Practice Policies
Employee Assistance Program Services
[EAP Services]:
If you are utilizing your EAP services
provided by your employer, it is your responsibility
to ensure that I have the proper authorization codes
and approvals required by your program or your health
insurance carrier will be billed for the services
and/ or you will be held financially responsible for
the services provided.
EAP services are pre-paid by your employer
and are often not listed on your health insurance
card. They are typically considered a carved out program
and have separate approval procedures, billing addresses,
and contact information. The only way we can usually
track your benefits is through the *800/888* number
you have been given by your employer. Every attempt
will be made to ensure that billing is sent to the
proper location. On occasion, errors occur, please
be understanding if this happens. I must set up a
billing account on every client and a statement is
generated monthly to track payments.
Because the EAP programs are so varied
these bills must be hand processed. At times you may
receive a bill for an EAP account in which you were
not to be billed, this is a means of tracking payment
and does not mean that you owe for the service if
it was previously approved by your EAP. When you contact
your EAP, you will be told how many visits you have
under your program. It is the determination of the
therapist if the EAP short term services are appropriate
for your situation. You may be referred to a mental
health provider if the EAP services you have available
will likely not be enough to cover the course of treatment.
In some cases, your EAP benefits may roll over into
your health care benefits of which I am a preferred
provider and this will allow you to continue without
having to develop a relationship with a new therapist.
In some cases, I CAN NOT see a client
once I have provided EAP services to them because
of the contract I have with the EAP provider. I will
provide you with a listing of appropriate referral
resources and will often recommend you begin treatment
with one of the therapist provided in order to provide
continuity of services. You should also be aware that
if you are MANDATED by your employer to come for an
assessment and/or treatment (especially when drugs
or alcohol are involved) that your employer will be
notified of the treatment recommendations and your
attendance and participation in treatment.
In MANDATED cases, your job is generally
on the line and it can be held against you if you
are non-compliant with treatment or if you refuse
the recommendations offered by the EAP provider. Be
sure to check your employee handbook and policies
and procedures manuals to know your rights. You may
also wish to consult an attorney for advice regarding
your situation. I can not provide you with legal interpretations.
SAP evaluations and follow-up visits may or may not
be covered under your EAP. The EAP will generally
notify me if they are considered a covered service.
I bill separately for these services due to the DOT
required documentation. Payment is due upon receipt
of the required documentation for your job.
