About Insurance
Although I do not bill any insurance directly, I can provide you with a statement that shows the dates of service and the amount you paid. You can submit the statement to your insurer for reimbursement. You usually have to fill out a simple one page claim form. If they reimburse you for any portion of the bill, the money would go directly back to the subscriber/insured. I would be considered an out of network and non-preferred or non-participating provider.
You may want to call to find the details of your particular mental health coverage before you schedule your first appointment. The number to call is usually on the back of your insurance card. Ask about your deductible and the rate of reimbursement for a non-participating/out of network provider (usually a percentage). Be aware that I charge $200 for an initial appointment and $150 for follow up appointments and insurance companies base the reimbursement on what they consider to be UCR (usual and customary rate) which is often less, and therefore the percentage will be based on their rate, not mine.
If you ask, your insurer can tell you what that UCR rate is for the initial 60 minute evaluation appointment (service code 90791) and the 45 minute individual psychotherapy appointments (service code 90834). But remember that my rate is the amount you will pay and their rate is the amount they will use to calculate your reimbursement.
I expect payment each time we meet (cash, check, or money order). The end of the month statement will show the amount you paid which is what any insurance company or Health Savings Account wants to see in order to process a claim for you. Waiting for reimbursement and the lower rate of reimbursement is prohibitive for many people. For those with an HMO there would be no coverage and no one will reimburse you for fees you pay for missed appointments.
Blue Cross Blue Shield tips and links:
With Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) PPO you may be able to get your Primary Care Physician to sign a one page referral form which would allow you to get the higher (in network) rate of reimbursement.
You can print a BCBSM claim form to submit along with statement and find instructions regarding filing a claim after your visit to an out of network provider on the BCBSM web page. Other insurance companies likely have similar resources available online.
If you have questions about this information please just give me a call.