Posted by Dinah on February 10, 2005, at 12:50:39
In reply to T's billing policies--moral?, posted by smokeymadison on February 10, 2005, at 12:38:46
It's not un-typical. It would appear that many of the better pdocs and therapists have enough demand for their services that they aren't forced to deal with the insurance companies directly. My pdoc gives me a form that I can send to my insurance company but refuses to deal directly with them.
It feels different with therapy because therapy feels like a more personal relationship. But it really isn't in that respect. Some therapists make the decision that they want to spend their time in therapy, and not spend the time themselves or hire someone to spend the time, to do the incredible hassle of insurance billing. And they set a value on an hour of time, not unlike people set a value on any other commodity they offer. A car or a loaf of bread.
Most therapists do sliding scale work if they can, but I suppose not all do. Or maybe she already has several current clients who are paying a lower rate and can't afford to take on any more.
How many weeks lag time do you think it will be until you are reimbursed? 80% is pretty darn good. If you go once a week to therapy and there's a three week turnaround on reimbursement, for example, you'll be out that 120*3 for the duration of time you're in therapy. I'm aware that's a pretty big dent in the wallet.
Do you think your feelings about this will interfere with your therapy?
poster:Dinah
thread:455868
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20050206/msgs/455872.html