New Clients FAQ

 Do I need to fill out any paperwork? Once you have set up an intake meeting, I will email you with digital intake paperwork.Please complete these forms at least 24 hours in advance of your intake session. Please email Stephanie@SMDTherapy.com with any questions about your intake paperwork. 

When do I need to pay for my sessions? Payment for services is always due at the time of service, and may be made by cash, check, or credit card (including HSA cards, when applicable). All clients are required to keep a current credit card on file, which will be charged following each billable service. If you have a balance more than $100, you will not be able to schedule another session until balance is paid. 

What insurance do you accept? SMD Therapy is in-network with Optum/United Healthcare (Oscar, UMR, Oxford, and United Healthcare Student Resources), Aetna PPO, and BCBS PPO.

**It is important for you to check with your insurance to see if we are in-network. Headway will check and verify benefits; however, insurance companies dont always have the correct information for us. 

What if you dont accept my insurance and I'd like to still see you? SMD Therapy can provide out-of-network if your insurance is not in-network or accepted at the practice. At your request, I will be happy to provide you with statements that include all information needed to seek out-of-network reimbursement from your insurance carrier. Out-of-network reimbursement rates vary based insurance carrier, plan and service provided. We encourage all clients to contact their insurance plan’s member services department to verify their out-of-network benefits and coverage.

Below is a sample of what to ask your insurance provider regarding Out of Network benefits:

CALL THE MEMBER SERVICES NUMBER ON THE BACK OF YOUR INSURANCE CARD AND ASK:

Does my plan include out-of-network benefits for outpatient behavioral health services?

Common CPT codes for these services are:

90791: Diagnostic Clinical Evaluation (intake session)

90834 - 45-minute individual therapy session

90837 - 60-minute individual therapy session

If Yes, do I need pre-authorization from a medical professional?

Do I have a deductible to meet before my out-of-network benefits take effect?

If yes, how much is my out-of-network deductible and how much of my out-of-network deductible is currently remaining?

Once I meet my deductible, what percent of the cost of services will I be reimbursed?

Is my reimbursement based on a percentage of the actual fee billed or of a particular maximum fee covered?

What is the process for submitting out-of-network claims (where can I locate the claims form, can I submit multiple dates of service at once, etc.?) Record the representative's name and request a reference # for your benefits eligibility call. This information will be helpful if you ever need to dispute a rejected claim.

What happens if I need to cancel the appointment the day before? To avoid a last-minute cancellation fee, please notify us at least 24 hours prior to your appointment to cancel or reschedule. There will be a $170 cancellation fee for any late cancellations or no-shows. Insurance companies are not liable for your late notice cancellation/“no show” fees. You are responsible for paying the cancellation fee.  Please be aware, your credit card on file will be charged the appropriate fee.

I am going out of town, can I still see you for therapy? Unfortunately, therapists cannot see a client if they are not licensed in that state. At this time, I am only licensed in Illinois and can only see you if your are in Illinois. 

How do I schedule an appointment with you if I'm using insurance? I am credentialed through a platform called Headway. https://headway.co/providers/stephanie-dimaggio?utm_source=pem&utm_medium=direct_link&utm_campaign=42639

If you would like to use insurance, you will receive an email through headway to fill our insurance information, paperwork, and provide a credit card (HSA will not be accepted). You will also receive an email through Simple Practice which is where your sessions will take place. This site will also prompt you to fill out paperwork from my practice (practice policy, notice of privacy practices and informed consent, etc.), as well as demographic information, intake paperwork, assessments, and credit card information. 

Why do I have to provide my credit card information twice? Since I am credentialed through Headway (if you’re using insurance), they will charge for co-pays, co-insurances, and deductibles. I will also charge through my EHR if there is a no-show, late cancellation, you are using Out of Network services, or you are opting out of insurance and being seen as a self-pay client. 

Am I allowed to find out how much I should be paying if I am not using insurance? Effective January 2022, you have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your healthcare services will cost. Under the law, healthcare providers (including mental health providers) need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services. 

• You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. 

• Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service. 

• If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. 

• Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises