Why Leading ASCs Treat Denial Management as an EBITDA Protection Strategy

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For many Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs), denial management has traditionally been viewed as a back-office billing task. Claims were denied, staff corrected errors, appeals were submitted, and payments were eventually collected. In 2026, however, leading surgery centers are treating denial management very differently. They now view it as a direct EBITDA protection strategy that influences profitability, cash flow, valuation, and long-term growth. This shift is occurring because denial-related revenue loss extends far beyond unpaid claims. Every denied claim creates additional labor expense, delays cash flow, increases accounts receivable (AR), consumes management time, and reduces operating margin. When denial rates rise, EBITDA can decline even if surgical volume remains strong. As reimbursement pressure increases, more ASCs are investing in specialized ASC Billing Services , comprehensive medical billing services , advanced RCM services , and proactive Revenue Integrity programs ...
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Billing Codes for Psychiatric Collaborative Care Management

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What is Collaborative Care Management (CoCM)? 

Psychiatric Collaborative Care Management (CoCM) typically is provided by a primary care team consisting of a primary care physician and a care manager who work in collaboration with a psychiatric consultant, such as a psychiatrist. Care is directed by the primary care team and includes structured care management with regular assessments of clinical status using validated tools and modification of treatment as appropriate. The psychiatric consultant provides regular consultations with the primary care team to review the clinical status and care of patients and to make recommendations.

Billing Codes for Psychiatric Collaborative Care Management

CPT Code 99492

Initial psychiatric collaborative care management, first 70 minutes in the first calendar month of behavioral health care manager activities, in consultation with a psychiatric consultant, and directed by the treating physician or other qualified health care professional, with the following required elements:

  • Outreach to and engagement in the treatment of a patient directed by the treating physician or other qualified health care professional; 
  • Initial assessment of the patient, including administration of validated rating scales, with the development of an individualized treatment plan; 
  • Review by the psychiatric consultant with modifications of the plan if recommended;
  • Entering patients in a registry and tracking patient follow-up and progress using the registry, with appropriate documentation, participation in weekly caseload consultation with the psychiatric consultant; and
  • Provision of brief interventions using evidence-based techniques such as behavioral activation, motivational interviewing, and other focused treatment strategies.
To learn more about Codes for Psychiatric Collaborative Care Management: https://bit.ly/3MlvSvQ, also contact us at info@medicalbillersandcoders.com/ 888-357-3226
Location: United States

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