Need Ammo for the Insurance Company?

Move through the maze of health insurance with the help of the APA. Stefan Klein / iStockphoto.com

On a recent tour of an eating disorder clinic, a presenter noted that one of the best ways to lobby your insurance company for payment for eating disorder treatment is the American Psychiatric Association's treatment recommendations.

Normally, insurance companies undershoot what's required for comprehensive treatment. But the APA guidelines (and particularly, this table) give thorough guidance in what level of care is appropriate for an eating disorder's severity.

In short, when a treatment provider recommends a particular treatment, you can find out whether it makes sense based on these guidelines. Once you have confidence that it should be the next step for your child or loved one (or for you, if you're an adult directing your own treatment), you can then use the same information to appeal to your insurance company if they consider the treatment unnecessary.

• The APA Eating Disorder Treatment Practice Guidelines
• Fighting for health insurance coverage for eating disorders
• Evaluating an eating disorder clinic