Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)?
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.
What services can I expect from a PMHNP?
PMHNPs offer psychiatric evaluations, medication management, individual and group therapy, counseling, crisis intervention, and patient education.
How can a PMHNP help me?
PMHNPs can help you with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, ADHD, substance abuse, and much more. They provide evidence-based treatments, prescribe medications, offer therapy, and support you in managing your mental health effectively.
Can a PMHNP prescribe medications?
Yes, of course. PMHNPs are authorized to prescribe psychiatric medications as part of their scope of practice including controlled substances.
How long does a typical appointment with a PMHNP last?
The duration of appointments can vary depending on your needs. Initial evaluations will be about 60 minutes. Follow-up appointments are generally 20 to 30 minutes. We can build in extra time if needed so just ask.
How often should I see a PMHNP?It depends. Initially, you may have more frequent appointments to establish a therapeutic relationship and develop an effective treatment strategy. I want to stay in touch but be flexible to your needs. Once you are well, I aim for every 3-6 months.
Will my sessions with a PMHNP be confidential?
Absolutely. Your information will not be released unless you are danger to yourself or others, I am subpoenaed, or your information is shared with insurance.
How can I make an appointment with a PMHNP at your practice? Please make an appointment by phone, email, or the scheduling software. Do you accommodate individuals with disabilities? Absolutely. I will work with you to address your needs and ensure a comfortable and accessible experience. What happens after I contact the office to schedule an appointment as a new patient?We will gather insurance and general demographic information. This may be done through a phone call or electronic enrollment. The enrollment will include consents, medical history, screening tools, practice policies, and agreements for billing, whether it be through insurance or direct billing. How long does it take to complete the paperwork and get started? The time it takes to complete the paperwork and get started will vary depending on your promptness in providing the information. Once you receive the enrollment notification, we encourage you to complete it as soon as possible. Once the enrollment is completed and your insurance verified, you will be scheduled for an appointment. What can I expect during my first appointment? You will get to know your mental health nurse practitioner. We will discuss your concerns, medical history, and goals. The nurse practitioner will review the information provided in the enrollment and conduct a comprehensive assessment to form an individualized treatment plan. What is your cancellation policy? We require at least 48 hours notice for cancellations or rescheduling of appointments. Patients who do not show or cancel with less than 24 hours notice may be subject to a late cancellation/no show fee of $100.
Do you have a policy regarding releasing patient information to third parties? Definitely. We protect patient confidentiality and privacy through HIPPA. 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 Can I use my insurance to cover PMHNP services? Yes. PMHNP services are covered by health insurance plans, but it's essential to check with your insurance provider to understand your coverage. Please do your due diligence with this. 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. Can I pay for services out-of-pocket if I don't have insurance?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 or prior.
What if I want to use my insurance but you are out-of-network? If you choose to see us out-of-network, we will provide you with bill or 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 the insurance coverage. Can you provide information on insurance coverage or assistance with insurance claims?I strive to help, but understanding your insurance coverage and claims is ultimately the responsibility of the patient. We can provide necessary documentation and assist with any inquiries to the best of our ability.
When is payment due for services rendered? Payment, including co-pays or any other fees, is due on the day of the visit. This applies to patients using insurance or paying out-of-pocket. We accept credit cards, debit cards, and Health Saving Account (HSA) cards. GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT ADHD AND STIMULANTS PRACTICES Do you provide treatment for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)? Yes, we do provide treatment for ADHD. Before initiating stimulant medications, we require objective testing to ensure diagnosis and appropriate treatment planning. With a history of abuse or dependence, these medications are not prescribed. What if I am transferring from another provider and already taking stimulant medications for ADHD? 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. GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT DISABILITY, FMLA, AND ACCOMMODATION PAPERWORK
Do you provide assistance with short-term disability or short-term FMLA paperwork? 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. Will you complete long-term disability paperwork? We do not complete long-term disability paperwork. 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.
Are there any limitations or conditions to the completion of paperwork by nurse practitioners? 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.
How can I make an appointment with a PMHNP at your practice? Please make an appointment by phone, email, or the scheduling software. Do you accommodate individuals with disabilities? Absolutely. I will work with you to address your needs and ensure a comfortable and accessible experience. What happens after I contact the office to schedule an appointment as a new patient?We will gather insurance and general demographic information. This may be done through a phone call or electronic enrollment. The enrollment will include consents, medical history, screening tools, practice policies, and agreements for billing, whether it be through insurance or direct billing. How long does it take to complete the paperwork and get started? The time it takes to complete the paperwork and get started will vary depending on your promptness in providing the information. Once you receive the enrollment notification, we encourage you to complete it as soon as possible. Once the enrollment is completed and your insurance verified, you will be scheduled for an appointment. What can I expect during my first appointment? You will get to know your mental health nurse practitioner. We will discuss your concerns, medical history, and goals. The nurse practitioner will review the information provided in the enrollment and conduct a comprehensive assessment to form an individualized treatment plan. What is your cancellation policy? We require at least 48 hours notice for cancellations or rescheduling of appointments. Patients who do not show or cancel with less than 24 hours notice may be subject to a late cancellation/no show fee of $100.
Do you have a policy regarding releasing patient information to third parties? Definitely. We protect patient confidentiality and privacy through HIPPA. 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 Can I use my insurance to cover PMHNP services? Yes. PMHNP services are covered by health insurance plans, but it's essential to check with your insurance provider to understand your coverage. Please do your due diligence with this. 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. Can I pay for services out-of-pocket if I don't have insurance?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 or prior.
What if I want to use my insurance but you are out-of-network? If you choose to see us out-of-network, we will provide you with bill or 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 the insurance coverage. Can you provide information on insurance coverage or assistance with insurance claims?I strive to help, but understanding your insurance coverage and claims is ultimately the responsibility of the patient. We can provide necessary documentation and assist with any inquiries to the best of our ability.
When is payment due for services rendered? Payment, including co-pays or any other fees, is due on the day of the visit. This applies to patients using insurance or paying out-of-pocket. We accept credit cards, debit cards, and Health Saving Account (HSA) cards. GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT ADHD AND STIMULANTS PRACTICES Do you provide treatment for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)? Yes, we do provide treatment for ADHD. Before initiating stimulant medications, we require objective testing to ensure diagnosis and appropriate treatment planning. With a history of abuse or dependence, these medications are not prescribed. What if I am transferring from another provider and already taking stimulant medications for ADHD? 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. GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT DISABILITY, FMLA, AND ACCOMMODATION PAPERWORK
Do you provide assistance with short-term disability or short-term FMLA paperwork? 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. Will you complete long-term disability paperwork? We do not complete long-term disability paperwork. 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.
Are there any limitations or conditions to the completion of paperwork by nurse practitioners? 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.