Frequently Asked Questions
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Focused attention to mental health treatment in medically complex patients
Direct, high-touch personalized care from a board certified geriatric psychiatrist. No pressured time constraints, no shortcuts in quality.
Prompt communication and flexible scheduling
Quicker access to care without worry or delays of prior authorizations or denials.
Confidentiality. No records are shared with any 3rd parties (unless you submit a claim to your insurance company).
During our complimentary 10 minute initial phone consultation (required before your first appointment), we will see if your goals align with my treatment style. We will discuss our fees and payment options with you transparently, ensuring that you feel comfortable and informed about the investment you are making in your well-being.
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Our office does not participate in commercial insurance, Medicare and/or Medicaid. Why? This allows for increased appointment time and easier communication/access to care without insurance constraints or delays. I work for you — not for insurance companies and not for private equity shareholders
NOTE: If you have Medicare, you can still be seen as a private pay client but you will need to sign a simple private contract (required by law for out of network providers) acknowledging that neither you or I will seek reimbursement from Medicare.
Even though we do not participate in insurance we can generate a superbill for you to submit to your insurance company for possible partial reimbursement. See “What’s a Superbill?” page.
Our office does not enter single case agreements with insurance companies.
Our office is not responsible for filing with insurance or ensuring reimbursements from insurance plans.
Our office requires an active credit card on file at all times. The credit card is required in order to schedule all appointments and will be used for all professional fees and charges you will be billed for.
All fees are due at time of service. We accept cash, checks, credit and debit cards.
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(A 10 minute complimentary consultation call or e-mail is required before you can set up your first appointment with me.)
No monthly concierge membership charges or retainers. No hidden fees. No gimmicks. After the initial evaluation, you pay only for the time you need.
Initial Evaluation of Completely New Patient (must be in person): Conduct comprehensive history, review medical records/medications/lab tests (you can bring your most current set), mental status exam, cognitive screen, +/- collect caregiver collateral information, formulate treatment plan. This includes two 10 min check-ins (via secure e-mail or phone) before the next scheduled visit. (75 mins). $500
Seeking a Second Opinion on Your Mental Health Medications? One Time Consultation: Evaluation of your mental health medication regimen to reduce the burden of over-medication. Together with patients, I construct a de-prescribing roadmap to recommend to your original prescriber/PCP. This option does not establish a formal treatment relationship — only a consultation. (60 mins) $400
After you are an established patient in our practice/already known to me, there are 3 options for follow up visits:
In Depth Follow Up Visit: Medication management plus caregiver meeting to address their concerns and discuss practical guidance on behavioral strategies, or one-on-one supportive psychotherapy (45 mins) $300
Medium Length Follow Up Visit: Medication management plus brief supportive psychotherapy. Recommended if your symptoms warrant a change in medication (30 mins) $200
Brief Follow Up Visit: Don’t need or/already have a therapist and need only a brief straightforward session for medication management? Vitals, symptoms inventory, evaluating side effects, tracking symptom progression, minor dose adjustments if needed. This visit would occur every 3-6 months only if you are stable on a maintenance regimen. (15-20 mins) $150
Phone calls, correspondence, paperwork, or chart review between visits which require clinical decision making: $100 for each 15 min increment (if phone call length exceeds 7 minutes this will round up to 15 mins). Note: This is not a substitute for a Brief Follow Up Visit
Clinical calls lasting 5 minutes or less: free
Other fees:
Controlled substance medication refills requests outside scheduled appointments $50
Returned checks $100
Copies of records (20 pgs max) $35
Missed appointments with less than 24 hrs notice or “no shows”: full appointment fee is charged. NOTE: your appointment slot is reserved just for you.
*All fees are due at time of service. We accept cash, checks, credit and debit cards.*
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First call or e-mail for a complimentary 10 min consultation. If I am able to continue care with you, click on the link below, follow the directions and request the last 3 progress notes of your mental health medical records:
https://www.bswhealth.com/patient-tools/request-copies-of-your-medical-records
After you have obtained a copy of the records, schedule an appointment with me and bring them to the appointment.
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Both. We offer in-office sessions and via video conferencing over secure HIPAA compliant software.
All you need is your electronic pad, desktop computer, laptop or cell phone which must have video/audio capabilities.
Telehealth benefits:
convenient during severe weather or when facing transportation challenges
convenient for homebound clients or those with severe mobility diffculties
zero traffic, no travel time, saves you $ on gas and tolls
accommodates busy schedules, no need to take off time from work or arrange for childcare
easily consult with us if you are geographically distant
Stable internet connection required. I cannot conduct telehealth visits when you are in public or driving.
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I do not do in person home visits or senior living (including memory care) visits. I am unable to visit you in person or conduct a telehealth visit with you while you are actively hospitalized.
I cannot start or adjust your medications while you are being treated by other healthcare providers at those locations.
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Though I incorporate some basic supportive psychotherapeutic techniques during our sessions as warranted, I do not provide exclusive psychotherapy treatment. I am happy to refer you to psychotherapists outside my practice.
I am unable to see children and adolescents but I can refer you to those who do.
I am unable to see psychiatric conditions that require acute or higher level of psychiatric care, such as:
Active thoughts of harming self or others. We are not a 24/7 crisis center or emergency room
Eating disorders
Addiction disorders
Acute intoxication or withdrawal from illicit substances
Veterans Administration claims. VA claims require an independent examiner, not a treating physician
Workers’ compensation evaluations or documentation. This also requires an independent examiner.
Court-ordered or forensic psychiatric evaluations.
Emotional Support Animal (ESA) evaluations or letters
ADHD or ADD evaluations or treatment
Prescriptions for stimulant medications for ADHD or ADD
Prescriptions for daily use of benzodiazepines (like Ativan, Xanax, Klonopin, Valium, etc). Read about the risks of this drug class here: https://www.benzoinfo.com/benzodiazepine-older-adults-impact/
Ketamine or esketamine (Spravato) treatments
TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation)
Prescriptions for opiate based treatments
Administration of long-acting injectable psychiatric medications. Patients who require long-acting injectable medications must arrange administration through their pharmacy, primary care physician, or another medical provider.