Insurance/Billing

I am a preferred provider for the following insurance companies:

• Regence Blue Cross/Blue Shield
• Providence Preferred PPO (not Providence's general plan)
• Lifewise*

*Note: all LifeWise clients must call 800-596-3440 BEFORE their first appointment and ask for a “Benefit Advisory for Behavioral Health Services” -- if you do not do this all claims will be denied.

I am also a provider for Kaiser Permanente through their referral program, however, you must receive authorization from Kaiser to see me prior to scheduling an appointment. Being "in-network" means that I will bill your insurance directly and you will be responsible for your co-pay (and deductible if applicable) at the time of your visit. I accept cash and checks as payment. I am able to process credit or debit cards through Paypal; see the link at the bottom of this page.

Please call your insurance company to verify your benefits before your initial visit as you are ultimately responsible for payment. There are often deductibles, number of visit limits, and other restrictions.

Providence members should call Providence Health Plan to check that I am within network prior their first visit to see me. As of August 1, 2008, I am no longer an in-network provider for United Healthcare -- affecting some Providence plans managed by Pacificare/United Healthcare (UBH). I am also no longer a participating provider in PacificSource as of May 1, 2009 and Aetna as of July 1, 2009.

For these and other insurance panels, you will need to call the number on the back of your insurance card to find out your mental health benefits/coverage. Most insurance companies have some out of network coverage to come and see me. You may be subject to a deductible or simply have a higher co-pay. It is usually worth your while to check on what your out of network benefits are. When you call in this situation ask the following questions:

1. Is Catherine Samson, PMHNP a covered provider for me?
2. What are my out of network benefits for mental health?
3. Do I have a separate out of network deductible?
4. What percentage or fee do I pay?  Is this based on a “usual and customary fee” or her actual rates?
5. How many visits do I get in a certain time frame?

Insurance no longer covers charges for services rendered by phone/e-mail, prior authorization calls or forms, letters, reports, cancellations (if less than 48 hours notice) or missed appointments. These will be billed to you directly. Payment is expected at the time of service. I accept cash and checks as payment. I am not able to process credit or debit cards at this time in my office but you may make payments through Paypal (see the link at the bottom of this page).  If you do not have a co-pay with you at the time of an appointment, a $10 charge will be added to your bill. Appointments cancelled with under 48 hour notice are billed for the full fee for the scheduled appointment.

Fee Schedule

Frequently provided services are listed below. A complete fee schedule is available upon request. For those who are not using insurance and pay in full at the time of service, I offer a 20% discount on fees.

Paypal

Payment Amounts

Option 1 $15.00 Option 2 $20.00 Option 3 $25.00 Option 4 $40.00 Option 5 $84.00 Option 6 $100.00 Option 7 $108.00 Option 8 $128.00 Option 9 $148.00 Option 10 $208.00