A reputable medical billing and coding company, Outsource Strategies International (OSI)’s article “How the COVID-19 Pandemic has Affected Mental Health” has been featured as the cover story of the BC Advantage Magazine, the highly acclaimed CEU-approved national online healthcare publication. Written by the company’s Senior Group Manager, Natalie Tornese, CPC, the article appears in the May / June 2021 | Issue 16.3 of the magazine.
“As a company that has been providing medical billing, coding and other support functions such as insurance verifications and authorizations for medical offices in the USA for more than 15 years, we are proud of our accomplishments. Getting featured on BC Advantage Magazine validates our company’s culture of hard work and customer service,” says Rajeev Rajagopal, President of Managed Outsource Solutions.
May is observed as Mental Health Month, and the article provides a comprehensive overview about the importance of mental health and how the COVID-19 pandemic affected mental health.
According to the World Health Organization, mental health is “a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.” As the nation is dealing with the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health – due to the worry and anxiety brought on by social isolation and economic uncertainty – the article notes that observing Mental Health Month has gained new significance on mental health and wellbeing.
The article shares some key data points from the National Council for Behavioral Health regarding mental illness, pandemic-related consequences that impact both mental and physical health, which generation people get affected mostly, and different treatment options. The article also points out some challenges people face due to the ever-increasing demand for treatment such as access to mental health services and cost. Importantly, this article discusses the CPT codes commonly used to report mental health services – and specific CPT codes to report health behavior assessment and health behavior intervention.
For more than 15 years, OSI has been successfully providing accurate medical billing, coding, and insurance eligibility verification services to the healthcare industry. The company’s AAPC-certified coders have a strong understanding of ICD-10-CM and CPT requirements and procedures, and stay up-to-date with coding changes, payer-specific documentation requirements, and state and federal regulations.
The article also discusses the 2021 Mental Health Month, as it is the time for everyone to come together and show their support for those who suffer from mental disorders and illnesses. The theme for this year is Make Mental Health a Priority and moreover, Mental Health America is highlighting #Tools2Thrive in 2021 to provide individuals with information and coping strategies around common struggles that affect mental health—especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The article concludes on the note that by observing Mental Health Month during the COVID-19 crisis, we could end the stigma, raise awareness, and reach out to someone who may need our assistance.
Along with this article, the BC Advantage Magazine also featured another OSI’s Article titled “National Women’s Health Week: Promote Healthy Choices” in this same issue. This article discusses the importance of observing National Women’s Health Week which is celebrated in May, starting on Mother’s Day.
Earlier, OSI’s articles titled “March Is Multiple Sclerosis Education and Awareness Month” and “September is Rheumatic Disease Awareness Month” had appeared as the cover story of BC Advantage Magazine’s MARCH / APRIL 2021 | Issue 16.2 and Sept / Oct 2020 | Issue 15.5 respectively.
OSI strives to leverage its medical billing and coding expertise to provide customized solutions for all medical specialties. Their experience and expertise have been continuously recognized and featured by BC Advantage Magazine, the largest independent resource provider in the industry for medical coders and billers, healthcare auditors, practice managers, compliance officers, and clinical documentation experts.
For more information about Outsource Strategies International, please visit: www.outsourcestrategies.com.
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