Fees:

In network insurance:

• Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Aetna
• United

What happens if I arrive late, cancel, or miss an appointment?

• Patients are seen by appointment only and your appointment time is reserved exclusively for you. If you arrive late, the appointment must end as scheduled and you will be charged for the full amount of your scheduled visit. This will allow me to see you and others in need at their scheduled time.
• Please call to cancel as soon as you know you cannot make an appointment so that I may offer the time to someone else in need. While I understand that emergencies do happen, the full fee is charged for appointments cancelled less than 24 business hours in advance.

It is important to note that insurance companies do not provide reimbursement for cancelled sessions.

Are there any additional fees I should be aware of?

• Please make follow up appointments for paperwork and documentation that is more than a letter or one-page form. I believe this is necessary because it allows you to see what I am filling out and is a springboard for discussion that can contribute to your treatment.  If I am asked to provide written documentation outside of your appointment time, my hourly rate will be charged.
• Meetings attended on your behalf are also billed at your hourly rate and include travel time.

Please note that indirect care costs are typically not reimbursed by insurance companies.

How do I get insurance reimbursement?

• I am an out-of-network provider for many insurance panels. The insurance company will reimburse you directly, therefore payment is expected in full by cash, check, or charge at the time of your office visit. This includes any co-payment. I accept cash, credit card or checks. You have the option to decide whether to involve your insurance company in your care, which puts you in control of the quality of care you receive and the information you make available to your insurance company.

How do I know if I have out-of-network benefits?

• Most insurance companies have out-of-network mental health benefits. These benefits reimburse you for the cost of your visit at a certain percentage of the usual and customary rates (UCR). When calling your insurance company for benefit and coverage questions, it is imperative that you tell them it is for psychiatric services, as most insurance companies handle these claims differently. Some even go through an additional, separate insurance carrier altogether. Usually those companies list the mental health benefit number on the back of your insurance card separately. I always recommend actually speaking with a customer service representative with your carrier to get the most current and accurate information available.
• I will provide you with a statement that you may, or may not, choose to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.
• If any additional information is needed, I will work alongside you to provide what is needed to process your claim.  Unfortunately, I cannot guarantee that your insurance company will reimburse you, since insurance policies vary so widely with respect to how psychiatric services are covered.

Questions to ask your insurance provider:

• Are you currently “active”?
• Do you have a deductible? If so, how much as been met year to date? How much remains to be met?
• Do you have a co-pay or co-insurance?
• Do you have a session limit year?
• Is the policy based on the calendar year or a fiscal year?
• Is there a “pre-existing condition” clause? If so, what are the details?