Navigating the Insurance Maze: The Therapist's Complete Guide to Working with Insurance - And Whether You Should SEVENTH EDITION

by Barbara C. Griswold

If you're a psychotherapist and don't accept insurance, you re losing clients who need to use their health benefits. Whether you've thought about accepting insurance, you work with a few plans, or would rather sell your soul than join an insurance network, this is a must-have reference. Even if you just give clients an invoice to submit to their health plan, there is much you need to know about what this can mean for you and your clients. This easy-to-read manual will teach you what EVERY therapist needs to know about insurance, and serve as your essential reference, answering all your questions about working with employee assistance, managed care, and traditional insurance plans. Topics 1) How to join plans -- even if they are full 2) Getting Insider tips for avoiding denials 3) The secret to getting more sessions approved 4) Is it possible to get raises? 5) The most common mistake many therapists make 6) Will your treatment be micro-managed? 7) Keeping the new client even if you aren t on his plan 8) Complete instructions for the CMS-1500 claim form 9) 13 crucial questions to ask when checking insurance 10) 13 common billing practices that are actually fraud 11) How to successfully appeal denials 12) Is taking insurance right for you? Using a case example, this manual takes you through every detail of working with a client's coverage. You ll get line-by-line instructions for claim forms, and useful sample forms including a sample claim form, invoice/superbill, payment tracker, appeal letter, and form to use when checking benefits.

Paperback

First published April 30, 2014

About the author

LMFT

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is very helpful for understanding the ins and outs of accepting insurance as a mental health professional. I can see myself using this as a reference when needed.

[Joan Chen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very practical

[Danielle Mink · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read for all providers accepting insurance. Barbara is an insurance expert and gives not only a great how-to, but also insightful tips and answers to almost every question you might have.

[Michael Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was pleased that this book was not the technical challenge that I thought it would be. It was thorough enough to take away any apprehension I had about jumping into the insurance maze. A book every solo practitioner should read.