psychiatrist no longer accepting insurance

So, the people in the UK probably don't have to worry about this as their health insurance system is different. I am in the US and everyone has to buy private insurance. Anyway, I got a letter from my doctor saying that in a few months he will no longer be accepting insurance. He could provide a bill for you to submitt to insurance on your own and hope to get reinbursed. He claims the overhead cost of processing insurance is too expensive for a private practice. Then he said he didn't want to join a major group as they would not allow him to spend as much time with his clients. Many clinics have the pdocs see 4-6 pts an hour, and right now for med checks he only sees 3 patients. Then he also is available for hour long psychotherapy appointments as well if you want.

I am not sure what I want to do. I really like the doctor I have, and have been seeing him for four years. I like that I can schedule an hour long therapy appiontment when I see him. The times I have needed to call him he has responded promptly and been available for an appointment. It is hard to find a psychiatrist that does therapy in addition to med checks. Plus I don't feel like going pdoc shopping. It is hard to find a good psychiatrist in this area, and there is a big shortage. I really can't tell if I will like a psychiatrist I have an appointment with them. I really don't want to make a bunch of appointments until I find someone I like. I am almost just considering paying out of my pocket. Right now I see this pdoc about 3-4 times a year. I just got really good paying job so at this point I could afford it. Since I had a string of really horrible psychiatrists before I saw this one, I think it might almost be worth it.

Hi Jade,

Does your insurance allow you to submit forms from doctors outside of the network at a lower rate of reimbursement? They might. You'll probably have to pay more out of pocket, but if you really like your doc, it would be worth it.

serafena

i agree with everyone else. if you like him stick with him. just submit the claim to your ins and maybe you'll at lease get some of you money back. but i wouldnt want to try to find another one. not if i like this one and was comfortable with them. its too hard to find a good one sometimes. so your lucky to have a good one. and i if it were me i would stay.

Jade,

Your situation has done a 180, wow it changed a lot from earlier. I would contact your insurance company and find out how much you would have to pay to keep seeing your dr.

Best wishes.