[Hopefull]

I have been waiting to see when my insurance starts requesting my progress notes and stuff. They have now requested it from my T. How personal are those notes? I don't like the idea of a complete stranger seeing notes from her about me. But, they are probably paying around a hundred dollars a session for me to talk to her. So, they have the ability to ask and receive that especially since this was mentioned in the initial paperwork. But, she takes lots of notes. I think I have even seen her quote me in her notes.

my state insurance has my therapist fill in papers and they are not detailed at all. just the basic diagnosis and goals to be worked on. the last time my therapist had me sign on them it said -PTSD, Depression, DID they also had a number where I hit on the scales the only number I remember is the 9 on DID because I was worried that DHS would see it but she said no one else will see that paper (and since then my new lawyer has said there was no reason we have to hide my diagnosis so I don't worry about it any more.) and then I think the goals were worded something like learning better coping tools such as relaxation techniques, recognizing symptoms and taking care of them with possitive thoughts and actions. something like that anyway, real basic and broad enough to cover everything we were doing without having to add alot of details. The forms they have to fill out for the insurance companies are nothing like the kinds of notes therapists take during session so you can relax. The therapist doesn't have to give summaries of each and every session on you.

[JustBen]

It just depends on what kinds of notes your therapist takes and whether or not she keeps a set of "shadow notes"--some therapists keep bare minimal "official" notes for insurance companies and courts but keep a more comprehensive private set of notes for their own use. Whether or not they keep "shadow notes", most therapists make a point of providing as little as possible to third parties.

[(JD)]

IMO all good Ts keep their working notes separate and personal, away from the office/insurance/legal notes. What the T usually gives is support for the diagnosis codes he/she bills under... and "patient is working on " ...improving social skills.. for example (whatever the dx is) From time to time any progress made is also noted, so the insurance co "sees" improvement... "patient is making progress on..."

With that said, please don't take the insurance company's view of this: they didn't worry about you when you paid the insurance premiums in case you needed the coverage in the future... they took your money without a second thought. They gambled with your money... so what that they have to pay it back, as agreed to?

TC

[Rhapsody]

I have worked in the medical field and all doctors only give the bare essentials needed to file out a claim form to insurance companies.... I PROMISE!!

LoVe,
Rhapsody -