Fees
$150 per 45-minute session; $200 for the initial assessment session. A discounted fee may apply if an insurance plan or Employee Assistance Program in which I participate covers the services, and the fees may be higher for forensic (legally-related) services.
Insurance
I am a participating provider with Anthem Blue Cross of California, Medicare, and the Foundation for Medical Care. As insurance companies merge or buy other insurance companies, it can become uncertain whether a provider is in their network.
To determine if you have mental health coverage through your insurance carrier, you can call them or review your policy. Check your coverage carefully and make sure you understand it. Services may be covered in full or in part by your health insurance or employee benefit plan. Please check your coverage carefully and determine the answers to the following questions:
- Do I have mental health insurance benefits?
- Is there a specific network of mental health providers that are covered by the insurance, and is Dr. Blankman in that network? If he is not, what are the benefits for out-of-network providers?
- What is my deductible, does it apply to psychotherapy office sessions, and how much of it has been met? (There may be separate deductibles for in-network vs. out-of-network providers.)
- How many sessions per year does my health insurance cover?
- What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
- Is preauthorization required for psychotherapy office sessions? If so, how is that obtained?
Payment
You will be able to pay for online sessions with a credit or debit card through a secure service that does not show me any information about the card. You may also mail a check.
Cancellation policy
Once an appointment is scheduled, you will be expected to pay for it unless you provide at least 24 hours advance notice of cancellation, unless we both agree that you were unable to attend and unable to provide 24-hours notice due to circumstances beyond your control. In the latter case there will be a $20 late cancellation fee. It is important to note that insurance companies almost never provide reimbursement for cancelled sessions.
Right to receive a Good Faith Estimate of expected charges
Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have
insurance or who are not using 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 health care 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 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.