ABSTRACT
Throughout this book, the reader is exposed to numerous nontraditional and innovative ways in which psychological testing can benefit MBHOs and the services they offer. However, there will always be the need for the “basic service,” that is, testing patients that present particularly difficult diagnostic or treatment challenges. Obtaining authorization for reimbursable, traditional, down-in-the-trenches psychological testing in systems of managed behavioral health care has become somewhat of a challenge itself-or at least more of a challenge than had previously been the case in the past under indemnity insurance plans. The purpose of this chapter is to provide the reader with information that will better prepare him for this challenge and thus facilitate the testing authorization process. Before doing so, an overview of the typical service delivery process will be presented, followed by a discussion of how MBHOs view traditional psychological testing, the potential contribution of testing to the treatment of its patients, and the value it offers to its customers. This will provide a context for the more salient aspects of the chapter.
