Insurance
Self-Pay
COST
Monthly premiums, copays, deductibles; never certain what a service will cost.
Transparent and simplified. Possible partial reimbursement from insurance by submitting a superbill.
CONVENIENCE
Long waits for access to providers. May require referrals. Time spent on the phone with insurance companies. Treatment interrupted during job changes.
Faster access to doctors. Streamlined process without a third party. Treatment continuity through job transitions.
TREATMENTS AVAILABLE
Insurance companies dictate the type and frequency of treatment. Can deem treatments "medically unnecessary" despite physician recommendations.
Decisions are based on what is appropriate, safe, and effective for the patient, without external limitations.
WHAT PHYSICIANS SPEND TIME ON
Complex documentation, audits, coding, negotiating reimbursement rates, and dealing with burnout.
Focused on patient care, continuous learning, and delivering their best work in a valued, fulfilling environment.
PRIVACY
Insurance companies can access your medical records at any time.
Your records remain private, without third-party access.
DIAGNOSIS
Requires formal DSM diagnoses and ICD-10 codes, which may not capture psychological nuances. Can negatively impact applications for life insurance.
No requirement to assign ill-fitting labels. Focused on understanding the patient's unique circumstances without relying on diagnostic codes.