Insurance – Commonm Questions
Do you take insurance?
Out-of-network: We do not contract with or accept insurance. This means that Dr. Stein’s practice is fee-for-service and is considered out-of-network. Health insurance carriers often place limitations on the duration, frequency and type of care provided by contracted physicians.
Important Note Regarding Insurance Listings: As UCLA clinical faculty, Dr. Stein volunteers her time 1/2 day per week to train resident psychiatrists at UCLA. Because UCLA sometimes bills insurance and MediCare for Dr. Stein’s service, insurances will sometimes erroneously list Dr. Stein as being in-network, when it is more accurately UCLA that is in-network for Dr. Stein’s voluntary service. Dr. Stein has not signed any contracts with insurances to be in-network and does not receive any financial compensation for her work at UCLA.
Why do you not contract with insurance?
More time, access, and quality. When Dr. Stein first opened her practice over 18 years ago, she made a conscious decision to provide psychiatric care based on the needs of patients, rather than on restrictions placed by insurance companies. Being out-of-network allows Dr. Stein to be more accessible, to provide high-quality, holistic care, and to spend more time with patients. Patients can still submit superbill receipts for out-of-network PPO insurance reimbursement. Call the number on the back of your insurance card to better understand their coverage of your psychiatric out-of-network outpatient services.
What if my PPO insurance denies coverage of prescription medications, or Dr. Stein’s out-of-network services?
We do not contract with insurance and are not responsible for denial of coverage or for appealing denials. If you want Dr. Stein to take the time to pursue an appeal, let Dr. Stein know and please be aware of the associated time-based fees, as listed on the fee schedule below.
What if my insurance denies coverage of my prescription medication?
Dr. Stein will discuss prescription alternatives with you. If you wish Dr. Stein to take the time to pursue an appeal or a prior authorization, please be aware of the associated time-based fees as listed on the fee schedule.
Do you work with MediCare?
Dr. Stein is not contracted with MediCare. If you are a Medicare patient and wish to work with Dr. Stein, MediCare requires that you sign a MediCare private contract and agree not to submit superbills to MediCare for reimbursement.
What if I need Dr. Stein to complete health, life, workers compensation, or disability etc insurance paperwork or talk to insurance reviewers?
Please bring your paperwork to your appointment so Dr. Stein can address them at the time of your visit. If there is not enough time and/or insurance work needs to be done between appointments, patients are responsible for compensating Dr. Stein per her hourly fees.