Doctors and Costs | ADHD Information

OK...why do psychologists and pshyciatrics charge so darn much money?  And why don't they take insurance.  We've been struggling for months and months trying to get my DS meds. straightened out.  We've been seeing a developmental pediatrican for the meds changes who takes insurance (particularly my insurance!).  We started working with a psychologist who sepecializes in Asperger's in Sept.  I went to him on Tuesday to discuss what's been going on and looking for suggestions.  He charges 5.00 an hour and takes no insurance.  He suggested that it might be time to "jump ship" with the dev. ped. and move on to at psychiatrist.  So I called the one he suggested and this guy charges 0.00 for 45 minutes!!! (and doesn't take my insurance).  Where do these doctors get off charging so much??  It's nuts!!

Just needed to vent!

I know what you mean.  My Pediatrition just sent me to a psychiatrist because my son's med's need to be reviewed by someone with more knowledge.  The initial exam is 0.  for the psychiatrist to see him every week would be 0.  It's nuts. 
There are some darn good practical nurses that specialize in psychiatric stuff...if they're good they're in demand and not cheap, but still less expensive than the MDs.
John D40185.952337963When my son was in therapy (with a psychiatric nurse practitioner) she would not deal with insurance companies because of the excessive paperwork and hassle- I can't say that I blame her.  We submitted the claims ourselves and much of it was reimbursed. 

The problem in our area (a large city) is that psychs will fill their practice with medicaid patients because they know they will get paid at least.  Apparently the private insurance companies (even the good ones) often deny claims and generate other hassles regarding payment.  Check with your insurance company and get a list of providers through them.  Most insurance companies have this online.  That should help.

My therapist was 0/45 minutes and my insurance did cover 90% but I only got 20 visits annually.  Because of the deductible, I had to quit seeing her.  I don't have the money up front.

I also saw a Mental Health Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who could write prescriptions for any mental health meds.  But I stopped seeing her because that swallowed up my last two therapy visits and she didn't tell me she was submitting to my insurance.  Maybe it's self-sabotage but I'm not going to "pay" her for not communicating with me.  So, be careful with these people because it falls under Mental Health benefits.

Good luck!

I too use an "out of network provider" psychiatrist, which means I pay him the full cost of the session before I leave and he gives me a receipt, which I must take home, make a copy of it, and find and fill out the proper form provided by the insurance company to request re-imbursement in the amount covered by insurance (25% patient/75% insuror).   But I have a heck of a time getting all the paperwork and keeping it organized until I can finally summon up enough motivation to fill out the forms, make copies (so if there are questions, I know what I sent!).

I'm embarrassed to say that I have over half a year's invoices from two providers that I still haven't submitted the forms necessary to be reimbursed.  Although these mental health professionals get the big bucks'cause they are "experts" in Adult ADHD, I find it a bit surprising that none of my providers have offered to take the few extra steps necessary--fill out the insurance form (takes a minute or less); make copies of it and the bill, had the patient a set of the copies and mail the other set off, right then and there, to the insurance company.  Now THAT would be service!!