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Posts from the ‘Policies’ Category

Automatic Recurring Billing

In service of convenience and simplicity, my practice's policy on fees has been updated to reflect the transition to a new recurring billing system. Clients are asked to keep a credit card or checking account on file that will be billed on the date of service. This includes all types of payments--both out-of-network fees for professional services and fees associated with in-network services, such as insurance co-payments, co-insurance, and deductibles. These are due each week at the time of service, rather than on a monthly basis, and will be billed automatically via eCheck, American Express, Visa, Mastercard, or Discover.

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New York’s Gun Law Changes: Negligible Impact on Privacy in Private Practice Settings

In January 2013, New York State passed significant changes to its gun control law that impact mental health care in several ways, but should result in a negligible impact on psychotherapy in private practice settings. The new law is the New York Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement Act of 2013, known as the NY SAFE Act. The governor's website now includes a summary of the law's key provisions and frequently asked questions. The full text of the law may be found here.

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Practice Policy Updates

Policy updates to the Outpatient Services Contract for psychotherapy covering the following: (1) Communication between sessions, (2) Additional fees for declined transactions and late payments, and (3) an update to the Litigation Limitation Policy.

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Termination Policy

Termination of psychotherapy is a topic covered in great detail in professional circles, but it's not uncommon for clients to be unfamiliar with how to handle the end of a therapy experience.

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Case Management Policy

I run my practice in as independent and private a manner as possible by choosing not to be contracted with insurance companies that are likely to impose excessive bureaucratic requirements. Even on an out-of-network basis, some insurance companies may request additional information about your treatment in the form of utilization reviews or requests for additional information about you. My default response is to refuse such requests for the dual purpose of protecting your privacy and maintaining the autonomy of my practice.

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New Cancellation Policy

If you and I decide to work together, I will usually schedule one forty-five minute session (one appointment hour of forty-five minutes duration) per week at a mutually agreed time. Once this appointment hour is scheduled, you will be expected to pay for it.

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Fees

Current professional fees are listed and related policies are summarized in this post.

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After Hours Coverage

Though I am often not immediately available by telephone, I routinely check both voicemail and email during regular business hours.

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Insurance

Facts about insurance coverage both in- and out-of-network

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Cancellation Policy (Original)

The following is the Original Cancellation Policy effective for clients starting prior to 2010. Clients may be transferred to the new policy on a case by case basis.

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