diagnosis of convenience

A term used by some providers of mental health services to refer to an inaccurate description of the condition of the client on an insurance form. This is sometimes done by providers because most insurance companies will reimburse only for diagnosable conditions. For example, the professional provides marital therapy, which is not usually reimbursable, but indicates depression as the diagnosis of convenience. This is a fraudulent as well as unethical practice, and it is also detrimental to the therapeutic relationship because it fosters an improper collusion between the provider and client.