Beginning January 1, 2022, federal laws regulating client care have been updated to include the “No Surprises” Act. This Act requires health care practitioners to provide current and potential clients a “Good Faith Estimate” (GFE) on the cost of treatment, if paying out of pocket. Even if you have insurance, you probably have copays and deductible. Or you may lose your insurance. Thus, this information is being provided for all.
This new regulation is designed to provide transparency to patients regarding their expected medical expenses and to protect them from surprises when they receive their medical bills. It allows patients to understand how much their health care will cost before they receive services.
There are a number of factors that make It challenging to provide an estimate on how long it will take for a client to complete treatment, and much depends on the individual client and their goals in seeking treatment. Some clients are satisfied with a reduction in symptoms while others continue longer since it would seem like the situation is not just a one time thing. One might compare some conditions to high blood pressure. In such a situation regular planned appointments are best.
Before we first meet for our 30 minute video virtual session, you will get information on my rates. In addition, these are on my website: DrDiBella.com. Please click on: page therein on fees.
For follow-up 15 minute meetings, the current rate for new patients is $85.
The frequency and duration is dependent on your individual needs and goals. It would be unusual for patients to come in more than weekly.
Usually, a new patient comes in every 2-4 weeks for 2 months, then less frequently.
If a controlled mediation (examples, Xanax, Adderall), then at least every 3 months is needed. Total good faith Estimated Cost: $ $200-450/year is the average, but if weekly visits then $4,000/year. Your questions about fees are always welcome.
The Good Faith Estimate does NOT include any unknown or unexpected costs that may arise during treatment. You could be charged more if complications or circumstances occur that take the doctor's time. Examples: reports, refills without appointment, “no show” costs, confering with your therapist, etc, as mentioned in your initial paperwork.
Yearly increase will occur with inflation or secondary to other laws that come out that increase the cost of medical practice.
You may also start a dispute resolution process with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). If you choose to use the dispute resolution process, you must start the dispute process within 120 calendar days (about 4 months) of the date on the original bill. There is a $25 fee to use the dispute process. If the agency reviewing your dispute disagrees with you, you will have to pay only the price on the Good Faith Estimate. If the agency disagrees with you and agrees with the health care provider, you will have to pay the higher amount on the bill.
To learn more and get a form to start the process, go to www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call 1-800-985-3059
Geoffrey Di Bella, MD Psychiatrist DBA: OPTILIFE, Inc.