Why It’s Crucial to Notify Us of Insurance Changes

At Lakeside Counseling Center, we are committed to providing our clients with the highest quality mental health care in a supportive and seamless manner. Part of ensuring that your care goes uninterrupted is making sure we have your most up-to-date insurance information. If your insurance plan changes for any reason—whether due to job change, policy updates, or open enrollment—it’s essential that you notify your provider or our administrative team as soon as possible.

Why This Matters

Insurance coverage plays a vital role in determining how your services are billed and what portion of your sessions are covered. When we have current insurance information, we can verify your benefits accurately, submit claims in a timely manner, and help you avoid unnecessary out-of-pocket expenses.

Failing to notify us of changes can result in several complications, including:

1. Claim Denials

If we submit a claim using outdated or incorrect insurance details, it may be denied. Once a claim is denied, it cannot be resubmitted to a different insurer for the same date of service. This may result in you being responsible for the full cost of the session.

2. Unexpected Balances

Without updated insurance information, we cannot verify coverage or determine co-pays, deductibles, or session limits. This can lead to surprises on your billing statement and possible delays in resolving account balances.

3. Interrupted Care

In some cases, outdated insurance information may lead to a temporary pause in services while we attempt to clarify or verify your coverage. This can disrupt your progress and create unnecessary stress.

4. Delays in Preauthorization

Some insurance plans require preauthorization or a referral for mental health services. If we are unaware of a new plan, we may not be able to obtain these approvals in time, causing further delays or even denial of coverage.

How You Can Help

To ensure a smooth continuation of care:

• Inform us immediately if your insurance changes, even if it’s the same provider with a different policy number.

• Provide a copy of your new insurance card (front and back) to our front desk or via our secure patient portal.

• Double-check your mental health benefits with your new plan so you are aware of any changes in coverage, copayments, or provider networks.

We're Here to Support You

Navigating insurance changes can be confusing, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our administrative team is here to help verify your coverage and answer any questions you may have about billing or claims. Keeping us informed helps us serve you better and ensures that your focus stays where it belongs—on your mental health and well-being

If you have recently changed insurance providers or expect a change soon, please contact our office at (608)889-7173 or email us at therapy@lakesidecounsel.com.

Thank you for being a valued part of the Lakeside Counseling Center community.