Statements have been mailed, so I would like to take a moment to address some commonly asked questions about billing and how we generate the balances. If you have further questions, please feel free to reach out to me by email at Mallory@affiliatedcounselingservices.com .
How is this balance generated?
Each time you visit our office, we generate an insurance claim. This claim is sent to your insurance provider for review. Your insurance company will send us a payment along with an Explanation of Benefits or Remittance Advice. You will also receive a copy of this from your insurance company. They determine if you are responsible for a co-payment, a deductible amount, or if services are not covered under your plan. We apply the insurance payment to your session and send you a statement for your portion of costs.
You have my card on file, why am I receiving a bill?
Your card may be expired, or we may need permission to run your card. Give us a call and we will take care of it.
You participate with my insurance, but I still owe?
Your insurance provider has reviewed the claim and determined the amount that you owe based on your individual policy and the amount they cover for services. For more specific information on your coverage, call the phone number for mental/behavioral health on the back of your insurance card.
What is the difference between a deductible, a co-pay and co-insurance?
A deductible is an annual amount that must be met before your insurance plan will pay for any of your care costs. A co-payment is a set dollar amount for you to pay each time you utilize a routine service. Co-insurance is a percentage of costs that you are responsible after your deductible is met.
Can I make payment arrangements if I cannot pay my whole balance immediately?
Yes! Call us with a plan in mind and we will do our best to work with you.
What is a missed session fee and why do I have one?
There is a $100 fee for each appointment missed or cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice. Exceptions are made for emergencies only. This policy is included in your client registration and is posted throughout the office, online and on our appointment cards.
I have never been to your office. Why am I receiving a bill?
The most common reason is that you are the responsible party listed for one of our patients in a skilled nursing facility or are the parent or legal guardian of one of our clients. Check the statement; under your name and address there is a line that indicates “patient name.” If you are not the responsible party for the patient listed, please give us a call immediately.
What skilled nursing facilities/nursing homes do you visit?
Dr. Richard Blackford consults at the following facilities: Brevillier Village, Bradford Manor, Clarion Healthcare Center, Corry Manor, Edinboro Manor, Kinzua Healthcare Center, LIFE NWPA, Sarah Reed Senior Living, and Warren Manor.
I thought my insurance company was waiving patient amounts during COVID-19?
Many insurance companies are waiving co-payments for telehealth. Each company is different in what they will cover and how long they will cover these costs. For more information, it is best to call your insurance provider directly and ask about your specific coverage.
Photo by Andrew Neel
