What is a superbill? A plain-English guide

If you've looked into therapy with an out-of-network provider, you've probably run into the word "superbill," and maybe nodded along without being totally sure what it means. Let's fix that.

The short version

A superbill is simply an itemized receipt for the therapy sessions you've paid for. It contains the specific codes and details your insurance company needs to consider reimbursing you for care from an out-of-network provider.

You pay your therapist directly at the time of service. Then you submit the superbill to your insurance, and, depending on your plan, they may pay you back a portion of what you spent. The money comes back to you, not the therapist.

Questions to ask your insurer

Before you start, call the member number on your insurance card and ask about your out-of-network outpatient mental health benefits. A few specific questions go a long way:

Do I have out-of-network benefits for mental health? Some plans do, some don't.

Is there a deductible I need to meet first? And how much of it have I already met this year?

What percentage do you reimburse once the deductible is met, and is it based on my fee or a "usual and customary" rate?

How do I submit a superbill, and is there a deadline?

Why some people prefer this route

Out-of-network care means you're not limited to your insurer's directory, and your therapist isn't required to share a diagnosis or treatment details with your plan beyond what reimbursement requires. For many people, that added privacy and choice is worth the extra step of submitting a superbill.

If you have questions about how this works for my practice specifically, just ask. I'm always happy to walk you through it before we begin.