Using First Health Network for Bulimia Treatment

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First Health Network is one of the largest PPO networks in the United States. The network gives consumers access to more than 5,000 hospitals and 90,000 facilities across the country, making it easy to find affordable, high-quality care wherever you are. It works with numerous health care providers, making it a great resource for those struggling with bulimia.

Bulimia nervosa is a serious medical condition and eating disorder that involves cycles of binging and purging. The bulimic person may go through periods of normal eating patterns followed by long periods of excessive food consumption and purging to reduce caloric intake. Bulimia is a severe and life-threatening condition that can cause erosion of the esophagus, severe directional issues, oral cancer, dental hygiene issues, tooth decay and severe weight loss. The disorder is not always as easy to spot as anorexia.

If you believe that you or a loved one is experiencing bulimia, it is important to seek help right away. Call our toll-free helpline at today for more information about using First Health Network for eating disorder treatment.

Does First Health Network Cover Bulimia Nervosa Rehab Programs?

The First Health Network eating disorder coverage offers services to patients from more than 1 million providers around the country. Ninety-eight percent of the United States population has access to a First Health Network physician within a convenient distance of their location. The company understands the complex and multidirectional relationship between physical and mental health issues, so it offers significant coverage for both.

Bulimia nervosa generally requires treatment through a specified rehabilitation facility; the disorder is too complex to be handled by a general care physician. It is necessary to work with trained mental health professionals who can help you undo the conditioning processes that led to disordered eating patterns in the first place.

Some of the most common symptoms of bulimia nervosa include:

• Secretive eating habits
• Lack of eating control
• Consuming excessive amounts of food
• Hiding food

If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to visit your physician to determine whether you have bulimia nervosa. The disorder is often hard to detect in its early stages, but there are basic signs you can use to differentiate between bulimia and normal eating patterns. Dieting can trigger bulimic behavior even in individuals with no history of an eating disorder.

Inpatient Treatment Length First Health Network Will Cover

Inpatient treatment for an eating disorder is generally regarded as the best way to start your recovery. This usually takes place in a designated eating disorder clinic, while most outpatient treatment takes place in a hospital or regular care clinic. Inpatient clinics are fully staffed by trained counselors and nurses who have years of experience in treating eating disorders and related conditions. Bulimia is such a dangerous condition that it is important to remove yourself from the environment you are used to and focus on getting better. Outpatient care functions during normal office hours, but inpatient care allows you 24/7 access to the support and medical care you need while in the crucial early stages of recovery.

There is no defined time limit for care that First Health Network will cover, but the most common lengths of inpatient treatment are 30, 60 or 90 days. Longer treatment programs may be recommended on a case-by-case basis if your condition proves more severe. It is important to discuss your preferences for inpatient care with your health care provider, so they can advise you on a treatment length that is best for you.

For more information on inpatient treatment, call our toll-free helpline at . Our knowledgeable team is standing by to give you the important advice you need and connect you with treatment resources in your area.

First Health Network Coverage for Bulimia Dual Diagnosis

Bulimia commonly occurs alongside another serious physical or mental health issue. Bulimia can cause serious conditions from the binging and purging aspect of the disorder. From increased risk of esophageal and oral cancers to severe dental issues, there are a variety of problems directly related to bulimia and its behavioral patterns. When you are trying to get treatment for a secondary condition to bulimia, you should make sure your physician carefully documents all your symptoms.

Eating disorders have the number one mortality rate for all mental illnesses, largely because of the co-occurring conditions they come with. From malnutrition to severe depression, managing your secondary conditions should be a major part of any eating disorder treatment plan.

Specialty Bulimia Treatment Treatments Using First Health Network

Common bulimia treatments are fairly easy to get covered under your First Health Network plan. If you seek more alternative treatments, it may be more difficult to get coverage. First Health Network has one of the widest provider networks in the country, so even specialty treatments are relatively easy to find in a given area. It is important to have sufficient documentation for why you desire a certain treatment and to work closely with your physician to provide recommendations to your insurance company. As long as you can make a strong case for why a particular specialty treatment is necessary for your recovery, you have a good chance of getting coverage.

How to Cover What Insurance Doesn’t Pay For

Even the most comprehensive insurance plans don’t always cover everything you need to get better. When you find yourself faced with a significant difference between what your First Health Network plan will cover and the remaining cost of treatment, it can be tempting to give up. However, there are many options out there designed to make bulimia treatment as affordable as possible. Contact your chosen facility to find out what financial aid programs it offers to low-income patients. Even if your income exceeds the financial aid threshold, as long as you can prove your medical expenses would cause undue hardship, it should be possible to get some form of financial assistance.

You can also have your doctor appeal your insurance company’s decision not to cover a certain treatment. Although the appeals system takes some time, a physician’s recommendation can push through urgent appeals. Insurance companies do make mistakes, so if you can provide them with a reasonable, professional opinion that contradicts their treatment decision, many times they will overrule the claim denial. One of the major benefits of having health insurance through a major company is that they are willing to listen to their customers and provide reasonable care. To find help in treating eating disorder problems, call our 24/7 helpline today.

Verify Insurance Coverage and Find the Best Treatment Centers

The best treatment centers for bulimia are often expensive, with estimates of total care costs ranging as high as $100,000. Few people have the funds it would take to pay such high costs out of pocket, so many go much longer than they should without seeking the treatment they need. The longer you wait to seek treatment, the higher the chances are that you will suffer from one of the many severe complications related to bulimia nervosa. This illness is serious, so you should take the utmost care to reach out to your physician or insurance company for help and coverage as soon as possible.

First Health Network is a reliable, comprehensive health care provider with years of experience providing coverage for a variety of health issues. The company has a strong mental health program and agents who understand the complexities of eating disorders and other mental illnesses. Preventative care is the best way to avoid complications from eating disorders, and the company offers nutritional guidance for its customers designed to foster a healthy outlook on life.

Recovering from an eating disorder is a long and difficult process, but having an insurance company that provides generous coverage and a wide provider network is a great resource to getting well again. Call our toll-free helpline at for more information on the First Health Network and other insurance providers in your area.