Privacy & Other Policies

CONFIDENTIALITY POLICY

                          The law protects the relationship between a Client and a Mental Health professional,                                  and information cannot be disclosed unless the situation meets the following exceptions: 

Exceptions to Confidentiality Include:

• We are required by law to report to the appropriate authorities if there is reason to believe or suspect occurrence of  child abuse/neglect, elder abuse/neglect or abuse/neglect to a vulnerable adult. 
• If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person/s, we must notify law enforcement and warn the intended victim.
• If a client intends to harm himself or herself, we will make every effort to enlist their cooperation in ensuring their safety. If this is unsuccessful, we may take further measures to ensure their safety.
• If a client signs written consent (i.e. collaborative care with another health care provider, agency, etc.).  The written consent would specify what is to be released.
• If a court order is issued, we are required to respond but will notify you of the court order.
• When your insurance is involved, such as filing a claim,  a diagnosis is required.  According to insurance plan/policy, during case reviews, reauthorization for sessions, etc., a treatment plan and progress reviews are submitted.
• If a client is experiencing a medical emergency, and to the extent necessary for emergency medical care to be provided. (In addition to client's emergency contact.)
• If a client is experiencing a mental health emergency, and to the extent necessary for emergent mental health treatment to be provided. (In addition to client's emergency contact).

HIPAA NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES

Please be familiar with your rights related to your protected health information and guidelines by which your privacy is safeguarded along with other helpful information related to your medical/mental health records.  

You can view LifeCare's Privacy Policy & Practices by clicking the link below.  New clients are provided a copy of LifeCare's Privacy Practices through the client portal or by request in-person.  

LifeCare Privacy Policy

CANCELATION POLICY

When you make an appointment with LIfeCare, we reserve that time especially for you. Just as you deserve your therapist’s full attention during your appointment, we greatly appreciate knowing in advance, when a client is unable to keep their appointment.  It is also difficult to offer a time slot to other clients when adequate notice is not provided or when a client misses an appointment.  Therefore, please be aware that a $25 fee will be charged for missed appointments or failure to provide a 24-hour notice.  We also understand that unexpected situations arise.  In these instances, please inform us when extenuating circumstances occur (i.e., medical illness, death in the family, unexpected event, etc.)

NO SURPRISES ACT DISCLOSURE

“Surprise billing” or "balance billing" is an unexpected balance bill. This can happen during times you seek treatment from a provider who may be out of network, for example. “Out-of-network” means providers and facilities that haven’t signed a contract with your health plan to provide services. Out-ofnetwork providers may be allowed to bill you for the difference between what your plan pays and the full amount charged for a service. This is called “balance billing.” This amount is likely more than in-network costs for the same service and might not count toward your plan’s deductible or annual out-of-pocket limit.

LifeCare Counseling LLC is an in-network provider for the following insurance providers, including additional insurance payers that are affiliated with them: Aetna, BCBS, Cigna (EverNorth), and Optum (United Healthcare). It is customary for LifeCare to verify insurance benefits prior to your initial appointment but we recommend you also verify in-network status by checking with your insurance provider.  

A Good Faith Estimate will be provided to out-of-network, uninsured and/or self-pay clients within 1-3 days of the initial appointment including anticipated costs of services (based upon an average of 4 months or 18 sessions). A client’s total cost would vary if the services provided are more or less than the period outlined in the initial Good Faith Estimate. This is only an average time frame and estimate. Each client’s therapy needs, situation and circumstances are different which will impact length of treatment.  For more information about your rights to a Good Faith Estimate from healthcare providers, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.

WORKING WITH MINORS/PARENTAL CONSENT

It is LifeCare's policy that the parent who consents to the treatment of a minor that he/she is responsible for payment of charges for counseling services rendered.  A parent providing consent for mental health treatment is assumed to have the legal right to do so. We expect that the information we receive from a parent is truthful. Misrepresentation of a parent's legal right to consent to treatment may result in termination of services.

In cases of divorce, the parent who is the subscriber for the policy under which a child is covered must provide consent for LifeCare Counseling LLC to file insurance claims. If such consent is not provided, we will be unable to file insurance and therapy services will have to be paid for in full by the parent presenting the child for treatment. Please know that when insurance claims are filed, the subscriber of the child's insurance policy will receive EOB's from their insurance provider indicating that therapy services were rendered.

LifeCare Counseling, LLC, and therapists associated with LifeCare Counseling will NOT be involved in divorce/custody disputes as they relate to treatment. Divorced parents bear the responsibility of determining how and if payments for the cost of therapy are split. The parent who brings a minor client in for therapy is expected to pay the full copay due, or if self-pay (session fee).

If you have any questions or concerns about any of our policies, please feel free to ask your therapist.