Frequently Asked Questions

The assessment is the first step in the admissions process. The Access Center counselor will then select a Ridgeview physician for you if you do not already have one, check your insurance benefits and obtain the necessary authorization from your insurance company, then ask you to complete medical, family history and admission forms. Typically the admission process takes two to four hours (including the assessment); however, it may take longer depending upon your insurance company’s requirements.

Most insurance plans cover all or part of the cost for Ridgeview’s treatment programs. A Patient Accounts representative will assist you with financial arrangements for any costs not covered by your insurance. If you have questions about your bill at any time during your stay, please contact the Patient Accounts office.

While we accept most insurance plans, your part of the cost will vary based on your benefit plan. You will be asked to pay your deductible and any co-payments at the time of admission based on your insurance company and health insurance plan. A Patient Accounts representative will answer any financial questions you may have about costs not covered by your insurance. Physicians are not employees of Ridgeview Institute; therefore, a separate payment to the physician will be required. As a convenience, we accept MasterCard, Visa, American Express, debit cards and checks.

Verification of Insurance Benefits. Verifying your insurance benefits is necessary to make sure your treatment at Ridgeview will be covered. This can be done before coming to Ridgeview by calling the Access Center with your insurance policy information. Knowing your benefits will help you plan for any expenses not covered by your insurance.

Your health insurance policy is a contract between you and your insurance company.  Specific questions about your policy and coverage are best answered by your insurance company or your employer.  We will make every effort to comply with your carrier’s procedures. Knowing your benefits will help you plan for any expenses not covered by your insurance.

Pre-certification with Your Insurance Company. Pre-certification involves reviewing the clinical assessment with a reviewer at your insurance company to obtain authorization for your admission. This process is necessary to give you full access to your insurance benefits. Insurance companies often impose penalties, such as denial of payment for treatment, when pre-certification procedures are not followed before admission. Unfortunately, depending upon your insurance company, pre-certification is sometimes a slow process. We will do everything we can to hasten this process.

Ridgeview Institute accepts the following insurances:

• AdvaNet (80 % of billed charges)
• Aetna
• American Behavioral
• Amerigroup
• BCBS (HMO ,Indemnity PCG PPO, Exchange)
• Beacon /Value Options
• Behavioral Health Systems (small contract)
• CareSource (new contract )
• Cenpatico /Ambetter
• Cenpatico/PeachState ( Medicaid)
• CIGNA BH
• COMPpsych
• Coventry HC (merged with Aetna in 01/2015)
• DBHDD  (short  term crisis stabilization)
• EBS – RMSCO/Lifetime Benefit solutions
• Emory Healthcare Network (new contract)
• First Health
• Humana
• HealthNet (VA) 95% of Medicare
• Integrated Health Plan (purchased by MultiPlan in 09/2012)
• Kaiser
• MAGELLAN (Pinnacle & Navigator (Meidcare)  Networks)
• MAGELLAN (Summit Networks)
• MultiPlan/ PHCS/  BeechStreet
• NOVANET (small contract)
• MH Net
• One Health Alliance/ Alliant Health Plan (small contract)
• PruittHealth Premier  (Medicare Advantage)
• Secure Health Plans
• Three Rivers Provider Network
• TRICARE/Value Options (discontinued  as of 01/01/2018, managed by Humana, See Tricare /Humana)
• Tricare /Humana  (new contract)
• UBH/OPTUM
• US Labor Dep. Workers comp (100% of  Medicare)
• Wellcare Medicare
• Wellcare Medicaid

During the admission process you will be asked to complete several forms including medical and family history forms. This information is important for your treatment at Ridgeview, so please be thorough.

Patient Rights. Ridgeview Institute believes in the respectful treatment of patients and families while providing a safe and supportive environment. We provide a system to ensure that the rights of our patients and their family members are preserved and protected. You will receive a written copy of your Patients Rights upon admission. Please feel free to ask us questions about anything you do not understand.

Complete confidentiality is a patient right and is mandated by Federal law. We will not release information to anyone without your permission. If you would like for us to talk with a family member, personal physician or anyone else regarding your assessment or treatment at Ridgeview, please request to sign a Release of Information form.  A confidentiality code will then be assigned and must be used for anyone else to access your information.

If you do not have a Ridgeview physician, we will select one for you based on your treatment needs and your insurance company’s requirements. Your Ridgeview physician will lead the treatment team coordinating your care and, if needed, prescribe any medications.

Since physicians are not employed by Ridgeview Institute, you will be required to make separate payments to the physician.  If you have questions about your physician’s charges, you will need to contact your physician’s office.  If you have a personal physician or therapist that you would like for us to involve in your treatment we will be glad to do so; however, we will not contact anyone without your permission.

Visitation is allowed during scheduled times which vary for each program. Please choose the appropriate link below or check with your program staff.

Adult Inpatient Services FAQ
Youth Services FAQ
Recovery Residence FAQ
Women’s Services FAQ
Older Adult Inpatient Services FAQ

We strongly encourage family/significant others to be involved in treatment whenever possible and appropriate. Ridgeview offers a wide range of services, including individual therapy, patient and family groups, and weekly support and education groups to the patient’s families and significant others during and after treatment. Our four-day Family Workshop, held monthly, provides opportunities for patients and families to heal together.

Smoking is allowed in the adult programs only in designated outside areas. Cigarettes are not sold at the hospital.

You and your family, if available, will be escorted to the appropriate program for a tour and brief orientation for treatment and family services. Afterwards, a staff member will meet with you to complete the assessment process and help you get started.