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FAQs
What do I have to do before the first appointment?
Before the first appointment, I require you to fill out intake forms available through the “New Patient” portal. You may also upload any recent bloodwork, medical documentation, and even pictures of prescription bottles. For any questions, email us at Frontdesk@leveluppsych.com
Do you take insurance?
I do not take private insurance. I do provide medical receipts or “super bills” after each appointment. You can then submit this receipt to your insurance company for reimbursement. Typically most PPOs cover 50-80 percent of our follow-up appointment fees. You can also simplify the process by downloading the “Reimbursify” app on your phone or through our Reimbursify link at the top of this website. To find out what your policy covers, call the number on the back of your card and ask if you have out of network coverage for psychiatry and if so, what percentage of fees will be covered. Your insurance company may ask you about billing codes. These are the codes I commonly use:
- Initial Evaluation: 99205 + 90833
- 30 Min Follow Up: 99214 +/- 90833
Many of our clients get a significant reimbursement from their insurance including Aetna, Wellpoint, CareFirst BlueCross, UnitedHealth Group, BlueCross BlueShield (Fed and non-fed), and more.
Why choose an out-of-network psychiatrist?
Much of what you most likely dislike about the health care system, your doctor dislikes it just as much. Wait times are too long. Appointments are too short. And medical decisions that should be made by you and your doctor are often too heavily influenced by decisions made by payers, i.e., insurance companies. When medical practices rely on insurance reimbursements for their survival, the payers inevitably define and shape the care you receive.
By not being part of the payer-determined system, we are able to offer the highest quality health care.
A growing number of people are realizing every day that an investment in a relationship with a private physician is a smart decision. The private medical movement gives you the ability to make your own decision about the type of care you want for yourself and your family.
- More Time Dedicated to Your Care: Out-of-network psychiatrists can often provide longer and more frequent sessions than what insurance plans may cover, allowing more time for in-depth discussions and comprehensive treatment. They minimize time spent on insurance-related tasks and instead focus on delivering thoughtful and personalized care. This also means your psychiatrist can be more accessible and responsive to any questions or concerns that may arise during your treatment.
Access to Customized Treatment Options: Out-of-network psychiatrists may be able to offer a wider range of treatment options beyond what is typically covered by insurance. Insurance plans can sometimes deny coverage for some mental health treatments, even when you and your doctor have determined that the treatment is beneficial.
Reduced Wait Times and More Flexible Scheduling: in-network psychiatrists can sometimes have long wait times for appointments. Opting for an out-of-network psychiatrist may provide faster access to care, ensuring you receive timely treatment and more flexible scheduling options.
Enhanced Privacy and Confidentiality: By choosing an out-of-network psychiatrist, you may have added privacy and confidentiality since your medical information is not directly shared with insurance companies or third-party payers.
What is Trauma informed medication management
This means that we understand the role that control, trust, and empowerment play in making decisions about your treatment, including medication. When you decide to take a medication, what happens next often has as much to do with your relationship with that provider as it does with the molecule’s effects on your body. Oftentimes our patients have been prescribed medications in the past, but had negative reactions or never even took the medication because:
1. Their provider didn’t take the time to explain it
2. Didn’t prepare them for potential side effects
3. They didn’t have a strong, trusting relationship with that provider.
At a gut level, patients felt afraid, mistrustful, and not in control–all of which can be re-traumatizing, discouraging them from seeking care they might desperately need. It is a core value in this practice to give patients a sense of control over their treatment, be flexible and informative when it comes to medication choices, and create a compassionate environment that helps people feel safer taking medication.
What to do in the case of an emergency or crisis?
If you think you have a medical or psychiatric emergency, please go to the nearest emergency room, or call 911 immediately. Do not rely on electronic communications or communication through this website. If you’re concerned about yourself or someone else, the 988 Lifeline is available to call or text at 988 or chat online at 988lifeline.org/chat. They are available 24/7, and they are free and confidential.
What payment forms do you take?
Credit cards and Zelle Payments. Credit card payments are authorized at the end of the appointment unless stated otherwise on a case-by-case basis.
What happens if I cancel or miss the appointment?
Your appointment time is reserved for you. 99% of our appointments start on time. If you arrive late, extra time cannot be allotted if it hinders the start time of another patient.
We require 24 hours notice to modify or cancel an appointment. If you cancel within 24 hours of your appointment or if you miss your appointment, you will be charged $75. Late cancellation fees and no shows may be waived on a case-by-case basis.
What if you are not the right fit for me?
Our main goal is for people to get the help that they need. If we are not the best fit for your needs, we can refer you to other providers who are better suited to your specific needs. If we are not a good fit during the 60 minute intake appointment, there will be no charge and you terminate service at any time.
Whom do you treat?
Adults ages 18 to 65 who reside in Florida. Most of our patients are working professionals or full-time students.
We treat a wide variety of conditions. Find out more with a free 15-minute consult to see if we will be a good fit for your needs.
What is your approach to treatment?
We believe in highly personalized and collaborative treatment. We strive to combine the best of conventional and integrative medicine in our practice. We believe that patients achieve the best results when we try to understand the root cause of psychiatric symptoms and offering an array of treatment options, including pharmacotherapy, lifestyle changes, diet optimization, vitamin replacement, and mind-body practices.
How often are follow-ups?
After your initial consultation, you will be scheduled for a follow-up. Follow-up appointments focus on your progress and response to treatment. How often you will be seen depends on your response to treatment, the severity of your symptoms, and the type of medication you’re being prescribed (controlled vs non-controlled substance). When your condition is stable and your symptoms have improved, the appointments can be less frequent. At a minimum, you will need to be seen once every 3 months if you are psychiatrically stable.
If you are in a crisis or have certain issues with your medication, or being prescribed regularly a controlled substance, you will have to see the psychiatrist more often (every 1-2 months). It all depends on your health or the type of medication being prescribed.
Do you offer ADHD evaluations?
Yes, one of our specialties include working with and treating adults with ADHD. ADHD can be diagnosed with thorough history taking and supplemental screening tests.
Do I have to take medications to see a psychiatrist?
No, just because you are seeing a psychiatrist does not mean you have to take a medication. We discuss treatment plans with our patients that can include therapy with other local therapists who we collaborate with, depending on your therapy needs, healthy lifestyle changes, natural methods to help improve your symptoms, testing for some medical conditions that may contribute to your psychiatric health by ordering labs or working with your primary care doctor, and/or discussion of the different medication options. We are able to provide you with a well-rounded treatment plan options for your unique symptoms.
What do we treat?
ADHD
Anxiety
Bipolar Disorder
Borderline Personality Disorder
Body Focused Repetitive Disorders
Depression
College Mental Health
Concussion and Traumatic Brain Injury
Fear/Phobias
Grief
Illness anxiety, health anxiety
Insomnia/Sleep Issues, Difficulty Falling Asleep, Difficulty Staying Asleep
Nicotine Dependence
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Help safely taper off psychiatric medication
Panic Disorders, panic attacks
PTSD and Complex PTSD
Relationship Stress, break-ups, separation, divorce
Stress related to living with chronic pain and medical illnesses
Sexual Dysfunction/Low Libido, Decreased interest in sex
Skin picking, nail biting, and other body-focused repetitive behaviors
Trichotillomania/Hair pulling
Work Stress/Burnout
& more
I am already in treatment with PCP/psychiatrist—can I get a second opinion from you?
Yes. Just like any other field of medicine, often it is helpful to get a second opinion to get a fresh perspective in cases that are complex, refractory, non-remitting and/or with multiple co-morbidities.