Using Your Insurance | Pivot Psychological Services

Can I use my insurance?
A straight answer.

Pivot Psychological Services, PLLC is a self-pay practice — but that doesn't mean insurance can't help. Here's exactly how out-of-network benefits work, what you might get back, and how to find out before you book.

We don't bill insurance directly. What we do is provide you with a detailed superbill — a receipt with all the clinical and billing information your insurer needs — so you can submit for reimbursement yourself.

Many clients with PPO or POS insurance plans recover a significant portion of their evaluation cost. The key is knowing what to ask before you book.

Why we're self-pay — and why it works in your favor

When a practice bills insurance directly, the insurer controls the process: which tests can be run, how many hours are covered, what diagnosis must be listed, and how quickly the work must be done. The result is often a compressed evaluation designed to satisfy a billing threshold — not to answer your actual clinical question.

As a self-pay practice, Pivot has no insurance auditor looking over our shoulder. Your evaluation is built around your referral question, your clinical picture, and the depth of assessment your situation requires. You get a complete neuropsychological evaluation — not the minimum covered one.

The trade-off is that you pay upfront. But with out-of-network benefits, your effective cost is often lower than you'd expect.

How out-of-network benefits work

Most PPO and POS health plans include out-of-network (OON) mental health benefits. Here's the terminology you'll need:

TermWhat it means
OON deductibleThe amount you pay out of pocket each year before OON benefits start. Once met, reimbursement begins.
CoinsuranceYour share after the deductible. If your plan covers 70% OON, you effectively recover 70% of the allowable rate.
Allowable rateWhat your insurer considers reasonable for a given service. They reimburse based on this — not necessarily what you paid.
SuperbillA detailed receipt from your provider containing the billing codes, diagnosis, and clinical information your insurer needs to process your claim.
EOBExplanation of Benefits — a statement from your insurer after your claim is processed showing what they paid and what you'll be reimbursed.

What you might actually get back

These scenarios are illustrative. Your reimbursement depends on your specific plan and deductible status.

ScenarioWhat this looks like
PPO, deductible already met, 70% OONYou pay $1,195 for a Targeted ADHD Evaluation. If the allowable rate is $1,000, insurance reimburses ~$700. Your net cost: ~$495.
PPO, $1,500 remaining on deductibleYou pay $2,395. ~$1,500 applies to your deductible first; the remaining ~$895 is subject to coinsurance (e.g., 70% = ~$626 back). Net cost: ~$1,769.
PPO, deductible met, strong OON planYou pay $3,995. At 80% coinsurance on a $3,500 allowable rate, you recover ~$2,800. Net cost: ~$1,195.
HMO or EPO planThese plans typically have no OON benefits. You pay the full evaluation fee.
High-deductible plan, late in the yearIf your deductible is mostly met, you may be in the same position as the first scenario. Timing your evaluation toward year-end can help.

Check your benefits before you book — 5 questions to ask

Call the member services number on the back of your insurance card and ask:

Ask thisWhy it matters
"Do I have OON mental health benefits?"Yes or No. If No, reimbursement is not available on your plan.
"What is my OON deductible and how much have I met this year?"Tells you how much you'll pay before benefits kick in.
"What is my coinsurance for OON mental health after the deductible?"The percentage insurance will pay once your deductible is met.
"Are CPT codes 96132, 96133, 96136, and 96137 covered?"These are the neuropsychological testing codes on your superbill. Some plans exclude them.
"What is the allowable rate for 96132 in my area?"Optional — gives you a realistic estimate of your reimbursement amount.
Write down the representative's name, date, and call reference number. If there's ever a dispute about your coverage, this documentation protects you.

After your evaluation — how it works

1
Receive your superbillPivot provides a detailed superbill within a few days of your evaluation, containing everything your insurer needs to process your claim.
2
Submit to your insurerLog in to your insurer's member portal, find the out-of-network claim form, attach your superbill, and submit. Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks. Or use the Reimbursify app to submit from your phone in minutes.
3
Receive reimbursement directlyYour insurer sends reimbursement directly to you — not to Pivot. You'll also receive an EOB detailing exactly what was paid.
4
Appeal if neededIf a code is denied, you have the right to appeal. Pivot will provide any additional documentation your insurer requests — we make this as easy as possible.
When your evaluation is complete, you'll also receive a detailed step-by-step reimbursement guide — not just a receipt. Our goal is for you to walk away with both the answers you came for and as much money back as possible.

Which plan types work best

Plan typeOON reimbursement outlook
PPOBest option. After deductible, most PPO plans reimburse 50–80% of the allowable rate for neuropsychological evaluation.
POSUsually has OON benefits, but may require a PCP referral. Confirm with your insurer before booking.
HMOTypically no OON coverage. Reimbursement is unlikely.
EPOTypically no OON coverage. Reimbursement is unlikely.
HDHPDepends on timing. If your deductible is partially or fully met, OON benefits may be meaningful.

Evaluation fees

All fees are flat, transparent, and posted here. No hidden charges, no surprises.

EvaluationFee
Targeted ADHD Evaluation$1,195
In-Depth Neuropsychological Evaluation$2,395
Comprehensive Neuropsychological Evaluation$3,995
Comprehensive + ASD Differential$4,995

HSA and FSA cards accepted. Payment is due at the time of service.

Ready to move forward?

Book a free 15-minute consultation to talk through your evaluation needs and get your questions answered — including any questions about insurance. Or go straight to booking.