Privacy & Policies

We are dedicated to ensuring the privacy and confidentiality of our patients’ information. We are committed to transparency regarding our policies on data use and protection. This Privacy Policy explains how your health information is used and disclosed and how you can access it.

Patient-Focused Financial Transparency

Our practice provides an out-of-pocket expense estimate for each appointment, allowing you to better plan for your care. However, please note that this is an estimate only and does not guarantee insurance coverage or payment.

HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices

This Notice of Privacy Practices outlines how your medical information may be used and disclosed and how you can gain access to it. Please read it carefully. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at (817) 200-6680 or via email at info@tricitypsychiatric.com.

Our Commitment to Privacy

Your health information is personal, and Tri City Psychiatric Services prioritizes its protection. We will not sell, trade, or misuse your personal information. This notice describes the types of uses and disclosures we may make regarding your protected health information (PHI), as well as your rights to access and control this information.

“Protected health information” (PHI) refers to any data about you, including demographic information, that could identify you and pertains to your health, healthcare services, or payment for these services.

Uses and Disclosures of PHI Without Written Consent

We may use and disclose your PHI to provide healthcare services, process payments, support our healthcare operations, and comply with legal requirements. The following are specific ways we may use or disclose your information without written consent:

Treatment: We may use and disclose PHI to provide, coordinate, or manage your health care, including with third parties, as needed. For example, if you are referred to a specialist, we may share your information with them to ensure continuity of care.

Payment: Your PHI may be used to secure payment for services provided. This includes sharing information with your insurance company to confirm eligibility or coverage, obtain pre-authorization for treatments, or ensure payment for services rendered.

Healthcare Operations: We may use PHI to support Tri-City Psychiatric Services’ business activities. These activities include quality assessments, staff training, and compliance with regulatory requirements. For example, we may disclose your information to trainees in our office or use a sign-in sheet at the reception desk. We may also contact you to remind you of your appointment.

Business Associates: We may share your PHI with third-party business associates who perform essential functions for our practice, such as billing, legal services, and transcription. We have contracts with these associates to ensure the protection of your PHI.

Communications: Tri-City Psychiatric Services may use or disclose PHI for communication purposes, such as appointment reminders, billing inquiries, and prescription-related discussions. We may reach you via email, phone, text, or postal mail based on your contact preferences.

Other Permitted Uses: We may disclose your PHI in specific situations without your authorization, including:

  • As required by law
  • For public health and communicable disease purposes
  • For health oversight and abuse reporting
  • For legal proceedings or law enforcement
  • For military activities and national security
  • In compliance with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements
  • For other scenarios required by applicable law or government agencies

Uses and Disclosures Based on Written Authorization

In cases where your PHI is used or disclosed beyond these situations, we will seek your written authorization. You may revoke this authorization at any time by contacting us in writing, except to the extent that we have already taken action based on the authorization.

Your Rights Regarding Your PHI

You have specific rights related to your PHI, including:

  • Access and Copies: You may request to access and copy your PHI, except certain records such as psychotherapy notes or information compiled for legal proceedings.
  • Requesting Restrictions: You may request restrictions on certain uses and disclosures of your PHI. While we are not required to agree to every restriction, we will consider all requests.
  • Confidential Communication: You may request to receive communications through alternative means or at an alternative location.
  • Requesting Amendments: You may request an amendment to your PHI if you believe it is incorrect. If we deny your request, you have the right to submit a statement of disagreement, which will be documented in your file.
  • Right to Withdraw Consent: You may withdraw consent for the use of your PHI as provided in this notice.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

Tri City Psychiatric Services reserves the right to modify this Privacy Policy as permitted or required by law. Updates will be posted on our website and will become effective immediately upon posting.

Complaints

If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you can file a complaint with us at feedback@tricitypsychiatric.com or contact us by phone at (817) 200-6680. You may also submit a complaint to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. We will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint.

Updated Policies for Tri-City Psychiatric Services (Effective 4/8/2024)

Office Hours and Emergencies

Our office is open Monday through Friday (Timing: Mon-Wed-Thu 8 am to 5 pm / Tues: 8 am to 4 pm / Fri: 8 am to 12 pm), and we are closed on all major holidays. We do not offer emergency, crisis, weekend, or after-hours services. In case of a life-threatening emergency, please go to the nearest emergency room or dial 911 immediately.

Medication Prescription and Refill Policy

Appointments for Refills: A virtual or in-person appointment is required for prescription refills. Please ensure that follow-up appointments are scheduled before you run out of your current prescription, as refills and medication adjustments are only made during these appointments.

Appointment Compliance: Regular attendance at appointments is essential to prevent interruptions in your treatment, which may lead to an increased risk of relapse.

Controlled Substance Policy: For controlled substances, prescription refills may be contingent on drug screening results (UDS) as directed by your provider.

Medication Storage: Patients are responsible for securely storing medications, especially controlled substances, in a locked location. Lost, stolen, or damaged medications or instances of running out early will not result in replacement prescriptions.

Schedule 2 Prescriptions: All Schedule 2 prescriptions require 24-48 hours for processing, as mandated by Texas regulations. This time frame allows for necessary reviews, including chart evaluations and Texas PMP checks. Expedited processing is not available.

Medication Prior Authorization: We recommend bringing a copy of your insurance formulary list to your appointment. This helps us prescribe medications covered by your insurance and explore alternatives if needed, minimizing potential out-of-pocket costs.

Laboratory Tests

In certain cases, we may need to order lab work. Please note that lab costs are not included in our visit charges. You may choose any lab provider you prefer, but it is your responsibility to confirm costs with them directly.

Communication Consent

Consent for Communication Methods: By providing your contact information, including phone number and email address, you consent to our use of these methods for communication purposes. We may contact you via phone calls, voicemail, and SMS/text messaging regarding scheduling, billing, prescription refills, and other service-related matters.

Electronic Communication Security: We use encryption and safeguards to protect electronic communications on our end. However, it is your responsibility to ensure that your communication devices are secure. This includes setting a PIN for voicemail, using strong passwords for email accounts, and securing text messages with device lock features or secure messaging apps.

Responsibility for Privacy in Communication: If you are concerned about the security of electronic communication on your devices, please consider alternative communication methods with us. Ensuring mutual understanding about these practices is essential for maintaining your confidentiality.

Financial Policies and Fees

Insurance Responsibilities: Patients are responsible for all medical expenses incurred. We verify insurance benefits as a courtesy, but this is not a guarantee of coverage or payment. Patients should be familiar with their insurance policy details and cover any charges not paid by insurance.

Credit Card Authorization: Patients authorize Tri City Psychiatric Services to keep a credit card on file for any unpaid services, including fees for missed appointments, late cancellations, or requested paperwork.

  • All Payment are due at the time of service

Fee Schedule for Clinical Services

Initial Psychiatric Evaluation: $200

  • Comprehensive assessment by a double board-certified psychiatrist with personalized treatment planning.

Follow-Up for Medication Management: $95

  • Routine follow-up visits to adjust prescriptions based on progress and changing needs. Extended consultations may incur additional charges.

FMLA Paperwork Completion: $50.00 for each form filled, and pre payment required. Please submit the paperwork before your appointment.

  • Letters or Forms Requests: Fees start at $25, and prepayment is required. The provider will decide on completion based on appropriateness.
  • Returned Check / Credit Card dispute take back Fee: $50

Cancellation and No-Show Policies

  • No-Show Fee: $50. Must be paid to schedule next appointment.

24-Hour Cancellation Policy: Please cancel at least 24 hours in advance to avoid fees. Insurance does not cover missed appointment fees.

Scope of Services

Tri City Psychiatric Services does not provide services in the areas of Forensic or Occupational Psychiatry. We do not engage in cases involving:

  • Worker’s compensation
  • Divorce or child custody cases
  • Fitness-for-duty evaluations
  • Disability evaluations or forms
  • Legal matters requiring testimony, reports, or involvement in civil cases

Medical Records

If you need a copy of your medical record, please submit a signed authorization form with the payment. It may take up to 15 business days to process and release your records.

Call me if any questions, 405-4737661

Testifying in Court

I understand that Doctors / Therapists do not appear in court to defend patients/clients; for any reason, if there is a subpoena, the client will be responsible for paying $1,500.00 for half a day or $3,000.00 for a full day in court. Payment will need to be collected in advance.

Confidentiality

Tri City Psychiatric Services is committed to protecting patient confidentiality in accordance with Texas law. However, there are several exceptions, including:

  1. Child Abuse: We are legally required to report any evidence of past or present child abuse.
  2. Harm to Self or Others: If an individual intends to take harmful, dangerous, or criminal actions against themselves or others, we must report this to the appropriate authorities.
  3. Sexual Improprieties by a Former Therapist or Psychiatrist: Sexual misconduct by a former mental health professional is a criminal offense and must be reported. Patients have rights regarding this reporting, which can be explained by the provider.
  4. Court Orders and Legal Actions: Certain legal actions, such as custody cases, malpractice suits, or criminal cases, may require disclosure.
  5. Collection of Fees: If necessary to collect fees, limited information may be shared.

If you have any questions about confidentiality or exceptions, please discuss them with your provider.

Danger to Self or Others

If, in the clinical judgment of your provider, you are deemed a danger to yourself or others, you consent by signing this policy for the provider to contact your emergency contact or another appropriate individual to assist during the crisis.

Right to Withdraw

Both the patient and the provider reserve the right to terminate the treatment relationship at any time. If the provider decides to discontinue treatment, the patient will be informed promptly, and referrals for continued care will be provided. 

If clinically appropriate and safe, the provider may issue a limited supply of emergency medications; however, this does not include Schedule II controlled substances. 

Any emergency medication provided is subject to the provider’s professional discretion and compliance with applicable regulations.