Office Policies
Notice of Privacy Policies
We are required by law to maintain the privacy of all mental health information. This notice is a statement as to the rights and obligations of both parties. To view and print a copy of this policy go to our Forms page to read or print a copy. If you have any questions about this notice, please contact our office staff. Disclosure of Health Information We will use and disclose Health Information only with your written permission. Our office has forms available when appropriate access to your records is necessary. Telephone Calls Visits by appointment are so that you may be allocated the proper time for your clinical needs. When making appointments, please inform our staff if there is a preference for a particular clinician, time, day or location and what type of appointment is needed. There may be a charge for all non-cancelled appointments (see below) if the patient does not attend. Cancellations/No Shows If Patients cannot keep the appointment, please notify office as soon as it is feasible. This allows time for another patient, often on a waiting list, to see the clinician at that time. The fee attached to late cancellations is decided by the clinician. 48-hour notice is required for all full sessions or a $100 late cancellation fee will apply. A 24-hour notice is required for all half sessions or a $50 late cancellation fee will apply. When late cancellations and no shows becomes habitual the fee will increase up to the full cost of the visit. Refill Requests We have found that automated pharmacy refill requests frequently are for medications that have been changed or the patient does not need them. We ask that patients call our office directly to request any refill orders. We generally try to process refill requests within 1 to 2 days, but there are certain medications (controlled substances) that are required to be sent by the licensed clinician directly. Each clinician has a preset day each week devoted to sending in these refills. For these medications, we ask that requests be made 3 to 5 days ahead of your last day of medications. Confidentiality The physician patient relationship is an important foundation of the patient's healthcare. Clinical practice requires mutual understanding, respect and confidence. It is for that reason that we will not give out any information regarding our patients to anyone, including family members, without the written consent of the patient. If the patient is older than 18 years of age. Release of Information forms are available at the front desk. Release of medical information for minors will require proper consent forms from parents or guardians. In the case of a divorce, parents with medical custody must be the signer of the release forms. If you have questions about your lab test results, please call after 12:00 noon. Our telephones are usually the busiest between 9:00 and 11:30 am. This will hopefully alleviate the amount of time you may be placed on hold. |