Frequently Asked Questions

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Which insurances do you take? 

We are in network for Blue Cross and Blue Shield Preferred Provider Organizations. We bill at an in network rate for this insurance only. You should note that most insurance policies cover a substantial portion of our services as out of network providers.

What is the difference between in network and out of network providers? 

An in network provider is one who has signed a contract with an insurance company to provide care for those who have that insurance. Any provider that has not specifically signed this contract would be out of network.

What is the difference in payments when coming to your office as an out of network patient? 

As an out of network patient, you may be responsible for a higher percentage of your bill with us. We ask that all out of network patients pay for each session at the time of service. You would then submit the bill we give you to your insurance company. Everything needed to be reimbursed is usually on the receipt we give you. Occasionally, you may need a provider's signature to be reimbursed for your expenses here.

What is a superbill? 

A superbill is the bill you receive for services here. It typically has a list of possible services provided according to a medical code book. The superbill also has the name of the person being seen, the date of service and identifying information for both the provider and the practice. This includes various licensing and identification numbers for the provider. Finally the superbill will have the diagnosis code used by your provider for the session. Our superbills also list the date of your next appointment.

What is the difference between a coinsurance and a copay? 

A coinsurance is a percentage of the visit you will be responsible for. This is typically the amount you will pay to the provider after deductible has been met. A copay is a set dollar amount that you are responsible for at the time of the session. These numbers are set by your insurance company.

What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist? 

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (either an MD, doctor of medicine, or a DO, doctor of osteopathy) who has trained fully in medical school, and has then done four to six years of specialized training in psychiatry. This would include various therapy treatments as well as medical treatments like use of medication.

A psychologist is a person who has at least a master's degree in psychology and is licensed as such after extra training in psychological testing and therapy, and passing a licensing examination.

What are the credentials of the various providers in your office? 

We have psychiatrists who have medical degrees, a doctoral level (PhD) psychologist, a social worker, and two licensed clinical professional counselors. Each provides a specialized level of expertise in their approach. See under our "About us" tab for more information.

What are the different types of treatment you offer? 

A short list of treatment includes individual, family and group therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, insight oriented therapy, psychodynamic therapy, substance use treatment and evaluation and management services. Our psychiatrists are skilled at providing appropriate medication interventions within these settings.

Does Wellspring do inpatient work? 

No providers at Wellspring currently work as inpatient providers. However, we have extensive knowledge of the referral base in the western suburbs and work closely with many of the hospital and residential facilities in coordination of care.

How can you help with referrals? 

We have an extensive referral list to which we refer. Our collective experience both in the community and in our fields of discipline allows us to target the right placement for continuation of care when needed.

Is counseling confidential? 

Counseling is always confidential, and Wellspring Clinical Associates takes this very seriously. We employ an electronic medical record that is highly protected and meets or exceeds HIPAA requirements. We do not release records without your written permission. Many times, our providers work to be discrete in entering of notes to provide a further level of confidentiality.

What about insurance requests for records? 

If you are billing your insurance or asking for reimbursement, the insurance will have access to your records. They will treat the record with confidentiality according to their practices. They typically use the record to determine appropriateness of service or to approve further or upcoming service.

Can I decide not to use my insurance to see a provider? 

Yes. If you chose this option, you will be responsible for the full session fee at the time of service. This will allow you a greater level of control over your medical records, and no one will be allowed to see them without your written permission.