Monday, September 29, 2003

Insurer Seeks Return of Fees for Therapy
New York Times feature story - "Oxford has audited hundreds of psychiatrists, psychologists and social workers in the New York metropolitan area, deemed their notes inadequate documentation of the sessions, and demanded repayment of thousands of dollars from each provider — in some cases, more than $100,000. The therapists and their professional associations paint Oxford's actions as another skirmish in a decade-long campaign by insurers to save money by denying coverage — but one that sets a new standard for aggressiveness ..." [Viewing New York Times resources requires registration, which is free].  
  

Taking steps for mental health: Hundreds participate in fund-raiser (Oregon)
Seattle Times story on yesterday's Move for Mental Health race, featuring 600 people who "ran, walked or volunteered at the event at Sand Point Magnuson Park. Many were caseworkers, nurses and others who work with the mentally ill."  
  

Artability exhibit features artists with mental illness (Minnesota)
Story in the Pioneer Press - "More than 50 artists will display their work this week in media ranging from acrylics, oils and photography to tapestry, clay, wood and tiles. Along with their art, they share something else in common: Each has a mental illness. ... The show is designed to give adults with mental illness a chance to show their work, as well as create it together in APOLLO's art room."  
  

V.A. closings stir fury
Story in the Democrat & Chronicle (Rochester, NY) - "Thousands of veterans across the country are rising up in anger over the biggest overhaul of their medical care network since the end of World War II. Hundreds of motorcyclists led a caravan of about 1,000 veterans and their supporters last month through Crawford, Texas — President Bush’s home — to protest a proposal to close the Veterans Affairs hospital in nearby Waco. A similar demonstration was held in Canandaigua, where V.A. officials want to close a 70-year-old hospital that cares for severely mentally ill veterans."  
  

New Mexico Court Tests Program for Mentally Ill
AP story appearing at Fort Wayne.com - "State court judges in Bernalillo County are beginning a program in which mentally ill people accused of felonies might be able to avoid jail by agreeing to treatment and other conditions. The court will monitor participants in the pilot program to make sure they take prescribed medication, and will keep tabs on them through home visits and searches."