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GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT OUR PROVIDERS AND PRACTICE

 

Q1: What is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)?

A1: A Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) is an advanced practice nurse with specialized training in mental health and psychiatry. PMHNPs provide comprehensive psychiatric care, including assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for individuals with mental health disorders.

 

Q2: What services can I expect from a PMHNP?

A2: PMHNPs offer a range of services, including psychiatric evaluations, medication management, individual and group therapy, counseling, crisis intervention, and patient education. They collaborate with other healthcare professionals to develop personalized treatment plans.

 

Q3: How can a PMHNP help me?

A3: PMHNPs can help you with various mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, ADHD, substance abuse, and more. They provide evidence-based treatments, prescribe medications, offer therapy, and support you in managing your mental health effectively.

 

Q4: Can a PMHNP prescribe medications?

A4: Yes, PMHNPs are authorized to prescribe psychiatric medications as part of their scope of practice. They have advanced training in pharmacology and can assess your needs, prescribe medications when appropriate, and monitor their effectiveness.

 

Q5: How long does a typical appointment with a PMHNP last?

A5: The duration of appointments can vary depending on your needs. Initial evaluations may take longer, typically around 60-90 minutes, to gather a comprehensive understanding of your mental health history and concerns. Follow-up appointments are usually shorter, ranging from 15 to 30 minutes.

 

Q6: How often should I see a PMHNP?

A6: The frequency of visits depends on your individual needs and treatment plan. Initially, you may have more frequent appointments to establish a therapeutic relationship and develop an effective treatment strategy. Afterward, appointments may be scheduled less frequently based on your progress.

 

Q7: Will my sessions with a PMHNP be confidential?

A7: Yes, your sessions with a PMHNP are confidential. They follow strict privacy laws and ethical guidelines to protect your personal information. However, there are legal exceptions where they may need to disclose information to protect you or others if there are concerns about safety.

 

Q8: How can I make an appointment with a PMHNP at your practice?

A8: To make an appointment, you can contact our practice by phone or email. Our staff will assist you in scheduling a convenient time and provide any necessary instructions or paperwork before your visit.

 

Q9: Do you accommodate individuals with disabilities?

A9: Absolutely. We strive to accommodate individuals with disabilities to the best of our ability, within reason. We are committed to providing accessible and inclusive care. If you have specific needs or concerns related to a disability, we encourage you to contact us either by phone or email. Our team will work with you to address your needs and ensure a comfortable and accessible experience.

 

Q10: What happens after I contact the office to schedule an appointment as a new patient?

A10: Once you contact our practice our staff will reach out to you to gather some general demographic information. This may be done through a phone call or by providing you with electronic enrollment paperwork. The enrollment paperwork will include background information, medical history, screening tools, practice policies, and agreements for billing, whether it be through insurance or direct billing.

 

Q11: How long does it take to complete the paperwork and get started?

A11: The time it takes to complete the paperwork and get started will vary depending on your promptness in providing the necessary information. Once you receive the enrollment paperwork, we encourage you to complete it as soon as possible. Once all the paperwork is completed, you will be scheduled for an appointment. We strive to accommodate new patient visits as soon as possible as schedule permits.

 

Q12: What can I expect during my first appointment?

A12: During your first appointment, you will meet with the psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner to discuss your concerns, medical history, and treatment goals. The nurse practitioner will review the information provided in the paperwork and conduct a comprehensive assessment to develop an individualized treatment plan. This initial appointment is an opportunity for you to establish a therapeutic relationship and address any questions or concerns you may have.

 

Q13: What is your cancellation policy?

A13: We require at least 48 hours of advanced notice for cancellations or rescheduling of appointments. Patients who do not show up for their appointments or who cancel with less than 24 hours notice will be subject to a late cancellation/no show fee.

 

Q14: Do you offer after-hours or weekend appointments?

A14: We offer some evening and weekend appointment options but there is no guarantee of availability for these after-hours or weekend appointments.

 

Q15: Do you have a policy regarding releasing patient information to third parties?

A15: Yes, we have strict policies in place to protect patient confidentiality and privacy. We will only release patient information to third parties with written consent from the patient or as required by law.

 

GENERAL INFOMATION ABOUT INSURANCE AND PAYMENTS

 

Q16: Can I use my insurance to cover PMHNP services?

A16: PMHNP services are often covered by health insurance plans, but it's essential to check with your insurance provider to understand your specific coverage. Our practice accepts various insurance plans, and we can assist you in verifying your benefits and submitting claims.

 

Q17: Do you accept insurance for payment?

A17: Yes, we work with most insurance companies and payers throughout the state of Pennsylvania. However, it is ultimately the patient's responsibility to ensure that our practice is in-network with their specific insurance provider. For a complete list of accepted insurance plans, we recommend contacting us office directly via phone or email.

 

Q18: Can I pay for services out-of-pocket if I don't have insurance?

A18: Yes, we offer the option for patients to pay for services out-of-pocket. If you do not have insurance or prefer not to use it, you have the choice to pay for services directly. We kindly ask that payment, including cash pay or co-pays, be made on the day of the visit.

 

Q19: What if I want to use my insurance but you are out-of-network?

A19: If you choose to see us out-of-network, we will provide you with a super bill or a detailed invoice that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. It is important to check with your insurance provider regarding their out-of-network coverage and reimbursement policies. Ultimately, it is the patient's responsibility to ensure they understand their insurance coverage.

 

Q20: Can you provide information on insurance coverage or assistance with insurance claims?

A20: While we strive to provide as much information and support as possible, it is important to note that understanding your specific insurance coverage and filing insurance claims is ultimately the responsibility of the patient. We can provide necessary documentation and assist with any inquiries to the best of our ability.

 

Q21: When is payment due for services rendered?

A21: Payment, including co-pays or any other fees, is due on the day of the visit. This applies to patients using insurance as well as those paying out-of-pocket. We accept credit cards, debit cards, and Health Saving Account (HSA) cards.

 

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT ADHD AND STIMULANTS PRACTICES

 

Q22: Do you provide treatment for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?

A22: Yes, we do provide treatment for ADHD. However, before initiating stimulant medications, we require some objective testing to ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment planning.

 

Q23: What if I am transferring from another provider and already taking stimulant medications for ADHD?

A23: If you are transferring with a history of stimulant medication use for ADHD, we will review your medical records and assess the provided information. This will help us understand your previous treatment approach and determine the best course of action for continued care.

 

Q24: What treatment options are available for ADHD, apart from medication?

A24: In addition to medication, there are various treatment options for ADHD. These may include behavioral therapies, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychoeducation, organization skills training, and lifestyle modifications. We will work with you to develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

 

Q25: Will I be able to receive stimulant medication for my ADHD right away?

A25: While we do prescribe stimulant medications for ADHD, we follow a comprehensive approach to ensure safe and appropriate medication management. This may include additional time needed for testing, review of medical records, and a thorough assessment of your symptoms and history. Our goal is to optimize treatment outcomes and ensure the best care for you.

 

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT BENZODIAZEPINE USE AND PRACTICES

 

Q26: Are benzodiazepines prescribed at your practice for anxiety or other conditions?

A26: While we do prescribe benzodiazepines for certain situations, our practice aims to minimize their use and prioritize alternative treatments whenever possible. Our goal is to provide comprehensive care that focuses on long-term management and the reduction or elimination of benzodiazepine usage.

 

Q27: What alternatives to benzodiazepines are available for managing anxiety?

A27: We believe in utilizing alternative treatments for managing anxiety whenever possible. These may include non-addictive medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), buspirone, and other non-pharmacological approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), relaxation techniques, and lifestyle modifications.

 

Q28: If I am currently taking benzodiazepines, can you help me taper off or transition to alternative medications?

A28: Absolutely. If you are currently taking benzodiazepines, our practice is committed to helping you taper off these medications in a safe and controlled manner. We will work closely with you to develop an individualized tapering plan and explore alternative treatment options to effectively manage your condition.

 

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT DISABILITY, FMLA, AND ACCOMMODATION PAPERWORK

 

Q29: Do you provide assistance with short-term disability or short-term FMLA paperwork?

A29: Yes, for established patients, we can provide assistance with short-term disability or short-term FMLA paperwork. Please note that completing such paperwork requires a separate visit and incurs a paperwork fee.

 

Q30: Can you provide school or occupational accommodations documentation?

A30: Yes, we can provide documentation for school or occupational accommodations for established patients. Please note that completing such paperwork requires a separate visit and incurs a paperwork fee.

 

Q31: Will you complete long-term disability paperwork?

A31: No, we do not complete long-term disability paperwork. However, upon request and for a fee, we can provide copies of your medical records for your long-term disability claim if a formal request is received.

 

Q32: Are there any limitations or conditions to the completion of paperwork by nurse practitioners?

A32: Yes, the completion of paperwork for short-term disability, short-term FMLA, or school/occupational accommodations is done at the discretion of the nurse practitioner. It is crucial to have an established patient-provider relationship to ensure accurate and appropriate documentation. Additionally, separate visits and paperwork fees apply for these services.

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