|
|
|||
|
|
|||
|
To use insurance or not use insurance? For many people, having health insurance means
the they will have the opportunity to get health care that will make a difference
in the quality of life. This health care includes not only health care for
physical health issues but also counseling, also known as psychotherapy, that
can address emotional health concerns, as well as treatment for substance
abuse, addiction and other issues. If you wish to use health
insurance benefits for psychotherapy for yourself or a family member, you
must first call your insurance company. You will find information
about where to call on the back of your insurance card. You will not need to
explain the details of your problem. You simply will want to ask about
"outpatient mental health benefits." You should be able to learn
what kinds of benefits you have: §
Is there a deductible you must meet before you
are eligible for your insurance carrier to pay for your mental health
benefits? §
Will a co-pay be asked? §
Is there a limit to the number of visits for each
year? §
Will you have a list of psychotherapists to
select from or may you select your own psychotherapist? §
Is pre-certification required before you can have
your first appointment? If the psychotherapist of your
choice is not on the company's approved network list, you may also want to
ask about out-of-network benefits. This means that you may pick the
professional who you want to work with; sometimes there is a higher co-pay
amount for out-of-network professionals but you still will be able to use
part of your benefits. You will then want to call the
psychotherapist of your choice and make an appointment. You will need to have
your insurance card available to provide the necessary information. Sometimes you may also appeal
to your insurance company to waive their rule if you are not comfortable with
the approved providers. For instance, perhaps you have already seen that
professional and you did not believe that the professional understood your
problem or was helpful to you. Perhaps the professional who is contracted
with your company is your neighbor or distant relative and you do not feel
comfortable talking to that person about your private life (It also may be a
breach of professional conduct if the professional works with you while
having another kind of relationship with you.) You also may make a special
request to use the psychotherapist of your choice, even if he or she is not
“in network” if you can prove that this therapist has special credentials or
is able to provide a different or higher level of care. If your insurance company
refuses to pay for tests, therapies or medications that you believe should be
covered, you may wish to go through your insurance
company's complaint and grievance procedure. If you are dissatisfied with the
company’s response, you may contact this office: (608) 266-3585 If you
do not have insurance benefits, know that some psychotherapists may be able
to offer a reduced rate if you cannot afford their full fee out of pocket.
You also may be able to refer you to another professional or organization. Some
people prefer not to use insurance to cover psychotherapy as they may have
concerns about having psychotherapy treatment listed on their health records.
In this case, please discuss with your therapist the opportunity for private
pay. |
Insurances taken by
Karen Carnbucci: §
Anthem §
Cenpatico §
Cigna
Behavioral Health §
GEHA §
Health
EOS §
Humana §
Magellan
Health Care §
Medicare
Part B §
MHN §
Multiplan §
Tricare §
United
Behavioral Health §
United
Health Care §
WEA Trust §
WPS Please inquire at (262) 633-2645 if your insurance is
not listed here or if you have other questions about insurance. |
||
(262)
633-2645 or www.lakehousecenter.com E-mail
your friends here
to tell them about this site! ©
2005-2008 All rights reserved |
|||
