Demystifying Therapy Costs: How Courtesy Billing Delivers Premium Care Without Insurance Headaches
Investing in specialized psychotherapy or psychological testing is a powerful step toward personal and professional growth. However, navigating out-of-network insurance reimbursement can feel confusing.
At Arizona Behavioral Health Associates, P.C. (Psychotherapy.Com), we remove the burden of insurance paperwork through out-of-network electronic courtesy claim submission. You receive high-touch, private care while our staff handles claim filings on your behalf.
The Courtesy Billing Difference: You pay your session fee upfront, and we submit claims electronically to your PPO insurer so reimbursement checks go straight to your bank account.
Superbills vs. Courtesy Billing: What You Need to Know
Understanding how out-of-network claims are filed highlights why courtesy billing is superior for clients:
- Manual Superbills: Cash practices give you an itemized receipt (superbill). You must log into insurance portals, complete claim forms, attach documentation, and follow up on delayed payments yourself.
- Practice Courtesy Billing: Our staff submits insurance claims for you electronically as a complimentary service, eliminating portal entries and administrative hassle.
Step-by-Step: How Our Courtesy Billing Workflow Operates
- Session Payment: You pay your standard fee ($180–$250+ depending on service) at your appointment using credit, debit, HSA, or FSA cards.
- Electronic Filing: Our billing department generates a standard primary insurance claim (CMS-1500) formatted with CPT and diagnosis codes and submits it to your carrier.
- Unassigned Benefits: We select "Do Not Accept Assignment" on the claim, legally instructing your insurer that services are paid in full and reimbursement must go directly to you.
- Direct Reimbursement: Your PPO insurer processes the claim and remits payment directly to your home address or bank account.
(Note: Counselor appointments with Alethea Braun-Dunagan, M.A., LPC, also accept Medicare and TriCare/TriWest (for TriCare/TriWest, we balance bill you the difference between what TriCare pays and our rate).
Federal Compliance: Good Faith Estimates
In compliance with the federal No Surprises Act, Arizona Behavioral Health Associates, P.C. provides written Good Faith Estimates (GFE) prior to treatment. Your estimate details session rates, anticipated care frequency, and estimated annual costs—ensuring complete financial transparency with no surprise bills.
5 Questions to Ask Your PPO Insurer Before Your First Session
Call the customer service number on your insurance card to verify your benefits:
| Question to Ask Your Insurer | What It Clarifies |
| "Does my plan cover out-of-network mental health services?" | Confirms OON coverage. |
| "What is my out-of-network annual deductible, and how much is met?" | Identifies out-of-pocket thresholds. |
| "What is the allowable rate authorized by my insurance for CPT code 90837 (psychotherapy)?" | Clarifies fee caps used for reimbursement. |
| "What percentage is reimbursed after my deductible is met?" | Calculates expected return per session (e.g., 60%–80%). |
| "Does my plan accept electronic OON claims filed by providers with unassigned benefits?" | Confirms compatibility with courtesy billing. |
Start Care with Concierge Billing Support
You do not have to choose between exceptional therapy and financial convenience. Let our team handle your claim submissions while you focus on your personal growth.
Contact our Flagstaff office at (928) 774-7997, email info@psychotherapy.com, or request an appointment online at Psychotherapy.Com.