Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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Psychiatric
diagnosis and treatment is a collaborative process between an
individual experiencing symptoms of a psychiatric disturbance and the
psychiatrist with whom they have chosen to work. The psychiatrist, by
virtue of experience and training, serves as consultant to the patient.
This relationship is based on mutual respect. As an expert in the
diagnosis and pharmacologic treatment of mental illness: 1. I work together with patients to identify the sources of often confusing symptoms. 2. I provide information that would allow patients to make informed choices among various treatment options. 3. I am available between appointments to answer questions or troubleshoot any unexpected occurrences. 4. I am able to offer hope that a positive outcome can be achieved by working together. WIEDER PSYCHIATRIC SERVICES 155 LOW STREET NEWBURYPORT, MA 01950 978-462-3496 Welcome to my office. I am pleased to have the opportunity to work with you. I hope this handout will provide helpful information about my services. Additional information may be found on my web-site at www.wieder.yourmd.com. I encourage you to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with me. IN CASE OF EMERGENCY Please go directly to your local hospital’s emergency room in psychiatric or medical emergencies. I can be paged for urgent problems at 978-366-2366. When I am on vacation or out of town I will leave the name and pager of a colleague covering my practice on my voice mail at 978-462-3496. BILLING AND PAYMENT OF FEES Payment in full is expected at the time of your appointment unless other arrangements have been discussed and agreed upon in advance. Payment may be made by check, cash, Mastercharge or Visa. A receipt for payments made is available and may be submitted to insurance plans that offer an out-of-network benefit for reimbursement according to the benefit offered by the plan. APPOINTMENTS AND CANCELLATIONS My services are provided by appointment only. Because your appointment time is reserved, you will be charged the full fee of $100 for appointments you miss without 24 hours notice of cancellation. The missed appointment fee is due at your next scheduled appointment date. Any balances over $200 that have accumulated as a result of missed appointments will result in termination of services and referral to your local mental health center. PATIENT RECORDS AND CONFIDENTIALITY Patients are assured of confidentiality, which is protected by ethical practice and law. In general, the law states that all communication between a physician and his/her patients is confidential. Any information shared will require your consent. You should be aware, however, of the following exceptions to the professional responsibility for maintaining confidentiality: · In some child custody or adoption proceedings. · If I have reason to suspect child/elderly abuse or neglect I am legally bound as a mandated reporter. · In circumstances in which, to the best of my professional judgment, I believe that you may be a danger to yourself or another. · If your records are subpoenaed by a court. (If for example, you were to make your own mental or emotional health an issue in a court case) When seeing children in the absence of a parent, I will communicate with parents regarding general issues and maintain confidentiality of the specifics unless the child has given permission to share details or the child discloses information that I feel places him/her at risk. |
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