Do you take insurance?admin2017-10-05T19:15:56+00:00While I believe third-party payers, such as insurance companies, can potentially interfere with effective treatment and raise issues around confidentiality, I am also a Preferred Provider on a few PPO panels, but it is best to call me to see if your insurance coverage is applicable or accepted by me. If I am not a provider on your insurance panel, then services are rendered on a fee-for-service basis and I can provide a standardized super bill that most insurance companies accept for reimbursement. If you plan on submitting a super bill to your insurance company, please be aware that each individual’s coverage is different, and it is advisable to check with your insurance company prior to seeking reimbursement.
Also, each insurance company provides different degrees of coverage. Please be aware that most managed care organizations employ a case manager to control the cost to the organization. Although the literature provided by the insurance company may imply you are entitled to a specific number of mental health treatment sessions, it is up to the individual case manager to decide whether or not the reason you are seeking treatment is justifiable. If you are approved for treatment, you will be given a limited number of sessions that will specify the type of treatment that case manager feels you should have. Often, a case manager will have little, if any, professional training in the field of psychology. This unfortunately dictates the type of treatment, the duration of treatment, the manner in which the treatment will be implemented, as well as the desired outcome. This treatment plan may not necessarily coincide with the wishes and the judgment of the mental-health professional or patient.
When seeking reimbursement for mental health services, please be aware of the following concerns regarding confidentiality. The State of California has rightfully enacted stringent rules governing the privacy of any individual who seeks treatment from a licensed mental-health professional. Any information shared with a therapist MUST be kept strictly confidential. However, insurance companies require that this privacy be broached in order for them to provide reimbursement. Managed-care organizations require detailed information regarding the reasons the client has sought treatment, the diagnosis, treatment planning and the progress of the patient throughout treatment. Therefore, the patient must sign a release in order for the clinician to share detailed information regarding the treatment to the insurance company. This information is then logged and maintained in The Medical Insurance Database. Although this information has received some additional level of protection (due to the new HIPPA regulations), this information is permanently recorded and can follow you if any individual or entity has legal reasons to assess your medical records.