How Does
It Work?
All complete psychoeducational assessments and assessments for autism/ developmental delays include:
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an intake session with parents/guardians (approximately 1 hour).
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all testing sessions necessary.
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a feedback session with parents/guardians to review written results and discuss recommendations (approximately 90 minutes).
A detailed statement of fees can be provided for clients’ submission to insurance companies for self-filing claims.
For developmental and psychoeducational evaluations:
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$20 administration fee at the time of scheduling to cover paperwork and/or parent and teacher survey materials that will be distributed
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$230 of the total fee is due at the intake appointment.
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Payment for 50% of the total is expected on the first day of testing.
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The remaining balance is expected when results and a final report are received.
For Dyslexia-Only or ADHD-Only evaluations:
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$20 administration fee at the time of scheduling to cover paperwork and/or parent and teacher survey materials that will be distributed
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$230 of the total fee is due at the intake appointment.
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Remainder of payment in full is expected on the day of testing.
Please note that most insurance companies do not cover psychological testing for developmental delays or learning issues, as they deem these services ‘educational’ rather than ‘medical’, even if the provider is ‘in-network’.
Why did we stop accepting insurance?
Insurance companies only pay for things that are ‘medically necessary.’ This means that someone has to actually diagnose you with a mental health disorder AND prove that it is impacting your health on a day-to-day basis. Fortunately, many parents seek treatment before their child’s issue would meet criteria for diagnosis as a mental health disorder. Your insurance company will tell you, “A quote for benefits does not guarantee payment…” This means that you can be told over the phone that something is covered. You can be given an authorization number. You are often still denied once they review the diagnosis.
Another issue is that we have learned over the years that preapprovals involve the staff of the insurance company ‘granting permission’ for each and every individual test that we feel we need to administer, prior to our starting testing. We tailor our assessments to your child and the referral question, so we frequently change our test battery after we start working with and getting to know your child, rather than administering the same tests to each client. This individualized approach does not fit with the insurance preapproval process.
Lastly, we are typically required to give a mental health diagnosis/code in order to receive reimbursement. This is unethical if in fact your child does not meet criteria for a diagnosis, and requires that a family member’s diagnosis be shared with third parties.
Our services DO qualify for flex spending.
