Thank you for your interest in pursuing assessment and treatment with Trillium Psychiatry, PLLC.
Hopefully, this information will answer some of your questions about the practice.
You are welcome to discuss any aspect of this information during our meetings.
Hopefully, this information will answer some of your questions about the practice.
You are welcome to discuss any aspect of this information during our meetings.
CDPHP HEALTH INSURANCE
Dr. Epstein accepts CDPHP commercial plans ONLY.
As “out of network” provider Dr. Epstein does not participate with any other insurance plans at this time, which include Medicaid or commercial insurances. Payment in full is due at the time of the first visit or at the end of the month for established patients.
You might get reimbursed in part by your insurance company as many plans have “out of network” benefits. Upon request, Dr. Epstein will provide you with an itemized billing receipt with appropriate treatment and diagnostic codes for you to submit to your insurance company. You may check with your insurance company prior to your first visit to inquire whether your treatment is covered and whether there is a deductible. Certain fees are generally not covered by insurance companies including collateral work or missed appointment fees, and services the insurance carrier determines as medically unnecessary.
Dr. Epstein does not work with any Medicare patients.
Click here if you plan to use your insurance for fees reimbursement.
Please note that if you pursue reimbursement with your insurance provider, the level of confidentiality is somewhat compromised as the codes required indicate a diagnosis and treatment type.
We understand that this policy does not work for all potential clients, and we apologize if it does not work well for you. There are excellent providers in Albany County and the surrounding areas that accept health plans including Medicare and Medicaid. You could always reach out directly to the insurance company for the list of participating providers.
As “out of network” provider Dr. Epstein does not participate with any other insurance plans at this time, which include Medicaid or commercial insurances. Payment in full is due at the time of the first visit or at the end of the month for established patients.
You might get reimbursed in part by your insurance company as many plans have “out of network” benefits. Upon request, Dr. Epstein will provide you with an itemized billing receipt with appropriate treatment and diagnostic codes for you to submit to your insurance company. You may check with your insurance company prior to your first visit to inquire whether your treatment is covered and whether there is a deductible. Certain fees are generally not covered by insurance companies including collateral work or missed appointment fees, and services the insurance carrier determines as medically unnecessary.
Dr. Epstein does not work with any Medicare patients.
Click here if you plan to use your insurance for fees reimbursement.
Please note that if you pursue reimbursement with your insurance provider, the level of confidentiality is somewhat compromised as the codes required indicate a diagnosis and treatment type.
We understand that this policy does not work for all potential clients, and we apologize if it does not work well for you. There are excellent providers in Albany County and the surrounding areas that accept health plans including Medicare and Medicaid. You could always reach out directly to the insurance company for the list of participating providers.
SELF-PAY FEES
To secure your initial evaluation appointment, we require a $100 deposit.
It is refundable if you cancel at least 1 full week prior to your appointment. It can be refunded if your insurance covers your visit in full or it can be applied towards your intake fee or copays.
An initial evaluation/consultation (60 - 90 min) charge is $500.
In general established patients are scheduled for 20 minute follow-up medication visits or 45 minutes psychotherapy hour with or without medication management.
Follow-up psychotherapy session (45 min) is $325 and medication visit (20 min) is $250.
All clinical issues shall be discussed during scheduled appointments. The Practice does bill for clinical phone calls over 3 minutes duration at the rate of $150 per 15 minutes. You will not be billed for phone calls relating to medication refill requests, scheduling, billing, or other non–clinical questions. You may be billed for services such as letter preparation, clinical phone calls, and clinical emails.
At Trillium Psychiatry we accept cash or check payments with credit card possibly used for insurance co-payments only. A forty dollar fee is charged for returned checks. Unless arrangements are made for a payment plan, all accounts that are outstanding for more than 90 days will be sent to the collection agency.
It is refundable if you cancel at least 1 full week prior to your appointment. It can be refunded if your insurance covers your visit in full or it can be applied towards your intake fee or copays.
An initial evaluation/consultation (60 - 90 min) charge is $500.
In general established patients are scheduled for 20 minute follow-up medication visits or 45 minutes psychotherapy hour with or without medication management.
Follow-up psychotherapy session (45 min) is $325 and medication visit (20 min) is $250.
All clinical issues shall be discussed during scheduled appointments. The Practice does bill for clinical phone calls over 3 minutes duration at the rate of $150 per 15 minutes. You will not be billed for phone calls relating to medication refill requests, scheduling, billing, or other non–clinical questions. You may be billed for services such as letter preparation, clinical phone calls, and clinical emails.
At Trillium Psychiatry we accept cash or check payments with credit card possibly used for insurance co-payments only. A forty dollar fee is charged for returned checks. Unless arrangements are made for a payment plan, all accounts that are outstanding for more than 90 days will be sent to the collection agency.
Arrival, Missed Appointments and Cancellation Policy
Office hours are by Appointment Only.
Your appointment time has been set specifically for you. Dr. Epstein makes every effort to be fully available during that time. If you arrive late you will be seen for the appointment time remaining. Once your appointment is scheduled, you will be expected to pay the professional fee unless you provide at least 2 business days advance notice of cancellation. Both telephone and email are acceptable ways to alert the practice of a cancellation. Late cancellation / No show fee schedule is provided to all established patients.
Exceptions to the cancellation policy are official snow emergencies/public safety warnings. A fee reduction might be made to appointment missed due to illness or emergency.
Upon mutual agreement you might have a session via teleconference or by telephone.
Your appointment time has been set specifically for you. Dr. Epstein makes every effort to be fully available during that time. If you arrive late you will be seen for the appointment time remaining. Once your appointment is scheduled, you will be expected to pay the professional fee unless you provide at least 2 business days advance notice of cancellation. Both telephone and email are acceptable ways to alert the practice of a cancellation. Late cancellation / No show fee schedule is provided to all established patients.
Exceptions to the cancellation policy are official snow emergencies/public safety warnings. A fee reduction might be made to appointment missed due to illness or emergency.
Upon mutual agreement you might have a session via teleconference or by telephone.
Contacting Dr. Epstein
At Trillium Psychiatry voice messages are collected daily Monday through Friday. Every effort is made to return your call the same day and you can expect most calls returned within 2 business days. Please be aware that Dr. Epstein does not routinely retrieve phone messages on evenings, weekends, or holidays. When Dr. Epstein is unavailable for extended times (i.e. vacation, conference, illness, etc.) coverage is provided.
If interested in an initial appointment, please read through the Services / Practice Policies before requesting an initial psychiatric consultation, as it may answer questions you may have about the practice.
During you introductory phone call Dr. Epstein's assistant will gather some basic information and answer some initial questions you may have.
Please be aware that telephone or email is an unsecure way of communication. Secure teleconference software is available upon advance mutual agreement.
If interested in an initial appointment, please read through the Services / Practice Policies before requesting an initial psychiatric consultation, as it may answer questions you may have about the practice.
During you introductory phone call Dr. Epstein's assistant will gather some basic information and answer some initial questions you may have.
Please be aware that telephone or email is an unsecure way of communication. Secure teleconference software is available upon advance mutual agreement.
Emergencies
If you have an emergency that requires immediate attention you will be responsible for calling your local Crisis line. In Albany County CDPC Crisis phone 518-549-6500. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800-273-8255 or 988.
Alternatively, you could call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.
Alternatively, you could call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.
Medication Policy
The best time to get a medication refill is at your appointment.
If you do not have enough medication to cover you until our next session, please leave a detailed message including your name and date of birth, the name of the medication, the dose and frequency you take the medication, your pharmacy and pharmacy phone number, and a number where you can be reached. Please allow 3 - 4 days business days for the medication to be filled. In some instances you will be provided with a refill, while in others, you will be provided with enough medications to last until the next session. This is meant to assure safe and effective use of medications.
Also, please be advised that controlled substances such as stimulants, benzodiazepines, opiates, or sleep aids will not be refilled early under any circumstances. Misrepresentation about or misuse of controlled substances may be cause for patient discharge.
If you do not have enough medication to cover you until our next session, please leave a detailed message including your name and date of birth, the name of the medication, the dose and frequency you take the medication, your pharmacy and pharmacy phone number, and a number where you can be reached. Please allow 3 - 4 days business days for the medication to be filled. In some instances you will be provided with a refill, while in others, you will be provided with enough medications to last until the next session. This is meant to assure safe and effective use of medications.
Also, please be advised that controlled substances such as stimulants, benzodiazepines, opiates, or sleep aids will not be refilled early under any circumstances. Misrepresentation about or misuse of controlled substances may be cause for patient discharge.
Confidentiality
Confidentiality is a cornerstone of mental health treatment and is protected by law. Exceptions to doctor-patient confidentiality include potential for harm to oneself or others, suspicion of child or elder abuse, or abuse of persons with mental retardation, SAFE ACT requirement, or if a subpoena is issued. If insurance reimbursement is pursued, these companies often require information about diagnosis, treatment type, and other important information as a condition of your insurance coverage. Please, refer to notice of privacy practices for complete information.