Policies & Procedures

Fees

• I do not currently participate in any managed health care plans, however a portion of each therapy visit may be covered by ‘out of network’ insurance coverage.
• Fees vary based upon the nature and type of service as well as the length of the service provided.
• I recognize that treatment can be costly. You may be able to utilize your ‘out-of-network’ medical insurance coverage for partial reimbursement. If that is not an available option, then discounted fees may sometimes be arranged with me after the initial consultation, on a case by case basis, but such discounts cannot be guaranteed and are limited.
• All fees are due at the time services are provided.
• MasterCard, VISA, Discover, as well as personal checks are accepted. A $25 fee will be charged for any returned checks.
• Please contact your insurance carrier to discuss ‘out-of-network’ benefit reimbursement. My billing assistant can provide you an itemized bill for services suitable for your insurance company to process.
• The Highlands Program and all career and executive coaching services are not eligible for medical insurance reimbursement.

 

Health Insurance / Managed Care

To submit for out-of-network benefits, your health plan may require prior authorization and approval. In addition, it may require a treatment plan or other documentation. It is your responsibility to find out what your coverage is and if you require pre-authorization or a treatment plan. Failure to do so may result in non-reimbursement of your out-of-network benefits.

If you have any questions or concerns about your insurance or managed care plan, please discuss with me or my billing assistant.

 

Missed Appointments, Cancelled, and Rescheduled Appointments

Since your appointment times are reserved well in advance, you are asked to keep all scheduled appointments. I require that you provide at least 24 hours notice for any cancellation or change.

Your full fee will be charged for an appointment not cancelled within 24 hours.

Insurance companies do not reimburse you for missed/broken appointments, and you will be responsible for the full charge.

I also understand emergencies do arise. Please contact me if you have a circumstance or emergency that will preclude your ability to keep your appointment. The sooner I know, the more likely I will be able to fill your appointment time with someone who is waiting for an appointment.

 

“Good Faith Estimate”

You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” (“GFE”) explaining how much your medical care will cost.  Under the “No Surprises Act” that went into effect in January, 2022, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using/submitting any claims to insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.  You have the right to receive a GFE for the expected cost of any non-emergency items or services.  This includes costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment and hospital fees. Make sure your health care provider gives you a GFE in writing before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a GFE before you schedule an item or service. If you meet the above criteria because you cannot or choose not to submit claims to your insurance carrier and notify me of this, you will receive your GFE letter from me before our first appointment.  If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your GFE you can dispute the bill. For questions or more information about your right to a GFE visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call CMS at 1-800-985-3059.

 

Office Hours

I make every effort to provide appointment times that are conducive to your schedule, generally Monday thru Friday 8AM – 5:30 PM.

 

On Call Services

I understand that life happens 24/7. When in treatment, your care and needs are paramount.  I provide a voice mail where you may leave a confidential message any time of day or night. Furthermore, I have someone covering for me when I am on vacation and cannot be reached. In either case, I make every effort to return calls within 24 hours. Should you need more immediate assistance see below.

 

Emergencies

Contact 911 immediately if you or someone with you is having a medical or psychiatric emergency.