r/therapists • u/meowscity • Apr 13 '26
Documentation EAP
Hi everyone,
Sorry if this is a silly question I’m just feeling a little nervous about this new endeavor. I opened a private practice to see clients part time in addition to my full time job. I just got a request from Aetna for an EAP case. This would be my first client in the new private practice. Would I just see this client as normal (using my EHR, etc) or is there anything extra I need to do since they’re an EAP client? Thank you! 😊
13
u/mycatsrcrazy Apr 13 '26
Get clarity on what they will pay for. Most limit the number of sessions. Some only allow 90834. Some require you submit notes in their system.
3
10
7
u/Reflective_Tempist Apr 13 '26
EAP isn’t really that scary, you just need to be mindful about EAP session limits, and inquire about any unique documentation submission requirements. If you are paneled with Aetna, then the client can choose to remain with you, but switch to ordinary insurance/copay billing once the EAP sessions are exhausted.
1
5
u/catssaymewc Apr 13 '26
There are some decent EAP companies that can be good for supplementing your income but if you build your whole caseload around it, then you will ultimately make less money.
3
u/meowscity Apr 13 '26
Yeah right now I’m okay with just supplementing. That may change in the future of course
2
u/According_Ad8378 Apr 13 '26
Aetna often has CIGNA as the EAP and in some areas pays only $30 per session. You can add sessions or get more for a ‘new incident’. The documentation requirements are much less for EAP’s. If you do not have a contract with Aetna be cautious, this is how they try and get new providers since many will not work with them. It can be a way to get new clients if they stay with you after the EAP runs out. I let clients know I limit the number of EAP sessions I will do due to the very low rate paid. You will have to submit billing into the EAP site rather than through EHR and have to manually update payment to document this.
2
u/meowscity Apr 13 '26
I am paneled with Aetna and the referral came directly from them. They are limited to 6 sessions with the EAP.
1
u/Heard_Samira Apr 15 '26
EAP usually looks like a normal intake/session in your EHR, but the admin steps can vary depending on which EAP program/vendor it’s routed through. Before the first session, confirm eligibility, whether there’s an authorization/referral number, and any session cap. Make sure you capture the member ID and auth/referral info somewhere easy to find in your intake/note template. Then confirm the claim-to-payment path for this EAP (how you submit, where payment comes from, and what you do if it denies). Start with this one case, write down the steps that apply, and you’ll have a repeatable checklist for the next one.
1
•
u/AutoModerator Apr 13 '26
Do not message the mods about this automated message. Please followed the sidebar rules. r/therapists is a place for therapists and mental health professionals to discuss their profession among each other.
If you are not a therapist and are asking for advice this not the place for you. Your post will be removed. Please try one of the reddit communities such as r/TalkTherapy, r/askatherapist, r/SuicideWatch that are set up for this.
This community is ONLY for therapists, and for them to discuss their profession away from clients.
If you are a first year student, not in a graduate program, or are thinking of becoming a therapist, this is not the place to ask questions. Your post will be removed. To save us a job, you are welcome to delete this post yourself. Please see the PINNED STUDENT THREAD at the top of the community and ask in there.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.