Policies & Responsibilities

What are our policies on prescribing?

While ELP Providers may consult with other specialists, each provider will prescribe medications supported by the prescribing clinician's own assessment and clinical judgement.

Medication refills will be provided at each appointment to last until the following appointment.

With each new prescription, the client should be informed what to do when they experience an intolerable side effect (how to discontinue medication).

The client must have a scheduled follow-up appointment before refills of any medication will be provided except in the case of termination at which point the client will be provided 90 days of all non-controlled medications and 30 days of any controlled medications.

Fees, no-shows, past due balances

Full cost ($150) of the appointment is charged by the billing service when appointments are missed with less than 24 hours notice. This is billed automatically the same business day to the card on file. Providers are unable to modify, reduce, or refund this fee.

Appointment reminders are provided by text message and email to each client. Providers will attempt to reach the client by email or through the patient portal if the client does not appear for the appointment however this is a courtesy and not required. The client retains the primary responsibility to be available for all scheduled appointments on time or to communicate scheduling conflicts 24 hours in advance.

Payment for service is due at each appointment. Past due balances of any amount result in a hold on all future care including refills and appointments.

Transfer to another provider

Clients have a right to request a transfer by contacting the office admin by email. If another provider is available, the new provider will be contacted and will review the case for potential transfer.

Clients may request to be seen for 10 minute on-demand (last minute) visits with a covering provider depending on availability. They must stay logged in and available during the med clinic hours to be seen.

Communication

The primary mode of communication at ELP is via the patient portal. Each client must become familiar with, review, and complete any outstanding documentation in their portal 48 hours before any initial appointment or follow-up.

Clients must regularly check phone and email for portal notifications, appointment reminders, and voicemail or text communications from ELP. Provider-client communication should be conducted primarily though the patient portal for record-keeping purposes. Clients may communicate with Providers or admin by email for non urgent/emergency matters such as mild side-effects, refill requests, and scheduling.

All medication adjustments, life stressors, side effects, symptoms, treatment failure or interventions should be discussed in a face-to-face or video assessment and addressed within an appointment. Email or telephonic communication modalities should not be used to initiate or modify pharmacological or therapy treatment.

Providers will respond to refill requests within three business days. Clients with urgent matters that cannot wait 3 business days should report to urgent care, the emergency department, or call 911 or 988.

Appointment frequency

Follow-ups must be scheduled within 2-4 weeks of any medication or dose change.

Medications will not be refilled without a scheduled follow-up appointment.

All clients to whom an ELP provider prescribes psychiatric medications must be seen at least once every 3 months

Clients who have a recent or ongoing history of self-injurious behavior, suicidal ideation, addiction or are otherwise at high risk should be seen every 2 weeks until stable.

Special Populations

Pediatric Clients - Before initiating services with any pediatric clients, legal Guardians of the child must be present and in agreement for treatment. They must attend each appointment with the child or, sign the emailed treatment plan within 24 hours of each visit.

Medically Complex or Fragile - Acuity of care policy: at ELP we provide high quality care. If we are unable to provide the level of care necessary, the client may be required to seek care at a higher level and the provider will supply the client with 90 days worth of medication or prescriptions during the transition.

Other services

Accommodation letters are completed during scheduled appointments.

FMLA or Disability paperwork may be completed at the provider's discretion but an appointment must be scheduled for a full assessment upon which the paperwork will be completed.

Controlled Medications

Controlled medications (including but not limited to stimulants and benzodiazepines) will only be prescribed for FDA approved diagnoses.

Benzodiazepines will not be prescribed in conjunction with stimulant medications except for in the case of clients who arrived at Eastern Light Psychiatry with such a regimen. These clients must agree to establish a plan with their ELP provider to cross taper from one of the classes to a non-controlled alternative medication in order to come into compliance with this policy in a timely manner.

All clients being prescribed a controlled substance must be seen in person at least once annually and must follow up with provider at least once every 30 days for new clients and 60 days for established patients.

Benzodiazepines will only be prescribed for breakthrough anxiety and not for daily use. An additional medication can be prescribed to manage daily anxiety.

Early refills will not be provided for controlled medications except when a police report is provided by the client.

The PDMP is checked annually at minimum for all clients on a controlled medication.

Clients must have a sign controlled substance contract on file.

ADHD treatment in Children requires parent and teacher to complete a Vanderbilt assessment.