Top-rated Substance Abuse Disorder Billing Services in Torrance, California

Top-rated Substance Abuse Disorder Billing Services in Torrance, California

According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, more than 46 million people aged 12 or older had a substance use disorder. This includes alcohol use disorder and misuse of other substances such as cocaine, cannabis, and prescription medications. The opioid epidemic continues to be a major contributor to overdose deaths, with synthetic opioids like fentanyl involved in a significant percentage of cases.

As SUD continues to impact millions across the United States, the need for accurate and efficient Substance Abuse Disorder Billing Services in Torrance, California has become increasingly critical. With a growing demand for SUD treatment services, including counseling, behavioral therapies, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and telehealth sessions, healthcare providers are under pressure to seek expert advice. 

Outsourced SUD billing services involve the full cycle of claims management. It ranges from patient eligibility verification and coding to claim submission, denial management, and payment posting. Outsourced billing teams are well-versed in ICD-10-CM diagnostic codes for substance use disorders and CPT/HCPCS codes used to bill for SUD treatment services in Torrance, California.

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Billing and Coding Guidelines for Substance Use Disorder 

Smarter Billing. Quicker Reimbursements. Healthier Outcomes for Every SUD Patient in Torrance, California

Coding Systems and Diagnosis Representation

In SUD billing, ICD-10-CM codes help identify the specific substance and describe the nature of the disorder. It involves abuse, dependence, withdrawal, intoxication, or psychotic symptoms. The common codes include:

• F10: Used for alcohol-related disorders, such as alcohol dependence with withdrawal.
• F11: Indicates opioid-related disorders, like opioid abuse with intoxication.
• F12: Applies to cannabis-related disorders, including cannabis dependence.
• F13: Covers sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic-related disorders, such as abuse with withdrawal.
• F14: Pertains to cocaine-related disorders, including cocaine intoxication.
• F15: Refers to other stimulant-related disorders, like amphetamine abuse.
• F16: Assigned to hallucinogen-related disorders, such as LSD-induced psychosis.
• F17: Identifies nicotine dependence, such as tobacco addiction.
• F18: Used for inhalant-related disorders, including volatile solvent intoxication.
• F19: Designates multiple or unspecified substance-related disorders.

Each of these codes includes additional details based on usage patterns, remission status, or related complications. The correct usage minimizes billing errors and improves documentation accuracy.

CPT Code Selection 

To record clinical encounters precisely, providers in Torrance, California use CPT codes, which represent the specific service delivered. These codes include:

• 90791, 90792: For initial psychiatric diagnostic assessments.
• 90832, 90834, 90837: For individual psychotherapy sessions lasting 30, 45, or 60 minutes.
• 90846, 90847: For family therapy sessions, with or without the patient.
• 90853: For group therapy conducted with multiple patients.
• 90863: Used for medication management provided alongside psychotherapy.
• 99408, 99409: For brief alcohol or substance misuse screening and intervention.
• G0396, G0397: For short behavioral counseling services related to substance use.

The appropriate code selection ensures providers are reimbursed accurately for their time and services.

Bundled Codes for Office-Based SUD Treatment

The CMS provides bundled G-codes for structured outpatient services, particularly for treating opioid and alcohol use disorders. These include:

• G2086: Used for 70 or more minutes of care during the first calendar month.
• G2087: Applied to 60 or more minutes of services in the following months.
• G2088: An add-on code for each extra 30 minutes of service beyond the base codes.

The providers in Torrance, California rely on these bundled codes to bill for coordinated care plans involving multiple services in one visit.

Preventive Screening and Brief Intervention

To support early intervention, CMS reimburses for preventive screenings and brief counseling aimed at reducing alcohol and substance misuse. These codes include:

• G0442: For an annual alcohol misuse screening, typically lasting 15 minutes.
• G0443: For brief face-to-face behavioral counseling tied to alcohol misuse.
• G0396: For short counseling sessions of 15 to 30 minutes.
• G0397: For extended counseling services over 30 minutes.

These services are frequently delivered in primary care settings across Torrance, California and require proper documentation of both time spent and patient risk factors.

Safety Planning and Follow-Up Services

To prevent repeat crises such as overdose or suicide, Medicare allows billing for specific crisis-related services:

• G0560: For creating a personalized safety plan for patients at risk of crisis.
• G0544: For follow-up contact services after a crisis or overdose incident.

These must be conducted by licensed professionals in Torrance, California, in accordance with CMS documentation standards.

Controlled Substance Monitoring & Lab Services

The monitoring of substance use and treatment progress, especially in Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), involves routine drug testing:

• CPT 80305–80307: Used for presumptive drug testing (screenings); Medicare covers up to 12 annually unless medically necessary.
• HCPCS G0480–G0483: Used for definitive drug testing based on the number of substances tested.

These codes are essential for opioid treatment programs and are widely used in office-based SUD care in Torrance, California.

Opioid Treatment Program (OTP) Billing 

Opioid Treatment Programs use specific G-codes to bill for integrated care that includes medications, therapy, and support services:

• G2067–G2083: Weekly bundled billing codes for medications such as methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone.
• G2076: For intake visits, including audio-only encounters if video is not possible.

The facilities in Torrance, California must document patient dosage, take-home eligibility, and therapy duration weekly to comply with CMS billing rules.

Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) Codes

To address non-medical needs that affect health outcomes, CMS introduced Community Health Integration (CHI) and Principal Illness Navigation (PIN) codes. These support care related to housing, food, and transport needs. However:

• Only clinicians in Torrance, California who can bill Evaluation and Management (E/M) services or are licensed psychologists are eligible to bill these codes.
• Mental Health Counselors (MHCs) and Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs) are not permitted to bill under these services.

This limits usage to a defined group of providers despite the increasing need for SDOH services.

Expanded CMS Guidelines

Effective January 1, 2024, CMS officially allows MHCs and MFTs to enroll in Medicare and bill for SUD services in Torrance, California. To be eligible, these professionals must:

• Hold a master’s or doctoral degree
• Possess a valid license in (State)
• Have completed at least 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience

They are reimbursed at 80% of 75% of the standard Medicare physician fee schedule, resulting in a lower reimbursement rate than other non-physician providers.

Is Your SUD Billing System Costing You Patients and Payments?

Missed reimbursements and billing mistakes in Torrance, California create serious setbacks for both patients and providers.

Inadequate Clinical Documentation Standards

Different payers in California require detailed documentation for SUD services, including therapy notes and medical necessity. In fact, missing information often leads to rejections. In Torrance, treatment centers face revenue losses when documentation doesn’t fully support the services billed.

Patient Collections During Recovery

In Torrance, California, collecting payments from patients in recovery is particularly sensitive. High deductibles and limited coverage make financial discussions difficult. Providers need compassionate communication and flexible plans to ensure compliance while maintaining trust during this vulnerable stage of treatment.

Strict Confidentiality Requirements 

Billing for SUD in Torrance, California must comply with strict federal privacy laws like 42 CFR Part 2. These rules limit what can be shared, which makes it harder to submit complete claims. Providers must balance compliance with payers’ documentation demands.

Frequent Denials 

Even small documentation errors can lead to frequent SUD claim denials. Missing progress notes, service details, or diagnosis codes delays reimbursement. Addressing these issues requires consistent charting practices and strong communication between clinical and billing teams.

Frustrated with mounting denials and confusing SUD billing rules? 

Get our expert support and advice in Torrance, California!

Key Statistics

Denial Rate Without Expert Billing – 15–20%

Revenue Loss from In-House Billing – Up to 30%

SUD Services Delivered via Telehealth in Torrance, California – 45%

Claim Delay Due to Authorization Errors – 14–21 Days

Why Substance Abuse Treatment Providers in Torrance, California Trust 24/7 Medical Billing Services 

Streamline Claims and Maximize Reimbursements with the Best Outsourcing SUD Billing and Coding Company in Torrance, California!

Timely Authorizations

Our billing experts work closely with clinical teams in Torrance, California to anticipate care changes and proactively request authorizations. We ensure minimal disruption by aligning payer timelines with clinical adjustments, reducing claim denials, and maintaining continuity of SUD treatment coverage.

Precision ICD-10 Coding

Our certified coders specialize in behavioral health and apply the correct ICD-10 codes for SUD cases in Torrance, California. We ensure accurate, detailed coding for diagnoses and procedures, which minimizes denials and supports compliance with both Medicare and private payers.

Clear Documentation for Readmissions

Our billing experts assist providers in developing detailed documentation protocols that clearly establish medical necessity for SUD readmissions in Torrance, California. This helps reduce claim denials by ensuring that every readmission is justified with thorough clinical records and payer-specific language.

Seamless Authorization for Care Transitions

24/7 Medical Billing Services professionals streamline authorizations by tracking transitions between care levels in real time across facilities in Torrance, California. Our team coordinates closely with clinical staff to ensure timely submissions and reduce billing disruptions during every stage of SUD treatment.

Ready for smooth, compliant SUD billing in Torrance, California?

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Precise SUD Claims for Critical Behavioral Health Treatments!

Why Choose 24/7 Medical Billing Services for SUD Billing in Torrance, California?

24/7 Medical Billing Services offers specialized billing solutions for SUD treatment providers in Torrance, California. Our dedicated team understands the sensitive nature and billing complexity of SUD care, including the unique payer rules, codes, and compliance demands that make in-house billing difficult. With our deep industry knowledge, we help providers eliminate denials, improve reimbursements, and maintain compliance. You can outsource SUD Billing Services Provider in Torrance, California to meet your unique clinical and compliance requirements.

Fast-Track Payments

When SUD billing is accurately coded and documented, up to 30% of claims are eligible for faster reimbursement. Our team uses intelligent claim tracking systems and payer-specific rules to reduce delays. This helps your practice in Torrance, California to maintain a stable cash flow.

End-to-End Expertise

As a top medical billing and coding company  in Torrance, California, we manage every stage of the billing process, from initial patient intake to post-treatment follow-up. Our billing professionals are trained to handle detox, MAT, outpatient care, and therapy claims with unmatched precision.

5-Day Follow-Up Promise 

Our experts guarantee follow-up on all accounts receivable within 5 business days. This disciplined approach guarantees providers in Torrance, California to minimize delays, shortens your revenue cycle, and keeps your cash flow consistent so you can stay focused on patient care.

Unmatched Data Security 

Your data is protected with HIPAA-compliant systems and adherence to 42 CFR Part 2 in California. Our professionals use advanced encryption, secure submissions, and role-based access to safeguard sensitive SUD patient information at every stage of the billing cycle.

Maximize Reimbursements for Every Stage of Recovery Care in Torrance, California

Our SUD billing experts ensure accurate claims, reduced denials, and faster payments, so you can focus on helping patients heal. We handle it all with 24/7 claim tracking and follow-up from intake to aftercare.

Schedule Your Free SUD Billing Audit Today

FAQs

What is the billing code for crisis intervention in SUD?

Use H2011 or 90839, depending on the provider and setting.

Do SUD services require a DSM-5 diagnosis in Torrance, California?

Most payers require DSM-5 alignment with ICD-10 coding.

Can I bill SUD services without a treatment plan?

A signed and updated treatment plan is typically required for billing approval.

What is the impact of the No Surprises Act on SUD billing?

Out-of-network providers in Torrance, California must give good-faith estimates to uninsured/self-pay patients.

How do I handle pre-authorization delays for SUD treatment in Torrance, California?

Start care if urgent and document it, and submit retroactive auth if the payer allows.