|
Q:1 Do you accept
insurance ? Yes. We work with insurance companies as out-of-network providers using what is
called a Super Bill. By being out-of-network vs. in-network we are able to ensure more confidentiality and reduce paperwork.
There is no additional cost to the client by using our clinicians as out-of-network providers. We are also willing to negotiate
our fees on a sliding scale when needed. Please contact our intake coordinator for more information regarding
these payment options.
Q:2
What are the major differences between private pay and using insurance?
Self-Pay:
Complete confidentiality:
Your case record is the property of the center; information would only be released if legally required or you gave your consent.
Type of treatment: Treatment can focus both on specific crises and on changing long-term patterns.
Unlimited number of sessions: You won't need to worry about being denied sessions; because treatment can be growth-oriented,
there is no time limit.
Life
insurance policies: No medical record will exist that could interfere
in gaining other policies.
Payment: Many times, fees can be equal to a co-pay that increases over time; if a pre-tax account is
used, you may even pay less than some co-pays (see below).
Medical expenses flex account/Cafeteria Plan: Some employers allow you to set aside annual pre-tax dollars to pay for medical expenses, which can reduce your
costs for counseling even more; depending on your tax bracket, you could save approximately 25% of the cost of treatment;
check with your employer to see if they offer such a plan, as many require sign up at the beginning of the year.
Using Insurance:
Lack of confidentiality: A case manager and billing staff at the insurance
company will be aware of your diagnosis and treatment plan; many mental health benefits are also contingent on periodic updates
from your therapist; your therapy may become part of your permanent medical record.
Type of treatment: Treatment
is crisis-oriented and required to be brief, focused and behavioral only; growth-oriented treatment is not covered.
Limited number of sessions: A case manager at the insurance company will decide how many sessions are covered; longer-term treatment is only
allowed if it's "medically necessary" with a more serious diagnosis, and your mental health contract still determines
the maximum number of sessions covered.
Possible denial of life insurance: Some life insurance
policies have been denied to those using their mental health coverage, which is seen as a risk.
Initial low co-pay: Many mental health plans do offer a low co-pay; however, a large deductible may first need to be paid out-of-pocket
and/or the co-pay may increase over time.
|
