Eating Recovery Center Contracts With United Behavioral Health

DENVER, CO--(Marketwire - May 2, 2012) - Eating Recovery Center (www.EatingRecoveryCenter.com), an international center for eating disorders recovery, today announced that its comprehensive eating disorders treatment programs are now an in-network provider for patients insured by United Behavioral Health. Effective May 2, 2012, the insurance contract with United Behavioral Health removes this critical barrier to treatment for hundreds of patients and families seeking specialized care from Eating Recovery Center's renowned experts each year.

"Affordability is critical when exploring eating disorders treatment options," explains Ken Weiner, MD, FAED, CEDS, founding partner and chief executive officer of Eating Recovery Center. "Contracting with United Behavioral Health improves access to and affordability of industry-leading treatment for millions of American women, men and children struggling with these complex and potentially deadly mental illnesses."

In addition to United Behavioral Health, Eating Recovery Center's insurance contracts include Aetna, Beech Street, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Cigna, Humana/Lifesynch, PHCS Multiplan and Value Options.

While identifying in-network eating disorders treatment options can be an important first step in securing treatment, patients and families can take other measures to be their own advocate when seeking to understand their insurance coverage. Additionally, referring professionals may find these tips helpful when guiding patients into a treatment program.

1) Read the "fine print" in your benefits plan. Mental health coverage varies by insurance provider, and even by benefits program and group. Thorough investigation into a plan can lead to stronger coverage related to length of stay and levels of care. For example, insurance benefits often differ for outpatient versus inpatient care. Work with the treatment provider to ensure that insurance benefits -- at every level of care -- are thoroughly understood and applied accordingly to ensure maximum benefit.

2) Research mental health parity laws. Though specific laws vary by state, mental health parity laws dictate that patients with biologically based mental illnesses, including eating disorders, have a legal right to coverage. Because insurance companies provide broad health benefits, case managers may need assistance navigating the "ins and outs" of different laws that impact patient coverage for eating disorders treatment.

3) Let the treatment center's business office advocate and negotiate on your behalf. Evaluating insurance coverage and financial obligation, especially when seeking treatment for a mental health issue, is notoriously complex. Most eating disorders treatment centers have teams of experts that are skilled in identifying benefits, communicating with insurance providers and championing for treatment coverage when appropriate and necessary.

"Navigating the broad spectrum of available eating disorders treatment options can be overwhelming for patients, families and referring professionals alike. Upon finding the treatment program that best fits their needs, securing the financial resources to make it work often represents another hurdle," continues Dr. Weiner. "While research, education and awareness can empower individuals in conversations with insurance providers, the guidance, insight and advocacy an effective treatment center business office can provide is invaluable in accessing eating disorders treatment."

For more information about Eating Recovery Center's comprehensive eating disorders treatment programs and services, the United Behavioral Healthcare contract and other insurance contracts or navigating insurance coverage for eating disorders treatment, call us at 877.825.8584, email us at info@eatingrecoverycenter.com or chat live with a master's-level therapist from our Clinical Assessment team at www.EatingRecoveryCenter.com.

About Eating Recovery Center
Eating Recovery Center is an international center for eating disorders recovery providing comprehensive treatment for anorexia, bulimia, EDNOS and binge eating disorder. Denver-based facilities include the Behavioral Hospital for Adults, the Behavioral Hospital for Children and Adolescents, and the Partial Hospitalization Program and Outpatient Services. In addition, Eating Recovery Center, in partnership with Summit Eating Disorders and Outreach Program, offers Partial Hospitalization and Outpatient Services in Sacramento, California, as well as Intensive Outpatient and Outpatient Services in Fresno and Roseville. Under the personal guidance and care of Drs. Kenneth Weiner, Craig Johnson, Emmett Bishop and Ovidio Bermudez, our collaborative programs provide a full spectrum of services for children, adolescents and adults. Our integrated programs offer patients a continuum of care that includes Inpatient, Residential, Partial Hospitalization, Intensive Outpatient and Outpatient services. Our compassionate team of professionals collaborates with treating professionals and loved ones to cultivate lasting behavioral change. For more information please contact us at 877-218-1344 or info@EatingRecoveryCenter.com or confidentially chat live on our website at www.EatingRecoveryCenter.com.