good-faith estimates

Insurance companies and an out-of-network psychiatrist

Payment, when taken, goes directly from my patients to my practice. This allows me to set prices depending on the ability to pay. Some of my patients pay less or even much less than the full price, as some of my work is for charity, and I have an interest in the mental health of refugees and indocumentados.

Many of my patients who have health insurance can use it to pay part if not all my charges. This can be done by sending the itemized receipt that I give you for each appointment to your insurance company, who will reimburse you. For them, I would be considered an out-of-network provider.

If you want to use your health insurance to help pay for my charges, please, before you see me, ask your insurance company these three things.

First, ask about the dollar coverage, that is, how many dollars they would provide, for a visit to an out-of-network psychiatrist.

Second, ask about the deductible (the maximum you would have to pay, out of your own pocket, before your benefits start) for an out-of-network psychiatrist.

Third, ask about the annual maximum that your insurance will cover for outpatient mental health charges.

Insurance companies may ask that you show that those psychiatrists that are in-network for them are not accepting new patients.

In general, prescription medicines are covered by most plans so long as you go to their in-network pharmacies. As much as possible, when I prescribe medicines, I choose medicines that are well-insured.