Ellen Walker, MD
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GETTING STARTED

We will schedule an initial, complimentary 15-minute call to discuss your needs and goals and to get a sense of if we might be a good fit to work together. Schedules will be discussed during your initial consultation call to determine what fits best with your schedule. A copy of the registration, practice policies, and release of information (if needed) will be provided to you after your consultation; please reference this for important information including payment, re-scheduling, no-show, and privacy policies.

PAYMENT POLICY

This is a fee-for-service, private pay practice, and I am considered an out-of-network provider for all insurance panels which means that payment is due at the time of service.  As a courtesy to you, I will give you the appropriate information to help you file your claim with your insurance company.  You are responsible for all communication with your insurance company. The insurance company will reimburse you directly, therefore payment is expected in full by cash, check, or charge at the time of your office visit. You have the option to decide whether to involve your insurance company in your care which puts you in control of the quality of care you receive and the information you make available to your insurance company. Please note that Medicare/Medicaid may not allow for self-filing of claims.

SCHEDULING POLICY

  • Patients are seen by appointment only. Your appointment time is reserved exclusively for you. Appointments are scheduled back to back, so if you arrive late, the appointment will end as scheduled and you will be charged for the full amount of your scheduled visit.
  • You can schedule an appointment via phone call or email as provided in the contact section.
  • Please call to cancel as soon as you know you cannot make an appointment. While I understand that emergencies do happen, the full fee is charged for appointments cancelled less than 24 business hours in advance.  
  • It is important to note that insurance companies do not provide reimbursement for cancelled or missed sessions.
  • I ask that you make follow up appointments for paperwork and documentation that is more than a letter or one-page form. I believe this is necessary because it allows you to see what I am filling out and is a springboard for discussion that can contribute to your treatment.

INSURANCE

  • If you are considering using your health insurance to cover therapy, you may choose to weigh the pros and cons of doing so as your health insurance company will keep a record of your treatment, and I am required to submit a diagnostic code to them.  This process can feel like a violation of the confidentiality and “safe space” which can be crucial to a successful therapy experience.  On the other hand, depending on your circumstances, health insurance can make costly treatment more accessible.
  • Most insurance companies have out-of-network mental health benefits.  These benefits reimburse the cost of your visit at a certain percentage of the usual and customary rates (UCR).   When you call your insurance company for benefits and coverage questions, you must tell them it is for psychiatric services since most insurance companies handle these claims differently. Some even go through an additional, separate insurance carrier altogether.  Usually those companies list the mental health benefit number separately on the back of your insurance card.
  • I recommend actually speaking with a customer service representative with your carrier to get the most accurate information available.
  • I will provide you with a statement that you may, or may not, choose to use to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.
  • If any additional information is needed, I will work alongside you to provide what is needed to process your claim.  Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that your insurance company will reimburse you, since insurance policies vary so widely with respect to how psychiatric services are covered.
QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR INSURANCE PROVIDER
  • Do I have mental health benefits?
  • What are my out-of-network benefits?
  • Is there a deductible before I am reimbursed?
  • Can I submit my own claims? What is your reimbursement rate?
  • Do I have a maximum amount of money or visits that are allowed?
Ellen Walker, MD
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