Appointments
Sessions are by appointment only. Please contact me if you would like to schedule an appointment. Current clients may also request appointments through the client portal.
Payment Policy
Payment is due at the end of each session, unless we agree upon an alternative payment schedule in advance. I accept all major credit cards (including Health Savings Account cards).
Cancellation Policy
Keeping our scheduled appointments is an important aspect of working toward your treatment goals. If you fail to notify me at least 24 hours in advance of your appointment time that you need to cancel, you will be charged a late cancellation fee. Please be advised that insurance providers do not offer reimbursement for missed appointments.
"In-Network" Health Insurance
I am an in-network provider for most UPMC and Highmark/Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance plans. Unfortunately, I am unable to accept Medicaid and Medicare plans at this time.
If you would like to have me bill your insurance provider, I encourage you to confirm your benefits prior to beginning treatment. I will also be happy to assist you with this.
If you would like to better understand your benefits, you may find it helpful to ask your insurance provider the following questions:
Self Pay and "Out-Of-Network" Health Insurance
Many people choose to pay out-of-pocket for therapy sessions. Some make this decision when a provider they wish to work with does not accept their insurance plan. Others choose to self-pay because they prefer to have more privacy. Insurance companies require that treatment information, including a diagnosis, be provided when claims for therapy services are submitted. Additionally, insurance companies may dictate the type of therapy they will cover, and may set limits on the length of sessions and/or treatment. Individuals who choose to self-pay for therapy are able to work collaboratively with their therapist in order to determine the length and type of treatment, and they will not have their treatment information shared with their insurance provider unless they wish to seek reimbursement from their insurance provider.
If you choose to self-pay for your treatment, you may be able to receive reimbursement from your insurance provider if your insurance plan offers out-of-network benefits for outpatient mental health services. As a licensed psychologist, my professional services qualify for reimbursement under most insurance plans that offer out-of-network benefits. I cannot guarantee reimbursement from your insurance provider.
I offer courtesy billing for clients who choose to self-pay. I will either submit your claims directly to your insurance company on your behalf, or I will provide you with all of the documents you need to file out-of-network claims with your insurance provider.
If you are interested in self-pay and would like to find out about reimbursement, I encourage you to confirm your out-of-network benefits with your insurance provider. I will also be happy to assist you in the process of understanding your benefits and seeking reimbursement.
If you would like to determine whether your insurance plan offers out-of-network benefits, and whether you can receive reimbursement from your insurance provider for my services, you may find it helpful to ask the following questions:
Good Faith Estimates
Under Section 2799B-6 of the Public Health Service Act, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance, or who are not using in-network insurance, an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.
If you have any questions about payment or insurance, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sessions are by appointment only. Please contact me if you would like to schedule an appointment. Current clients may also request appointments through the client portal.
Payment Policy
Payment is due at the end of each session, unless we agree upon an alternative payment schedule in advance. I accept all major credit cards (including Health Savings Account cards).
Cancellation Policy
Keeping our scheduled appointments is an important aspect of working toward your treatment goals. If you fail to notify me at least 24 hours in advance of your appointment time that you need to cancel, you will be charged a late cancellation fee. Please be advised that insurance providers do not offer reimbursement for missed appointments.
"In-Network" Health Insurance
I am an in-network provider for most UPMC and Highmark/Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance plans. Unfortunately, I am unable to accept Medicaid and Medicare plans at this time.
If you would like to have me bill your insurance provider, I encourage you to confirm your benefits prior to beginning treatment. I will also be happy to assist you with this.
If you would like to better understand your benefits, you may find it helpful to ask your insurance provider the following questions:
- Do I have outpatient mental health (or behavioral health) benefits?
- Is Dr. Lisa Strauch Scott an in-network provider for my insurance plan?
- What is my deductible (out-of-pocket expense) for outpatient mental health services, and has it been met for the year?
- If I have not met my deductible for the year, how much will I owe per therapy session until I meet my deductible?
- What is my co-pay or co-insurance (out-of-pocket expense) responsibility for each therapy session?
- Is approval/pre-authorization required from my primary care physician for mental health services?
- Is there a limit to the number of psychotherapy sessions that are covered per year?
Self Pay and "Out-Of-Network" Health Insurance
Many people choose to pay out-of-pocket for therapy sessions. Some make this decision when a provider they wish to work with does not accept their insurance plan. Others choose to self-pay because they prefer to have more privacy. Insurance companies require that treatment information, including a diagnosis, be provided when claims for therapy services are submitted. Additionally, insurance companies may dictate the type of therapy they will cover, and may set limits on the length of sessions and/or treatment. Individuals who choose to self-pay for therapy are able to work collaboratively with their therapist in order to determine the length and type of treatment, and they will not have their treatment information shared with their insurance provider unless they wish to seek reimbursement from their insurance provider.
If you choose to self-pay for your treatment, you may be able to receive reimbursement from your insurance provider if your insurance plan offers out-of-network benefits for outpatient mental health services. As a licensed psychologist, my professional services qualify for reimbursement under most insurance plans that offer out-of-network benefits. I cannot guarantee reimbursement from your insurance provider.
I offer courtesy billing for clients who choose to self-pay. I will either submit your claims directly to your insurance company on your behalf, or I will provide you with all of the documents you need to file out-of-network claims with your insurance provider.
If you are interested in self-pay and would like to find out about reimbursement, I encourage you to confirm your out-of-network benefits with your insurance provider. I will also be happy to assist you in the process of understanding your benefits and seeking reimbursement.
If you would like to determine whether your insurance plan offers out-of-network benefits, and whether you can receive reimbursement from your insurance provider for my services, you may find it helpful to ask the following questions:
- Do I have out-of-network outpatient mental health (or behavioral health) benefits?
- What is my coverage for outpatient psychotherapy? (commonly used CPT codes include 90791, 90837 & 90834)
- What is my deductible, and has it been met for the year?
- If I still have a deductible for the year, how much will I owe per therapy session until I meet my deductible?
- What is the percentage of reimbursement for an out-of-network mental health provider?
- Is approval/pre-authorization required from my primary care physician for mental health services?
- Is there a limit to the number of psychotherapy sessions that are covered per year?
- The number of psychotherapy sessions that are covered per year?
Good Faith Estimates
Under Section 2799B-6 of the Public Health Service Act, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance, or who are not using in-network insurance, an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.
- You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.
- Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your healthcare provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service.
- If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more per session/visit than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.
- Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.
- For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.
If you have any questions about payment or insurance, please do not hesitate to contact me.