People
usually pay their bill in full as they come, or monthly. However, because Dick
and Jean want to be available to some whose income does not allow keeping up with
their bill, they allow them to pay over time. This is at no interest for the first
year, but with a $5 per month billing fee beginning with the 13th month since
they were last seen in therapy.
**
We understand the need to keep medical costs down, but that could be done in other
ways that allow people to choose someone with whom they feel comfortable or someone
with years of experience. Often the choices given you by your HMO are inadequate
to meet your needs.
What
we don't like about HMOs is that they severely limit choice in picking the person
you are going to trust with your personal feelings and secrets. Choosing a therapist
is not like buying a pack of gum at a convenience store!