attitudes and
behaviors necessary for relationship success. Bookwill be available soon from W. W. Norton.
Registration $120 ( $110 before March 18) /$65/55Student
Abramsky, M. & Ross, K. Criminal profiling in child sexual assaultcases. Accepted for publication in: American Journal of ForensicPsychology.
Michael Abramsky, Ph.D., and his co-author KarolRoss, M.A., J.D., have just had their paper“Criminal Profiling in Child Sexual Assault Cases”
accepted for publication in the American Journal of ForensicPsychology. The article looks at the new standards for presentingscientific data in Michigan courts. Under the standards, based on a1993 finding by the U.S. Supreme Court decision (Daubert V. MerrellDow Pharmaceuticals, Inc.) obligations are imposed on judges toensure that all scientific evidence be relevant and reliable. The standardwas further extended in a later case ruling directing judges to begatekeepers for all scientific testimony (Kumbo Tire Company, Ltd. v.Carmichael). Michigan judges decide whether the data a psychologistwishes to present lives up to the Daubert-Kumbo standards, andwhether the data will be allowed.
“The second part of the paper,” says Abramsky, aBirmingham psychologist, “is to examine the data on child sexualassault and describe what the research has shown concerningperpetrators, victims and the nature of the sexual acts committed.”
Essentially, adds Abramsky, the paper, to be published in aforthcoming issue of the journal, is an effort “to separate fact frommyths” when it comes to child sexual assault.
Farmington Hills Psychologist Elected Mayor Pro Tem
After years of being interested in local politics,Farmington Hills psychologist Randy Bruce, Ph.D.,ran for city council in November, 2003, and was
elected for a four-year term. But after his election, the city councilelected him mayor pro tem.
“I’ve always been interested in politics and localgovernment,” Bruce said in a recent interview. “I feel very stronglyabout what’s going on in the community and I thought that here wasa way for me to see if I could make a difference.”
As a city council member in the largest city in OaklandCounty (with a population of 84,000 people), Bruce admits there willbe plenty of opportunities to try to make a difference. For instance,in this time of declining tax payments, unemployment and budgetcrunches, balancing the budget is one of those challenges to running acity of this size. “The trick is to balance the budget and still provideservices people are used to,” Bruce says
Randy Bruce, age 45, completed his Ph.D. at Wayne StateUniversity in 1993. He works as a neuropsychologist and AssociateDirector of Behavioral Services at Special Tree Rehabilitation Systemin Romulus. Special Tree Rehabilitation is a brain and spinal cordinjury rehabilitation center. In addition, he has a private practice inWalled Lake where he sees children, families and brain-injured clients.
As one of six city council members, Randy Bruce worksclosely with Mayor Vicki Barnett. Furthermore, as mayor pro tem it’shis responsibility to fill in for the mayor should she be unable toattend a council meeting or a city event or if she is unavailable when acity document needs a signature.
Prior to running for an elected position, Bruce was a memberof the Farmington Hills Zoning Board of Appeals. He says that heenjoys both his work as a psychologist and now as a city councilmember. However, there’s just one thing he hasn’t quite gotten usedto yet.
“I’m still trying to get comfortable being in the spotlight,”Bruce says.
HOT OFF THE PRESS FROM MPA MEMBERS:
The Women’s Advocacy Committee has been workingenthusiastically on several projects. My thanks to committeemembers Debra Brodie, Sabine Chrisman, Mazy Gillis, Pamela
Hartmann, Jane Kelly, and Jan Tomakowsky for their creativecontributions and follow-through.
1. PROJECT HEALTHY LIVINGWe are pleased to announce that MPA will again be involved in ProjectHealthy Living over four days this spring. For the past five years,MPA members have been helping educate the public about emotionalhealth by providing depression screening and by distributing mentalhealth-related brochures and handouts. Some of the people who stopby our booth have had prior experience with therapists but for others,this may be their first contact with a psychologist. We work in teamsof three for either three or four hours (a half day) or for six hours (a fullday). Lunch is provided by Project Healthy Living. If you can join usduring any of the dates mentioned below, please let us know. Membersof the Women’s Advocacy Committee will be coordinating the sites.You may contact a coordinator directly if you have a particular site inmind or contact Pam Hartmann, Ph.D. (586-775-6720) who is in chargeof placing volunteers.
Gail Berkove, Ph.D. (248-552-0440)—Southfield Civic Ctr.(Wed., March 23)Jane Kelly, Ph.D. (248-203-0191)—Livonia Mall (Thurs. April 14)Debra Brodie, Ph.D. (313-871-1450)—Laurel Park (Mon,, April 25)Jan Tomakowsky, Ph.D. (248-353-1662)—Livonia Mall (Thurs. May 12)
Please plan to join us. You will find that involvement in Project HealthyLiving is a wonderful way to reach out and be of real service to thecommunity.
2. SPEAKER’S BUREAU:A recent presentation by Roberta Toll, Ph.D., on “Perfectionism”was well received by the Groves High School PTSA.
3. F.Y.I.-A VALUABLE RESOURCE:A colleague of mine, Connie Bauman, has recently retired as DeputyDivision Director of Social Security Disability and Medicaid. Sheknows the procedure for obtaining Social Security disability benefitsinside out and is offering her services, pro bono, to anyone who isthinking of applying for them. The application process is oftencomplicated and confusing as well as arduous and time consuming.Connie is willing to guide applicants through this process from thebeginning to make sure that they have the necessary information andmedical documentation to complete their application the first timethrough. If you have friends or clients who could benefit from Connie’sservices, at no charge, they may contact her directly at 586-573-7923.
4. POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY:Debra Brodie, Ph.D. recently completed training in PositivePsychology which emphasizes knowing your values and using yourstrengths to live more effectively. Two leaders in the field are at theUniversity of Michigan. Barbara Frederickson, Ph.D., is involved inresearch concerning what is good about positive emotions. ChrisPererson, Ph.D., has helped create Values In Action (VIA), a surveythat assesses a person’s signature strengths in 24 areas. You can findout more about this topic by going to www.authentichappiness.org, awebsite created by Martin E.P. Seligman, Ph.D., author of AuthenticHappiness (2004). If you would like to assess your own signaturestrengths you can take a 245 item test online. You can also participatein the authentic happiness training program by teleconference call,conducted by Martin Seligman, Ph.D. and Ben Dean, Ph.D.
WOMEN’S ADVOCACY REPORT:
Gail Berkove,Ph.D.
111st Quarter, 2005 The Michigan Psychologist: www.michpsych.org
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Bloomfield Hills: Full time space in attractive four-officesuite, located in the Woodward and Long Lake area. Perfect fora psychiatrist and/or psychologist. Waiting room, fax, copier,free parking, very professional atmosphere, reasonable rent.For additional information, contact Dr. Lewis Smith, Ph.D.:(248) 644-2955 or (248) 277-4085 or [email protected]
Farmington Hills: Beautiful office on picturesque pond.Full or part-time office space available located on Northwesternin Farmington Hills. Each office has windows and deckoverlooking pond, with fountain, woods and wildlife.Contact Steve Fadior, Ph.D.: (248) 737-9903
Flint: Office space to share with other mental healthprofessionals with holistic approach. Large office space, plentyof parking and great location. Contact Theresa Callard-Moore:(810) 630-0904 x 2
Southfield: Sublet deluxe office with large window in atwo-office suite with private waiting room, bathroom, andconference room available. Prestigious and secure buildingwith doorman located at Northwestern Highway and FranklinRoad in Southfield. Available full or part time. Leave messageat (248) 352-6565
Traverse City: Office space available in beautiful TraverseCity, centrally located near Munson Medical Center anddowntown. 2700 sq. feet includes offices/rooms and receptionarea plus 1200 sq. feet basement with staff lounge, availableAugust 1, 2005. Contact Paul Heidel: (616) 494-5548
Troy: Shared psychotherapy office space in desirable location.Tastefully decorated, comfortably furnished, prime hoursavailable, very reasonable rates. Contact LisaMarrocca, Ph.D.: (248) 519-1200 or [email protected]
“By Request Billing Services:” Professional mentalhealth billing service offering reasonable rates with exceptionalsatisfaction. We offer Electronic as well as HCFA claimsprocessing, comprehensive monthly reports and patientstatements all within compliance of HIPPA requirements.For information contact Susan Taylor: (248) 627-7169 [email protected]
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2005 MPA Continuing EducationFriday, April 1HIPAA - Security Rule Compliance for PsychologistsSpeaker: Judith Kovach, Ph.D., MPA Executive Director8:30 a.m. - 12 noonMadonna University, Livonia, MI
Friday, April 8HIPAA - Security Rule Compliance for PsychologistsSpeaker: Judith Kovach, Ph.D., MPA Executive Director8:30 a.m. - 12 noonHampton Inn, Okemos, MI
Friday, May 13MMPI - 2Speaker: John Graham, Ph.D.Holiday Inn West, Lansing
Friday, September 11Evidence Based ProgramSpeaker: to be announcedWayne State University/Oakland Campus (co-sponsored)
Thursday & Friday, October 20-21MPA Fall ConventionA new approach to anger managment: moving beyond thestorm to values and compassionSpeaker: Steven Stosny, Ph.D.No More Clueless SexSpeaker: Gail Elizabeth Wyatt, Ph.D.Embassy Suites, Livonia, MI
Sharlabo Inc.: Medical Billing & Consulting Services• HIPAA Compliant• Psychologist Billing• 18 Years Experience• No Set up Fees• Electronic Billing• On Site ConsultingFor information contact Sharon A. Krohn: 517-250-1618
131st Quarter, 2005 The Michigan Psychologist: www.michpsych.org
POST-PAYMENT AUDITS
HIPAA’s Impact
With the compliance date for the HIPAA Privacy Rule behind us,many psychologists are asking how HIPAA will continue to impacttheir relationships with patients and payers. A frequent questionof psychologists is whether HIPAA prohibits them from complyingwith third party payer requests for medical records. Generallyspeaking, the answer is “No.” HIPAA permits psychologists (andother providers) to use and disclose protected health information(“PHI”) for “payment” purposes, which would include payer reviewof medical records to determine if the services meet the criteria forreimbursement. Therefore, a provider is permitted to discloserecords to a payer during an audit without an authorization fromthe patient.
However, an important exception relates to the disclosure ofpsychotherapy notes. A provider must obtain a patientauthorization prior to any use or disclosure of these notes.
HIPAA defines psychotherapy notes as: “notes recorded by amental health professional that document or analyze the contentsof a counseling session and that are separated from the rest of amedical record.” CMS recognized the special treatment given topsychotherapy notes in a recent transmittal to its Program Integritycontractors (Medicare Program Integrity Manual, Trans. No. 98,January 21, 2005). In this transmittal, CMS instructs contractorsnot to request that a provider submit psychotherapy notes.
However, consistent with HIPAA, the transmittal also emphasizesthat the definition of psychotherapy notes expressly excludes thefollowing: medication prescription and monitoring; counselingsession start and stop times; the modalities and frequencies oftreatment furnished; results of clinical tests; any summary ofdiagnosis; functional status; treatment plan; symptoms;prognosis; progress; and progress to date.
Further, the transmittal cautions that physically integrating this“excluded” information into protected psychotherapy notes doesnot automatically transform it into protected information.
It is important that psychologists and other mental health providersunderstand the distinction between protected psychotherapynotes and those notes that a payer, including Medicare, would beentitled to in the event of an audit.
Some Tips When the Auditor Comes to Visit
In the event you are notified that you have been selected for anaudit, the following are some general recommendations forproceeding:
• It is important to involve counsel experienced in auditdefense as soon as possible after receiving notification.There are many pitfalls for providers during the earlystages of the audit that may shape the course of the entireprocess, and ultimately the results.
• Carefully prepare in advance with counsel for yourconduct during the audit. Some general guidelines tofollow during the audit include:
o Provide the auditor with the complete medicalrecord (excluding psychotherapy notes) at thecommencement of the audit in order to minimizethe auditor’s request for any additionalinformation.
o Under most circumstances, it is beneficial torequest an entrance conference, which can behelpful in limiting the scope of the audit.
o Designate one individual in the office as thecontact person, preferably the billing supervisoror someone familiar with the office’s billingpractices.
o Do not provide the auditor with more informationthan requested. Generally, auditors are entitledto see billing and medical records pertaining tothe patients covered by the payer, and nothingmore.
o If the auditor has more involved questions aboutoffice practices, instruct the auditor to addresssuch questions to counsel in writing.
o Request that the auditor provide you with anExit Conference at the conclusion of the audit.
• Under no circumstances should medical records bealtered, made up, or back-dated. Existing information,including previously dictated notes and test results, maybe placed in the file pursuant to normal office practices.
Both the process for notifying providers of results, andthe appeals process in the event of an overpayment demand, varydepending upon the payer. Additionally, there are many defensesthat can be effective in an appeal of an overpayment demand,depending upon the facts and the appeal forum.
Although the prospect of being audited is not a pleasantone, it has become part of participating in the business of healthcare. Understanding your rights, and working with counselexperienced in defending providers against claims of overpayment,can greatly improve your chances of decreasing a demand.
[This article is intended as general information for members ofthe MPA. This article does not constitute legal advice. If youhave any questions or issues which raise legal concerns, youshould independently consult an attorney.]
This award honors a psychologist for outstandingcontributions over a number of years to psychology inMichigan. Such contributions may be academic, appliedor otherwise and reflect qualities of dedication,competence, high ethical standards, and advocacy forthe field of psychology.
Dr. Thornton’s career at Michigan State University spans39 years. He is currently Professor Emeritus ofPsychology, Dean Emeritus of Urban Affairs Programsand a University Outreach and Engagement Fellow. Healso served as Director of the MSU Clinical PsychologyTraining Program and chaired the Committee onInstitutional Cooperation’s panel for increasing minoritiesin graduate education. He has received over a milliondollars in federal grants providing for undergraduate andgraduate training in psychology.
At APA, Dr. Thornton chaired the Committee onAccreditation and was a member of the Committee onEthnic Minority Affairs. He has served on the MPALegislative Committee and is currently co-chair of theMPA Diversity Committee.
As a clinical/community psychologist, Dr. Thornton wasa founder of a 24-hour volunteer crisis intervention centerand maintained a private practice for 25 years.
MPA Fellows:MPA Fellows:MPA Fellows:MPA Fellows:MPA Fellows:Fellow status was granted to the following members foroutstanding contribution or performance in the field ofpsychology: Drs. James Bow, Bela Chopp, Jack Novickand Mary Whiteside.
Marlene O’Neil Scholarship:Marlene O’Neil Scholarship:Marlene O’Neil Scholarship:Marlene O’Neil Scholarship:Marlene O’Neil Scholarship:The scholarship was awarded to Michael Bambery, a4.0 doctoral student in clinical psychology at Universityof Detroit Mercy.
Student Poster Awards:Student Poster Awards:Student Poster Awards:Student Poster Awards:Student Poster Awards:1st Place: Kristine Tippen, University of Detroit Mercy A Psychoanalytic Approach to Treatment of Juvenile Delinquent Adolescents2nd Place: Michael Bambery The Development and Treatment of the
Editorial Board: Kevin Keenan, Ph.D.James Windell, M.A.
Managing Editor: Pamela Steffy
Advertisements are provided as a service to readersand do not imply endorsement by the MichiganPsychological Association. The acceptability of anadvertisement is based on legal, ethical, professionaland social considerations. Copy and size of adsubmitted for publication may be altered or omittedat the editors’ discretion.
The Michigan Psychological AssociationThe Michigan Psychological AssociationThe Michigan Psychological AssociationThe Michigan Psychological AssociationThe Michigan Psychological Association
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