Initial Consultation
The initial appointment is a chance for the provider to get to know you, perform an evaluation and decide the appropriate course of treatment for you. It is also an opportunity for you to determine your comfort level in continuing to work with the provider. It should be understood that meeting for the first time does not guarantee that the provider can continue to see you as a patient and may need to refer you to a more appropriate level of care or provider.
Services Provided
The primary focus of a psychiatrist and psychiatric nurse practitioner (NP) is to provide psychiatric medication management services in a supportive environment. Although our NPs are trained in psychotherapy, it is often times more beneficial to see a therapist in our office or the community if you choose to do so. This is particularly helpful if you need frequent appointments and contact to address deeper issues and concerns. The nature of the therapeutic relationship between our patients and prescribers is determined on a case by case basis.
Appointments
All patients are to be seen on an appointment only basis. If you arrive late, your appointment will only be able to continue for the length that it was originally scheduled for, or may need to be rescheduled entirely in order to be considerate to other scheduled clients. Appointments must be cancelled or rescheduled at least 24 hours in advance in order to avoid a cancellation fee ($50). Please note that missed appointments are not reimbursed by insurance companies and you will be subject to a no show or late cancellation fee based on level of care. This fee is set by your clinician. Exceptions may be made for extenuating circumstances only. Please also note that this fee must be paid before your next visit.
Payments
If your insurance plan requires you to pay a co-pay, deductible, or coinsurance, please be aware that the payment must be paid in full on the day of your visit. We reserve the right to not reschedule an appointment with you should you have an outstanding balance on your account. In extreme cases, large running balances may result in termination of services and your account may be turned over to a collection agency should the need arise. For your convenience, we accept check, cash or credit card, due at the time of service. There will be a $35 fee for returned checks. As of 1/1/23, co-pays not paid within 2 days of your visit will result in a $15 charge.
Insurance
Some insurance plans require a referral from your primary care doctor or authorization from your insurance company. You are responsible for knowing your mental health coverage benefits in order to ensure your visit with the provider is covered. We do accept most major insurances so please make sure we have your most current insurance card on file. Should your plan change, please notify our office immediately. We do not accept Medicaid, NGS Medicare, MVP, UHC, Fidelis, POMCO, Tricare, or the Empire Plan. If you have questions regarding other insurance plans, please ask.
Prescription Policies
Please provide at least 5 business days notice prior to running out of medication and requesting
a refill. Failure to do so may result in your prescription not being filled in a timely manner. Please have your medication and pharmacy information available when calling our office. We will try to schedule your next appointment prior to you running out of medication. If you miss an appointment and need a controlled substance refilled prior to your next visit, please be aware you will need to wait until your next scheduled appointment.
Self Pay Rates
Evaluation - $250 (NP & MD), $175 (therapist & Sara Hirst PsyD)
Follow ups - $145(NP& MD), $120 (therapist), $150 (Sara Hirst PsyD)