Blossoming Brains is an in-network provider with Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO plans (BCBS), Aetna and Cigna, and an out-of-network provider with TRICARE.
In February 2024, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas drastically reduced reimbursement for testing psychologists, despite the cost of doing business increasing each year. As a result, starting in August 2024, Dr. Grahovec stopped accepting any BCBS plans for comprehensive testing, but still accepted BCBS PPO Plans for 1 hour diagnostic evaluations and consultation appointments. Fortunately, Dr. Faiza Rafi joined the team in summer 2024, and she accepted BCBS PPO patients for psychological and neuropsychological testing.
However, we received notice on June 1st, 2025 that Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas and its affiliated states (IL, MT, NM, OK) decided to further restrict the ability of any provider at Blossoming Brains to continue to provide the in-depth evaluations for which we are known. After the initial intake session, BCBS will require that Blossoming Brains send a testing request form to them, which they will review and respond to within 3 weeks. This form will require detailed information about the patient, including current diagnoses, additional diagnoses being explored, current symptoms and behaviors, other medical providers that care for the patient, and prior testing the patient has undergone.
Testing cannot be started until a determination of medical necessity has been approved by BCBS, so this will delay the evaluation process. Furthermore, it is likely that BCBS will not authorize all the testing that is requested and recommended by your provider. If this occurs, we are committed to being transparent with patients and working with them on self-pay options for the portion of the testing not covered by insurance. If patients require a quicker evaluation process, and/or have concerns about privacy, then it is advised that they forgo insurance and choose to self-pay for the entire evaluation.
Comprehensive self-pay evaluations typically cost between $2500 – $3500 depending on the age of the patient, the referral question, and the amount of testing that needs to be completed. Insurance may cover some or most of this cost, including the testing, an interactive feedback session, and a comprehensive report. Please note that insurance will NOT cover giftedness evaluations or learning disorder evaluations (e.g. Dyslexia), so these will be private pay. Regardless of which insurance policy you hold, reimbursement is not guaranteed and it is recommended that patients verify their benefits before scheduling testing.
For 1 hour psychiatric diagnostic evaluations and consultations, the following fee schedule applies:
- Private pay 1 hour appointment: $300. Blossoming Brains can send you a copy of the diagnosis and treatment plan, and/or fax it to your referring provider, but no report or letter is provided.
- Private pay 1 hour appointment with summary letter: $500.
- Insurance 1 hour appointment: appointment will be billed to your insurance and you are responsible for any copays or deductibles at the time of treatment. Blossoming Brains can send you a copy of the diagnosis and treatment plan, and/or fax it to your referring provider, but no report or letter is provided.
- Insurance 1 hour appointment with a letter: appointment will be billed to your insurance and you are responsible for any copays or deductibles at the time of treatment, plus a $200 private pay fee for the letter, as this is not covered by insurance.
If Blossoming Brains is not contracted with your insurance company, a superbill (itemized receipt) can be provided to assist you in obtaining reimbursement. You may contact your insurance company directly to inquire about your out-of-network benefits.
All payment is due at the time of service. For patients with high deductible plans who are undergoing comprehensive testing, 75% of the estimated testing cost will be billed after the initial intake, prior to testing being started. Dr. Grahovec accepts checks, credit cards, and health savings account cards (HSA). For your convenience, patients can also pay by credit or HSA card online through the secure patient portal.
