INSURANCE

 

I have chosen not to take part in insurance "panels," and so you will not find me listed as a "preferred provider" for your health insurance company.

 

Insurance companies refer to practitioners who are not contracted with them as "out-of-network" providers. You may wish to review your coverage to see if  "out-of-network" providers are covered by your plan.

 

Although I do not work directly with insurance companies, I will provide you with a monthly statement, which you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.

 

I made the decision not to serve on insurance "panels" because I strongly believe that the patient-therapist relationship must be confidential and that the decisions about the course of therapy should be up to you.

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Insurance companies have no ethical responsibility to protect the interest of the insured. Although they do not like to reveal this information, being a "preferred provider" or being on the company's insurance "panel" requires the mental health professional to sign a contract that allows the insurance company to determine the number of sessions allowed. This is usually below the maximum on the actual contract that the insurance company has made with you. Some contracts require the therapist to submit reports or notes that include the treatment plan, interventions, the course of treatment, and some information about the content of therapy. A representative of the insurance company reviews your "case" and can decide whether the sessions are covered. I have been offered contracts that require the therapist to agree not to continue privately with the patient if the coverage is denied.