Four phases between you and a higher rate.

The first three can happen today, at your own pace. The last unfolds over weeks as your payers respond.

The journey
1
Profile
~ 1 hr
2
Verify
~ 30 min
3
Letters
~ 15 min ea
4
Response
weeks–mos
Steps 1–3 happen today. Step 4 unfolds as your payers respond.
Phase 01of 04

Your practice profile

~ 30 min

30 to 50 questions about your practice — credentials, specialties, patient access, history with each payer. This is your leverage.

Our part
Ask the right questions. Branch based on your answers.
Your part
Answer honestly. Most questions take under 20 seconds.
A few examples of what you'll see
12Do you use the PHQ-9 or GAD-7 to track client symptoms and progress?
18What is your typical wait time for a new patient intake?
24Do you offer evening or weekend hours?
31Which specialty certifications apply to you?

Those questions help us emphasize your importance to the insurer's network.

Phase 02of 04

Rate verification

~ 30 min

Public data shows roughly what each payer pays. Your EOBs show exactly what they pay you.

Our part
Tell you which EOBs to pull. Calculate the gap.
Your part
Pull 5–10 recent EOBs per payer. Enter the amounts.
Your rate verification grid
Aetna
Anthem
United
Cigna
90834
Entered
Entered
Entered
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90837
Entered
Entered
Entered
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90791
Entered
Entered
—
—

If you're missing EOBs for a payer, the letter still goes out using public data alone or your estimates. This doesn't have to be accurate.

Phase 03of 04

Your letters

~ 15 min each

One letter per payer, payer-specific and ready to send.

Our part
Write four letters. Recommend target rates. Include send-to instructions.
Your part
Read. Adjust targets if you want. Sign. Send.
What's in each letter
The ask
A calibrated target rate per CPT code — not a round percentage.
Market evidence
What this payer pays your peers, framed the way payers read rate requests.
Your case
The leverage story from your practice profile.
Verified rates
What you're paid today, from your EOBs.
Send-to
Contact and address for that payer's contracting team.
Phase 04of 04

Follow-up and response

weeks to months

Payers don't rush. We keep you on the cadence that gets responses.

Our part
Queue up follow-ups. Prep you for counteroffers.
Your part
Send the nudges. Decide how to respond.
Week 1
Letter sent. Confirmation logged.
Week 3
First nudge to unresponsive payers.
Week 6
Second nudge with escalation.
Week 10+
Tuned follow-up per payer behavior.

A few things worth knowing

What if I don't finish in one afternoon?

Your progress is saved. Come back whenever — tomorrow, next week, whenever the EOBs show up.

What if a payer says no?

You'll know the stated reason, which is useful. The $249 covers all four payers, so even if one declines, the others may agree — and you can come back at your anniversary with a stronger case.

Can I ask for more than you recommend?

Yes. Our target rates are recommendations — the final number is yours. The editor lets you adjust each code before you send.

Will my payer know I used upgRATE?

No. The letter is sent from you with your signature. No upgRATE branding anywhere.

Does this work if my rates are already at market?

Often, yes — negotiations aren't only about correcting underpayment. Credentials, outcomes, and demand all matter. The free rate check will give you a clearer read before you decide.

Have a question we didn't cover? See the full questions page →

See where you stand. Then decide.

Not in NY? Not a therapist? Get on the list and we'll write when we reach you.

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