Health Insurance Articles
Does Health Insurance Cover Health Care Decision Counseling
2010-01-11
Health insurance companies offer a wide variety of additional services and benefits beyond paying a client's medical bills. However, specific services covered vary between insurance companies and policies. Most health insurance plans offer case management, and some offer to cover health care decision counseling. Occasionally, employers will offer this service to employees as well. The service should not be confused with case management. Case management is a separate service provided by employers and health insurance companies designed only to ensure that clients receive reasonable and appropriate health care services. Case management is not the same as health care decision counseling, however the service could be included as part of a clients' individual case management plan.
According to the Health Insurance Resource Center, health care decision counseling is a non-judgmental service designed to help clients "weigh the benefits, risks and costs of medical tests and treatments."The goal of the service is to help clients make informed decisions regarding his or her medical and health care based on their individual circumstances. With an individual case-by-case approach, clients are able to get the best advice possible. Clients are able to make informed decisions and receive support from trained professionals regardless of their health care plan.
These types of services are often offered through toll-free telephone numbers that are available 24 hours a day for clients. Clients can call and speak with a medical professional that can advise them on such matters as the available treatment options, advantages and disadvantages of different treatments, or tests and the costs associated with them. Health care decision counseling can also help a client decide if they should seek emergency care in a non-life threatening situation. By taking into consideration a client's symptoms and overall health, a medical professional can advise whether an individual should be seen immediately or if it can wait until an appointment can be scheduled with the medical provider.
Health care decision counseling can also offer clients individual suggestions and recommendations for dealing with symptoms, medication side effects and other issues that may come up. As an added benefit, the services are available when the clients' regular practitioner is unavailable, or the client needs additional support and has questions. Since services are offered in a non-judgmental and unbiased manner, clients are getting the best information available to meet their needs.
While health insurance companies are not required to cover health care decision counseling, it is covered by many policies. When looking for health insurance coverage ore reviewing a current policy, it is best to inquire whether this service is offered. An agent at the health insurance company will be able to answer detailed questions about the specific services they offer.
