How to Find a Psychiatrist Accepting Your Cigna Insurance Plan

How to Find a Psychiatrist That Accepts Your Cigna Insurance

Seeking help from a mental health professional can greatly benefit your wellbeing. However, finding an in-network psychiatrist that accepts your specific Cigna insurance plan can be a frustrating process. With patience and the right resources, you can locate affordable psychiatry providers covered under your Cigna policy.

Types of Cigna Plans and Coverage

Cigna offers various insurance plans through employers or the Health Insurance Marketplace. Coverage for mental health services depends on your specific plan type and details:

• HMO plans - Provide lower copays when seeing in-network psychiatrists. Referrals are required to see specialists. Out-of-network care is not covered except emergencies.
• PPO plans - Give flexibility to see any provider without referrals, but in-network psychiatrists cost less. Some out-of-network care is covered.
• EPO plans - Only in-network providers are covered. No referrals needed. Out-of-network psychiatrists are not covered except for emergencies.

Speak with a Cigna representative or check your plan documents to understand your mental health benefits and out-of-pocket costs. Compare copays, deductibles, and coinsurance rates for in-network vs out-of-network care.

Search the Cigna Provider Directory

Cigna offers an online provider directory where you can search for in-network psychiatrists near you who accept your specific Cigna plan. Follow these steps:

1. Go to www.cigna.com and log into your account.
2. Click on Find Care & Costs and select your location.
3. Choose a specialty like Psychiatry or filter by doctor name.
4. Refine by distance, gender, languages spoken, hospital affiliations, etc.
5. Confirm the psychiatrist accepts your Cigna plan.
6. Call offices to ask about availability and double check they are in-network.

Consider Virtual Visits with Telepsychiatry

Many psychiatrists now offer virtual telehealth appointments via phone or video chat. This expands your options for finding a covered psychiatrist. Cigna partners with MDLIVE to provide telepsychiatry visits. You pay your usual mental health office visit copay or coinsurance.

Pros of telepsychiatry include:

• Convenience of appointments from home.
• Speeds up finding an available psychiatrist.
• Provides access to out-of-state providers.
• Allows screen sharing of notes, test results, etc.
• May feel more comfortable than in-person visits initially.

Use Free Cigna Online Tools and Apps

In addition to professional psychiatry services, Cigna members can access mental health resources at no added cost. These tools allow you to get support, information, and referrals without using your benefits:

• myCigna app - Includes a directory, cost estimates, claims, and health coaching.
• Cigna One Guide - Provides live customer support 24/7 by phone or online chat.
• Behavioral Awareness Series - Self-paced online learning about mental health topics.
• Healthy Rewards program - Earn gift cards for participating in coaching programs and classes.

Consider Switching to a Different Cigna Plan

If you are having difficulty finding an affordable, convenient psychiatrist in-network with your current Cigna plan, you may want to consider switching to a different Cigna policy during your next open enrollment period. Look for a plan with lower mental health deductibles, copays, and coinsurance rates for visiting psychiatrists and therapists.

Appeal for Out-of-Network Benefits

If there are absolutely no available psychiatrists in your area that accept your Cigna insurance, you can submit an appeal asking Cigna to cover an out-of-network mental health provider due to medical necessity. This typically requires documentation from your doctor explaining why they need to refer you to a non-contracted psychiatrist. Approval is not guaranteed, but appealing expands your options.

Negotiate Fees and Payment Plans

When paying out-of-pocket, contact the psychiatrists office and ask if they offer any discounted rates for patients without insurance coverage. You may also inquire about setting up an interest-free payment plan to pay the balance off over time. Some providers offer financial assistance or sliding scale fees based on income.

Use Psychology Todays Psychiatrist Finder

Psychology Today has an extensive directory of psychiatrists that you can filter by location, specialty, insurance accepted, telehealth availability, and other criteria. This expands your search beyond just the Cigna directory.

Check Doctor Ratings Sites

Reading patient reviews on sites like Healthgrades, Vitals, and RateMDs can help narrow your psychiatrist search to the highest rated, most recommended mental health professionals that take your insurance. This helps identify psychiatrists with positive patient experiences.

Ask for Referrals From Your PCP

Your primary care provider likely has relationships with mental health specialists in the community. At your next physical, ask your PCP for referrals to psychiatrists who accept your specific Cigna insurance plan and have availability for new patients.

Try University Medical Centers

Major university hospital systems often employ psychiatrists and have experience dealing with a variety of insurance plans. Search for psychiatry departments at any nearby university medical centers to see if they accept your Cigna coverage.

Check Your Local APA Branch

Contact your local chapter of the American Psychiatric Association (APA) and explain that you have Cigna insurance but cannot find an in-network psychiatrist. Ask if they can refer you to any APA members that accept your plan. This taps into local psychiatry networks.

Call United Behavioral Health Directly

Cigna contracts with United Behavioral Health (UBH) to manage its mental health services, so calling a UBH care advocate can enable them to look up Cigna psychiatrists in their system that you may have missed in your own searching.

Key Takeaways

It takes diligence and creativity to find psychiatrists within Cigna's network, but there are paths to locate affordable, convenient mental healthcare. Leverage Cigna's provider directory, telepsychiatry options, online tools, community referrals, and third-party physician rating sites. With flexibility on location, scheduling, and cost, you can partner with a psychiatrist to support your mental wellness.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.