Top row: Janel Barrington, Claims Management Specialist; Jennifer Townley, Insurance Verification Specialist

Bottom row: Kathy Buckner, Business Office Patient Liaison; Cyndi Eddington, Manager; Sue Coombs, Billing Specialist

Not pictured: Jessica McDermott, Patient Account Services Coordinator

About Eating Recovery CenterEating Recovery Center is a national center for eating disorders recovery providing comprehensive treatment for anorexia and bulimia. Denver-based facilities include a licensed behavioral hospital treating adults, an outpatient office, and an adolescent facility scheduled to open in November 2010. Our integrated program offers patients from across the country a continuum of care that includes inpatient, residential, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient and outpatient services. Eating Recovery Center’s premier treatment programs offer access to nationally recognized eating disorders professionals in an environment that promotes healing, hope and sustainable recovery. Our compassionate team of professionals collaborates with treating professionals and loved ones to cultivate lasting behavioral change. For more information please contact us at 877-218-1344 or info@EatingRecoveryCenter.com or confidentially chat live on our website at www.EatingRecoveryCenter.com.

People with ImpactProfessionals Making a Difference in Sustainable Recovery

Cyndi Eddington and the Business Office Team

Entering eating disorder treatment is often a difficult process for patients and families. During this emotionally charged time, navigating the broad spectrum of available options can be overwhelming. Once individuals or families have found the treatment facility that best fits their needs, they are faced with yet another hurdle: securing the financial resources to make it work.

This is when the business office at an eating disorder treatment center can be a strong ally. Business offices work directly with individual insurance providers, patients and their families to coordinate payment of benefits and help patients receive the treatment that they need.

Cyndi Eddington, Manager of Eating Recovery Center’s business office, recently shared five important tips to help anyone be their own advocate when seeking to understand their insurance coverage. Individuals entering treatment can use this advice to ensure a positive and effective experience with an insurance provider. Additionally, referring professionals may find these tips helpful when guiding patients into a treatment program.

1) “Read the fine print” in benefits plans. Mental health coverage varies by insurance provider, and even by benefits program and group. Thorough investigation into a plan can lead to stronger coverage related to length of stay and levels of care. For example, insurance benefits often differ for outpatient versus inpatient care. Work with the treatment provider to ensure that insurance benefits – at every level of care – are thoroughly understood and applied accordingly to ensure maximum benefit.

2) Remain in constant communication with the potential treatment provider. The treatment provider, and specifically the business office, can help identify questions to ask and terminology to use when speaking with an insurance provider. Do not be afraid to ask questions when unsure about what information may be relevant to share.

3) Understand that insurance providers do not solely deal with mental illnesses. Case managers regularly work with patients dealing with hundreds of different types of conditions. The ability of a patient or referring professional to describe the details of a medical and/or psychiatric condition and explain how it applies to the plan’s coverage guidelines will lead to more effective and efficient conversations.

4) Know the important facts about mental health parity laws. Though specific laws vary by state, patients with biologically based mental illnesses, such as eating disorders, often have a legal right to coverage. Because insurance companies provide broad health benefits, case managers may need assistance navigating the “ins and outs” of different laws that impact patient coverage. Understanding these laws can guide insurance companies in determining exactly what type and how much treatment is covered on your specific plan and available to you.

5) Have patience. Remember that treatment centers strive for successful outcomes and lasting recovery for every patient, but it may take more than a few days to research benefits and secure treatment.

1830 Franklin Street, Suite 500 | Denver, Colorado 80218 | 877-218-1344 | www.EatingRecoveryCenter.com

Volume I, Issue 2August 2010

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