Why do some health providers not accept or participate with health insurance plans?
A number of psychologists require that payment for services be made at the time the services are rendered. Under some insurance plans, the psychologist must regularly justify the treatment plan to a so-called “case manager” who has never met the patient and generally has less expertise than the treating professional. At times, delays in authorization may disrupt the continuity of treatment. When the psychologist determines that further treatment is necessary but the insurance company disagrees, they will not pay for the services. Nonpayment of services by health insurers negatively impacts the quality of care that a patient can receive. Many other health professionals feel similarly and prefer not to give the insurance companies access to patient information and the authority to manage treatment at a distance. Many psychologists who do not participate in insurance plans will adjust their fees to make their services affordable. It is important to understand that although some psychologi
