My name is Bill LaBine. I am the executive director and clinical supervisor at the Jackie Nitschke Center in Green Bay, WI. Green Bay has three casinos, all located within three miles of my home; I pass one daily on my way to and from work. I am saddened when I drive by the casino early in […]
Conversations
Film Review: Off-Label
Off-Label, this feature film’s title, refers to the practice by some physicians of prescribing a legal drug for a condition or disease for which the drug has not been specifically approved. Off-Label is quite different from what might be expected for an educational documentary. Rather than presenting a lot of facts or statistics in a […]
File Review: My Name is Al
My Name is Al is a beautifully photographed 15-minute documentary profile by Kristin Alexander of a medical professional in recovery. Dr. Al Peters is a high achiever who completed 7 years of schooling in 5 and had established a successful dental practice by age 21. By then he also already had a significant problem […]
Fight Like a Girl Film Review
At first glance, the feature-length documentary “Fight Like A Girl” might be dismissed as a film simply about women’s boxing without any relevance to the behavioral health community. However, a closer look reveals that it provides many important insights about PTSD and the lasting impact of childhood trauma. This film could also inspire valuable discussion […]
What You Should Know About Provider Networks
What You Should Know About Provider Networks What’s a provider network? A provider network is a list of the doctors, other health care providers, and hospitals that a plan has contracted with to provide medical care to the plan’s members. These providers are called “network providers” or “in-network providers.” A provider that hasn’t contracted with the […]
Getting Emergency Care
Getting Emergency Care In an emergency, you should get care from the closest hospital that can help you. That hospital will treat you regardless of whether you have insurance. Your insurance company can’t charge you more for getting emergency room services at an “out-of-network” hospital. I’m having an emergency. Should I go straight to the […]
I signed up, but don’t have health coverage. What should I do?
I signed up, but don’t have health coverage. What should I do? If you think you signed up for a health plan through the Marketplace, but haven’t received your insurance card Even though you haven’t received your insurance card, your coverage may be effective. If you need to see a doctor or get a prescription […]
Appealing Your Insurer’s Decision Not To Pay
Appealing Your Insurer’s Decision Not To Pay If your health insurance company does not cover your specific health care provider or service, you have the right to ask for an appeal. For prescription drugs, an “exceptions” process is also available. To learn more about the exceptions process, read “Know Your Rights.” Directions are listed on […]
What To Know About Getting Your Prescription Medications
Health plans will help pay the cost of certain prescription medications. You may be able to buy other medications, but medications on your plan’s “formulary” (approved list) usually will be less expensive for you. Does my new insurance plan cover my prescription? To find out which prescriptions are covered through your new Marketplace plan: • […]
What You Should Know About Seeing Your Doctor
What You Should Know About Seeing Your Doctor Most health plans give you the best deal on services when you see a doctor who has a contract with your health plan. While you may be able to see doctors who don’t contract with your plan, visiting an “in network” provider usually means you will have lower […]