Practice Policies

What is the missed/cancellation session policy?

Dr. Ascher understands everyone has unexpected changes to their schedule. With advanced notice he will try his best to accommodate any schedule change you request. However, you will be charged for missed/cancelled sessions without 48 hours notice unless he can reschedule your appointment within the calendar week. It is important to realize that “no show” sessions cannot be submitted to insurance for reimbursement.

What will the first visit be like?

A typical initial consultation with Dr. Ascher will typically last approximately 90 minutes. He will assess your condition, order necessary laboratory testing, reach out to previous providers (with your consent), and provide resources and support to you and your loved ones. Learn more about what to expect with Dr. Ascher.

Dr. Ascher regularly checks in with you via phone and email to see how you are progressing and responding to treatment (there is no charge for this service). He will also collaborate with your existing therapist and any other providers who are treating you regularly to see how you are progressing (there is no charge for this service). Ongoing and stable patients are seen, at a minimum, at least once every three months for a follow-up session.

Dr. Ascher also has an extensive referral network of providers who share his philosophy of care and he can help you find the perfect clinician who can work with you to meet your individual needs (medical, emotional, financial etc). Please see Dr. Ascher’s Code of Ethics to learn more about his approach to collaborative care.

What is the process of submitting for potential “out of network” insurance reimbursement?

Dr. Ascher will provide (upon request) invoices for rendered services, also known as a superbill.  These forms will have diagnosis codes and description of services rendered. (Insurance companies generally require documentation with this information for “out-of-network” claims). Dr. Ascher has also partnered with a new company called Reimbursify to help you quickly and effectively submit your insurance claims with the touch of a button. Using the Reimbursify app, you’ll be able to immediately send all eligible medical invoices to your insurance company right after a visit with Dr. Ascher. Reimbursify even tracks recurrent services for faster submission on future visits! There is no additional fee for using this service if you are a patient in the practice since Dr. Ascher has signed up for the company’s “provider pro” subscription.

What questions should I ask my insurance company regarding “out of network” outpatient mental health services?

If you are interested in seeking reimbursement from your insurance company for “out-of-network” outpatient mental health services, please contact your insurance company. Some clients will receive a portion of fees reimbursed to them from their insurance companies. Many clients will not receive any reimbursement. Being reimbursed the full fee is extremely rare. You will want to ask your insurance company:

1) Do I have “out-of-network” benefits? If so, what is my deductible for “out-of network” treatment?

2) What percentage of fees are covered (e.g. 70 % of a total number of visits per year)?

3) In what time period must claims be submitted (this can vary from a couple of months to over a year from the date of service)?

4) What is considered “reasonable and customary” for zip codes 19103 (Philadelphia) and 19004 (Bala Cynwyd), which determines the rate at which they will reimburse you for treatment.  Some companies may request a procedure code in addition to a zip code to determine their reimbursement rate. Dr. Ascher is always happy to provide this information and to do his best to assist in these matters.

It is important to realize that “no show” sessions cannot be submitted to insurance for reimbursement. Phone sessions are also not reimbursable through insurance.

Does the practice accept insurance?

Dr. Ascher is an “out-of-network” provider, meaning that he does not accept direct payments from any insurance companies.

Providing comprehensive psychiatric care requires a personalized, tailor-made approach. In order to provide patients with comprehensive, customized care that his patients deserve, Dr. Ascher does not follow the one-size-fits-all treatment guidelines dictated by insurance companies. Dr. Ascher will provide detailed invoices (by request only) to submit claims to insurance companies for reimbursement purposes.

Payment via check or credit card is requested at the time of service. Services are an eligible expense for Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA). Please note that Dr. Ascher has opted out of Medicare. Individuals with Medicare agree to not submit claims to Medicare.

Dr. Ascher has also partnered with a new company called Reimbursify to help you quickly and effectively submit your insurance claims with the touch of a button. Using the Reimbursify app, you’ll be able to immediately send all eligible medical invoices to your insurance company right after a visit with Dr. Ascher. Reimbursify even tracks recurrent services for faster submission on future visits! There is no additional fee for using this service if you are a patient in the practice since Dr. Ascher has signed up for the company’s “provider pro” subscription.

For standard initial consultation and follow-up rates, please email doctor@aschermd.com or submit the contact form on this website. Standard rates may vary slightly depending on complexity of case, frequency of visits and time devoted to care. Medication management patients who are stable are seen once every three months.