1. barbara griswold, mft
licensed marriage and family therapist
Sustaining Your Practice in a Recession –
Is Insurance Worth the Hassle?
With Barbara Griswold, LMFT
Friday, October 16, 2009
In an Economic Downturn, How Accepting insurance May Help Sustain Your Practice
Beyond the Dollar Sign: Other Reasons I Accept Insurance
A Few Important Terms
Deductibles
Coinsurance/Copayment
In-Network vs. Out-of-Network Provider
Your Choices as a Provider: Types of Plans, and Why It Matters
EAP Plans
HMO and EPO plans
PPO and POS plans
How to Turn First-Time Callers into Clients – Even if You Aren’t On Their Plan
Our Biggest Fears about Managed Care: Myth or Reality?
I’ll have to accept a reduced fee
My therapy will be micromanaged by idiots at the plan
I’ll have to do a mountain of paperwork
We’ll need a doctor referral or preauthorization
My client’s confidentiality is compromised
I’ll have to limit my sessions
The Most Common Mistake We Make that Leads to Costly Claim Denials
How to Sell Yourself to Plans, and What They Are Looking For
Tricks to Reaching a Human Being by Phone at the Insurance Plan
Is Taking Insurance Right for Your Practice?
Barbara Griswold, MFT, is the author of Navigating the Insurance Maze: The Therapist's Complete Guide to
Working with Insurance -- And Whether You Should (www.navigatingtheinsurancemaze.com). Visit her website or
e-mail her at barbgris@aol.com to purchase her book, subscribe to her free monthly insurance e-newsletter, or to
schedule a consultation to get practice building tips or insurance advice. In addition to her practice in San Jose,
California, Barbara serves on the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists’ Ethics Committee.
4100 Moorpark Avenue, Suite 116 | San Jose | California | 408.985.0846 | BarbGris@aol.com