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2/20/26

1. Medicaid Intake Code Update (Important)

·  Starting in 2026, we can use CPT code 90791 for the first two intake sessions for Medicaid clients.This does NOT apply to Blue Cross or MVP — we are still not using 90791 for those payers.I learned this today, and it does contradict information we were given at the end of last year.This update was confirmed in writing today by Misty Griffith, so we’re clear to proceed this way for Medicaid moving forward.

2. Spring Workshops Are Posted

·  All spring workshops are now live on the website.General workshop information is available on the public Workshops page.Inside the Clinician Hub, there is a Workshops page with direct links to each workshop.If you’d like to attend any workshops, please RSVP using those links.

3. Medicaid Enrollment Check-In

·  If you have not yet received confirmation of your Medicaid enrollment, now is a good time to reach out to Misty.At this point, everyone should be enrolled.When you contact her, be sure to reference:

• Your NPI, and/orYour application or transaction number (whatever identifier you were given)

4. Self-Audit Reminder

·  Please do a self-audit if you haven’t done one recently.Pay extra close attention to claims and billing, as there have been a lot of changes and confusion lately.If anything looks wonky or unclear, let me know.

1/12/26

A couple of important announcements. Friday’s live Marketing class has been rescheduled for 3/6 12-2. I will be recording the content on Friday instead and posting it on the Hub. 

All Hub videos are getting reformatted from Zoom links to freestanding videos in the next few weeks, but the Orientation to OG is ready to view, and everyone should watch it at some point! Thanks-

New Medicaid portal password is OGgroup2026

We are being audited by MVP right now. This is not a drill. If it was Medicaid there would be a higher level of urgency about this, but this is a good first large scale group audit. Please complete your self audits with the expectation that we could get audited by Medicaid at any time- and probably will be. All inactive clients should also be audited. Be sure everyone has a discharge summary, even if you only saw someone once. Thanks!

Documentation Bootcamp will be offered again live on Feb 4th Wednesday 12-4 for anyone new who hasn’t taken it, or anyone needing a refresher.

We have a new bookkeeper who is taking over the payroll process. I will be writing a separate introduction email to you all including him, so you have his contact info. His name is Aaron Kromash and he has created a super cool, fully automated system for paying you all that should be clearer and more accurate. You will be able to contact him directly with questions. Stay tuned!

OpenGate will be getting a brand reboot with a new logo and website look coming soon!

Also, Congratulations to Courtney who has completed her Master’s in Counseling program! Yay Courtney!Jan 2, 2026- BCBS VT announced that it will not be lowering reimbursements to pre-licensed counselors in 2026! Yay!

12/10-

• Please join me in warmly welcoming June Van Houten to OpenGate! June will be joining Kate and me as part of our growing supervision team. We’re excited to have her with us.

• I attended yesterday’s Blue Cross Blue Shield rate reduction hearing and advocated strongly on behalf of our clinicians. We’ll see how they decide, but we showed up and made our case. I’m happy to talk more about this in group supervision—just check in with me.

• A reminder that our upcoming Marketing Class and new Supervision Groups are posted in the Clinician Hub—please take a look at the links.

11/17- Kathleen is out of the office most of the week this week. Please reach out to Kate if you need a supervision session. Thanks!

11/12/25- BCBS UPDATE: Reimbursement changes paused, listening sessions to come

Good afternoon all, 

In case you haven’t received word, here is the most recent update from Tom Weigel, VP an CMO of BCBSVT. Please be ready to bring the full force of your voice, data, and wisdom to the listening sessions TBA!

“Good afternoon,

We are pausing implementation of the supervisee reimbursement update. We’ve heard your concerns and will use this time to meet with clinicians, review the data together, and discuss options that protect member safety and preserve access. We will host three provider listening sessions with options for on-site and remote attendance, and we’ll follow up with the dates shortly. Blue Cross of Vermont will share any refinements before any change takes effect.

Best,
Tom

Tom Weigel, MD, MBA (he/him/his)

Vice President and Chief Medical Officer

Blue Cross® and Blue Shield® of Vermont

http://www.bcbsvt.com

More details from Medicaid on these changes are awaiting response from Misty Griffith at VTMED.

11/12/25- New Clinican Orientation is happening this Friday Nov. 14th at 9am if anyone wants to come. Link in live trainings page.