Thank you for visiting my website to learn more about my services. Here are answers to common questions about my practice.
Does Dr. Ferguson Take Insurance?
At this time, I accept the Victim Compensation Program (VCP), I am a contracted provider with Tri-Counties Regional Center (TCRC) for certain assessments, and I am an "Out-of-Network Provider" for other insurance carriers. This means that I do not take insurance directly aside from VCP and TCRC. I believe this allows me to provide you with more privacy and flexibility than if insurance were used. If you do want to use health insurance, see below.
How Can I Use My Insurance Benefits?
Ask your insurance company if you have "Out-of-Network Benefits," how many sessions are allowed, whether you have reached your deductible, and how much you would be reimbursed to you for each session. I can provide you with a “Super Bill” that includes the information needed for your insurance company to process the claim, such as your payment and the type of services provided. Your insurance company mayreimburse you for part of my fee, so be sure to verify any questions with your insurance company prior to your appointment. During a complimentary 15 minute phone consultation, I can answer your questions regarding how to use your insurance.
When Is Payment Due?
Clients are required to pay the agreed-upon fee at the time of service, whether or not your insurance company reimburses you for all or part of the fee. I will give you a receipt, or "Super Bill," after each session that you can submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement.
Why Doesn't Dr. Ferguson Take Insurance?
If I were to bill your insurance directly, I would be required to disclose your personal health information, including diagnosis, to your insurance company. Sometimes the insurance company also requires information about family history, substance use, previous psychiatric treatment, medications, abuse history, and other private information. This may result in denial of future health insurance or life insurance. Insurance companies also may set limits on the number of sessions that are authorized, or deny certain types of therapy or needed testing. By not accepting health insurance, I am also able to spend more time with my clients, rather than on insurance paperwork.
Your Privacy
Your personal health information and all communication between you and Dr. Ferguson is kept confidential, and no information is disclosed without your prior written consent. However, there are some exceptions required by law. Dr. Ferguson makes every attempt to discuss these situations with you prior to reporting these incidents to the appropriate agencies who can provide additional support and help.
• If child abuse, elder abuse, or dependent adult abuse is suspected.
• If a client is a danger to another person.
• If a client is a danger to himself or herself.
What Are Dr. Ferguson's Fees?
• Initial Evaluation for 120 minutes (2 hours) is $350
• Clinical Session for 50 minutes is $125
• Clinical Session for 50 minutes for couples is $150
• There is no charge for brief calls to change appointments.
• There is no charge for urgent calls to discuss worsening symptoms.
• All other calls will be charged at the pro-rated Clinical Session rates.
• Visits to schools or hospitals will be charged at the Clinical Session rate.
• Diagnostic Assessments are varied in length and complexity, so fees will
vary. You will always be given fees up front so you can decide.
Does Dr. Ferguson Accept Credit Cards or checks?
Yes. Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, debit cards and checks are accepted. There is a $25 fee for returned checks.
Appointments, Cancellations, and No-ShowsWhen I make an appointment with you, I reserve that time especially for you (I do not “double book,” for example). You must notify me by phone 24 hours in advance if you need to cancel, otherwise you will be charged the full amount of your appointment fee, unless we both agree that the cancellation was unavoidable. I will extend the same courtesy to you. This means that if you wake up the day of your appointment and find that you or your child is too sick to attend our session, call me and we will find another time. I recognize that either you or I may have unavoidable events occur that prevent us from providing 24-hour notice. If I find that this policy is being abused and you have frequent cancellations without 24-hour notice, then you will be charged for the missed appointment.
