Typically, insurance companies require you to authorize me to provide them with a clinical diagnosis. Sometimes I have to provide additional information, such as a treatment plan or summary of treatment. In rare cases, insurance companies may request copies of the entire record (audit the record).
Any information they obtain becomes part of insurance company files and will likely be stored in their computer system. I have no control over what is done with this information once it is in their system. In some cases, they may share the information with a national medical information data bank.
This potential loss of control of your confidential information is the main disadvantage of using your insurance. Its main advantage is that you are able to have some or all of the costs of your therapy covered by your insurance company.
I am a member of the Ohio Health Group (OHG CIN) and I accept insurances that have contracts with OHG CIN . I am considered “on panel” or an “in-network provider” for these companies, which are listed below.
Many insurance companies will pay at least some of the cost of therapy for an “out-of-network provider.” This depends on your specific policy.
If you choose to use your insurance, call your insurance company and ask about your behavioral health benefits. Record on the Primary Insurance Information form the amounts they tell you for: deductible; co-pay; co-insurance. I ask that you pay at the time of service, and I accept checks and cash only.
Also ask such things as: how many visits a year are allowed; is there a maximum amount of money allowed per year; is pre-authorization necessary, and if so, how to get it.
If you use insurance, I need your insurance, billing information, and amounts your company said you will owe when we schedule your first appointment. To use your insurance, you must give me your permission to share the insurance information with my billing service (Annie, 614-270-2990). She will file claims with your insurance company on your behalf.
List of the OHG insurance companies:
Aetna
Cigna
Medical Mutual
OhioHealthy
