AHCCCS Releases Updates to Covered Behavioral Health Services Guide
PHOENIX – In response to stakeholder input and the need to further strengthen Arizona’s behavioral health system, the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) has released an updated version of the Covered Behavioral Health Services Guide. AHCCCS greatly appreciates the attention and insights shared by Arizona’s provider community while developing and refining this important resource. Their feedback on the original draft (released in July 2024) has been used to create an updated version which is now available on the AHCCCS Medical Billing and Coding Resource Page. Changes to the Guide have been specified in the footnotes of the updated version. The following sections have received significant updates and/or additional information since the original posting:
- Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP), which includes updates related to telehealth.
- Peer Support, which includes updates related to the 10/1/2024 closure of the per diem code and increases the daily limit on the 15-min service code.
- Case Management, which includes a new section for Behavioral Health Outreach Services.
The Covered Behavioral Health Services Guide is a resource for behavioral health providers that clarifies basic billing and coding information. The purpose of the document is to compile billing and compliance information and codify rules for service delivery, billing, and encounters. Since 7/15/24, AHCCCS has been collecting stakeholder input and questions on the Guide, and will continue doing so through 9/15/2024. Community feedback will be used to inform a frequently asked questions (FAQ) document and to develop training materials.
Stakeholders are welcome to submit questions about the Guide via email to CBHSGCodingQuestions@azahcccs.gov.
The revised Guide will have an effective date of 10/1/2024.
