Question 1

What is Telepsychiatry?

Accepted Answer

Telepsychiatry is the remote delivery of psychiatric services using telecommunications technology and can involve the use of internet, wireless, telephone, and satellite. Currently most telepsychiatry is done via 2-way audio-video conferencing in real time similar to Zoom, Skype or FaceTime sessions.  As long as you are at a location with reasonably fast internet access, you can see an online psychiatrist for your appointment.

Question 2

Why See An Online Psychiatrist?

Accepted Answer

Simply put, convenience, comfort, and proven comparative effectiveness to traditional in-person, office visits. You can see me from the comfort of your home or office without having to worry about the stress of traffic, sitting in waiting rooms which can come with its own privacy/confidentiality issues.

Question 3

Where Does Dr. Edokpolo See Patients?

Accepted Answer

Missouri, DC, California and Texas via telehealth.

Question 4

Do You Take Private Insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid/Does insurance cover my visit?"

Accepted Answer

I currently accept some types of insurance including Cigna, Humana, Tricare/HNFS, UHC, UMR, Railroad Medicare and Medicare. 
For clients that are self-pay or out of network, I can provide you with an itemized receipt or a superbill that may allow you to get reimbursement from your insurance company if you submit it to your insurance carrier assuming you are eligible for out-of-network benefits.
Payment is due in full at the time of visit. 
You can pay for treatment with me using any HSA or FSA account.
I can’t guarantee any reimbursement by your insurance company. You are still responsible for paying the appointment fee, whether you get reimbursed or not. 
 
For your convenience you can consider using an app such as Better Claims or Reimbursify or submitting directly through the insurance company. I have no relationship with these apps and thus do not guarantee their quality. 
Prior to your appointment, you can inquire with your insurance company to find out about your out-of-network coverage, co-pay obligations, deductibles, or any pre-authorizations that may be needed. You can find out your out of network benefits by calling the number on the back of your insurance card.

Question 5

How Much Does An Appointment Cost?

Accepted Answer

If using insurance, please check with your insurance carrier to determine what is covered and what you will be responsible for out of pocket. 
Self Pay:
They are $300-400 for an initial assessment appointment which is 60 minutes. Follow-up appointments are 20-30 minutes and cost $150-200.
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We recognize that things do come up, and there could be unforeseen circumstances, We do have a strict No-Show policy and you could be charged half the appointment fee if you are a No-Show. If you are more than 10 minutes late for any appointment, you will be considered a No-Show and charged accordingly.

Question 6

Are There Services or Treatments Not Provided?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Due to the increased regulatory requirements, we generally do not prescribe any controlled medications including Concerta, Ritalin, Vyvanse, Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, Valium, Ambien, Lunesta, Restoril etc.
We can still treat the different conditions that these medications are used for, just that we will find alternative, effective, non-controlled medications, assuming medications are indicated. 
 Some conditions require a higher level of care than can be safely provided via telepsychiatry, such as:
– Actively having thoughts or urges to self-harm, commit suicide, having thoughts or urges to harm someone else
– Alcohol or drug addiction/abuse
– Any other condition or symptoms that in my clinical estimation, are severe enough to need a higher level of care
I do not provide any legal evaluations/certifications, including but not limited to: disability, FMLA, school/work accommodations, or emotional support animals.
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While we are able to provide some basic supportive therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques during visits, we primarily use medication management to try to improve your mental wellbeing and overall functioning. We will make appropriate referral to a trained therapist if we both agree that you would benefit from psychotherapy treatment.

Question 7

What is Minds Matters MD’s no-show and cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

Each appointment time at Minds Matters MD is reserved exclusively for you. When a patient cancels late or does not show up, that time cannot be offered to someone else in need of care.
If you need to cancel or reschedule, please notify the office at least 24 hours in advance.
No-shows (missing an appointment without contacting the office) or
Cancellations made with less than 24 hours’ notice
will result in a $150 fee. This fee is not covered by insurance and must be paid/ will be charged to the card on file before any future appointments can be scheduled.
We understand that emergencies and unexpected events occur. If a true emergency prevents attendance, please contact our office as soon as possible to discuss the situation.
This policy helps ensure fairness, respect for provider time, and consistent access to care for all patients.

FAQ/IMPORTANT INFORMATION