Every appointment is with a fellowship-trained physician who is board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, almost always by secure video, anywhere in California, for the full range of adult psychiatry: ADHD, depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and the subspecialty conditions most networks can’t cover.
How your Aetna coverage works with us
For most Aetna PPO and open-access plans you can book directly with us, no referral needed. Aetna HMO plans may require a referral from your primary care physician first; your member services line (on the back of your card) can confirm in one call. Before you book, that same member services line can confirm your specialist copay, coinsurance, and any unmet deductible. Initial evaluations are billed as a diagnostic evaluation (CPT 90792 or 99205) and follow-ups as standard psychiatric visits, telehealth is covered by Aetna at parity with in-person care in California.
If your specific plan shows us as out-of-network
Some Aetna plans use narrower networks. If your particular plan shows us as out-of-network, you may still be able to see us at in-network rates through a Network Gap Exception. Aetna grants these when the network lacks a specialist with equivalent qualifications, which is common for perinatal psychiatry and fellowship-trained neuropsychiatry. See our Network Gap Exception guide and free template letters.
Want an estimate before you call? Check your out-of-network benefits instantly with our eligibility tool.
Common questions
Is Bay Area Neuropsychiatry in-network with Aetna?
Yes. All three of our physicians, Dr. Lodhi, Dr. Patel, and Dr. Staley, are in-network with Aetna commercial plans; participation can vary by specific plan. Tell us your plan when you request an appointment, and call the member services number on your card to confirm your specific coverage and cost-sharing.
Do I need a referral to see a psychiatrist with Aetna?
PPO and open-access Aetna plans generally do not require a referral. Aetna HMO plans may require one from your primary care physician, check the back of your member card or call Aetna member services to confirm.
What will I pay per visit with Aetna?
Your specialist copay or coinsurance, as set by your plan, once any deductible is met. Your insurer’s member services line, on the back of your card, can confirm the exact figure for your plan.
Does Aetna cover psychiatry by telehealth in California?
Yes. California requires commercial plans, including Aetna, to cover telehealth services at parity with in-person care. Our appointments are almost always by secure video.
What if my specific Aetna plan is out-of-network?
You may qualify for a Network Gap Exception, which lets you see us at in-network cost-sharing because the network lacks an equivalent subspecialist. Our insurance page explains the process, and our free template letter makes the request straightforward.
Requesting an appointment
Every initial evaluation is 60 minutes with a physician. Our office responds to appointment requests within two business days.