Authorization for Release of Information for Insurance Submission and Payment
If you plan to use your insurance benefits for payment of services authorization must be given. In the documents you will sign this will be something you must confirm you authorize. This is a more detailed explanation you may wish to read to better understand in what you are agreeing. It is your responsibility to present your insurance card and verify that the information is correct and up to date. You will need to make sure that I am on your plan so you will not be held accountable for the whole amount. You will need determine what your own financial responsibility will be. Some insurers have a deductible that if not met will require you to pay the negotiated rate your insurer has with Fry LCSW Inc. If you have a copay or percentage amount you need to pay you will be responsible for determining the correct amount. If you are not eligible for treatment for any reason i.e you are not covered for type of service, or for date of service, then you will be responsible for the whole contracted amount. If you are using an EAP Employee Assistance Program you will be responsible for authorization. You may be given code numbers that are required for billing for services. You are responsible for obtaining these numbers. Finally you must understand and agree that the insurance company will of course be aware you are in treatment. Generally all they will see is dates of service and a diagnostic code. Diagnostic codes are required for billing, but the majority of individuals receive a common and not very serious diagnosis.
Authorization to Release Information to PCP
Communication between mental health providers and your primary care physician can be very helpful in ensuring the best outcomes for the individual. Coordination of care is often essential to providing quality care. Insurance companies advocate highly for this coordination. Research demonstrates more effective outcomes from this coordination. You must be aware that personal health information will be exchange between Fry LCSW Inc. and your PCP. This will likely include diagnosis and treatment plans as well as any significant medical concerns. Fortunately your PCP is bound by the same confidentiality laws as your mental health provider. The federal law know as HIPAA applies to all parties. You do not have to agree to this release and if given you can alway retract your permission at a later date in writing. Rest assured that only relevant and limited information will be shared with your PCP if you choose to authorize.
Consent for Treatment
If you do not wish to consent for treatment then Fry LCSW Inc. will not be able to provide services. Informed Consent is an essential part of mental health treatment. A diagnosis must be made if for no other reason so as to demonstrate to a variety of entities that you do indeed qualify for services. Mental health treatment is extremely personal and can some times bring up intense feelings that may seem overwhelming. Every effort will be made to try to prevent negative reactions caused by the treatment process. Fry LCSW Inc. will work with you to try to make the experience as positive as possible. If you feel however that treatment is not working and/or making things feel worse, then you of course can, and likely should withdraw from treatment with Fry LCSW Inc. If you wish to discuss the possible ramifications of choosing to enter into mental health treatment feel free to discuss it with you therapist.
Consent to Release Health Care Information
In some cases you might wish to allow other parties beside your PCP and Insurance Carrier to be given information pertaining to your mental health treatment. You will specifically have to request to whom you would like the information released. You must fill out a release of information form and detail the specifically what types of information you wish released. This release can be revoked at anytime. A temporary verbal request can be given and then as soon as possible you must write the request out and sign.
Instances when Mental Health Provider may release information with permission
In rare cases Fry LCSW Inc. may have to release information without your permission. In each of these case there are laws the not only allow it, but require it. For example if an individual threatens to commit suicide the Mental Heath Provider may have to inform others that you may be at risk for self harm. Again if this occurs only the minimum amount of information will be shared and only with individuals and entities that absolutely require it. In the case of possible abuse of a child Fry LCSW Inc. is required by law to inform the Department of Family and Children Services. These rarely happen, but you must understand the potential.