UPDATES
eVisits
May be an option when a single portal message and reply via Elation Passport doesn't meet your needs between appointments.
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National Psychostimulant Shortage
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Masking
Masks are available in the office. If you have been recently exposed to COVID or feel ill, we can switch your appointment to telehealth. We will also need to mask if the rate of COVID is high in our region.
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Telehealth
I use a secure version of Zoom through Elation that connects directly with your medical chart. Just click on this link , the same for every session, to sign in to the virtual waiting room. The link is also in your appointment reminder.
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Payment
Credit card payment is working well through secure online payment. You will have the option of keeping the information on file for future charges. Let me know through Elation Passport if you need a more detailed invoice in addition to the automatic credit card receipt.
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Out-of-network and other reimbursements
Medicare and most health plans are paying for telehealth sessions. We don’t know when this may end, and we hope to have some notice, but I encourage to check in with your insurance periodically if you are using out of network benefits for partial reimbursement.
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Signatures on office policies, release of information forms, and other documents
In the old days, it was easy to hand you a clipboard, discuss the content of any paperwork, and get your signature. Please help me update your files by reading through my practice, financial and medication policies, asking or sending in any questions and submitting your signatures. I also want to update releases of information to be sure I am able to communicate with your PCP, therapist, and other people involved in your care.
Controlled substance regulations
I will continue to send in prescriptions and refills to cover our treatment plans between scheduled appointments. It takes a lot of time for me to review my notes and records when additional medication is requested. The state requirements and additional verifications for prescribing medications that can be abused (PDMP) are especially complicated. My time for these reviews and other services between appointments is charged through virtual visit and eVisit time units.
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The DEA has long required that patients receiving prescriptions for controlled substances be seen at least once in person by the prescriber. That requirement was temporarily waived during the public health emergency. If you are a newer patient whom I have never seen face to face, be aware that we could lose this option without much notice.
Treatment outside of Pennsylvania
I am not licensed or covered by malpractice insurance to treat patients who are outside the state at the time of treatment. I hate that this disrupts our work, but it is important that we plan for your care if you will be traveling.
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